Chelsea Woods Architect Wins 2018 AIA 25 Year Award
MINNEAPOLIS, September 5, 2018 — The Chelsea Woods development, located in Plymouth, Minnesota and designed by Cuningham Group Architecture, Inc., is the recipient of the 2018 AIA Minnesota 25 Year Award. The project was led by John Cuningham, FAIA, architect; and Roger Freeberg, architect.
Established by the American Institute of Architects Minnesota in 1981, the prestigious 25 Year Award annually recognizes one exemplary architectural project that stands the test of time. The award recognizes completed building projects — either individual buildings or groups of buildings — completed at least 25 but not more than 50 years ago, designed by firms with architects registered and practicing professionally in Minnesota.
Chelsea Woods was designed 45 years ago with townhomes and detached, patio-style homes that blend seamlessly into the surrounding natural setting. In addition to designing the homes, the team did significant planning and landscape architecture work to preserve trees, deepen ponds and protect the watershed.
The homes are staggered and placed around cul-de-sacs to provide privacy, but are also placed on zero-lot-line sites to increase density and preserve as much of the natural setting as possible. Pathed walkways connect outdoor spaces and amenities that include swimming pools and tennis courts. The community includes a wide variety of residents, from retirees to young families.
The AIA Minnesota 25 Year Award jury included leading Minnesota architects Amy Douma, AIA, Design Principal, HGA; Tim Griffin, FAIA, Senior Research Fellow, Minnesota Design Center; Jennifer Newsom, AIA, founder of Dream the Combine and Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota College of Design; and Nate Steuerwald, AIA, Associate, VJAA.
In their selection of Chelsea Woods, the jury noted that the project sets itself apart from other developments in the area and provides an excellent example of how the best of planning, consideration of service to residents and resilience can help a project stand the test of time. The development also embodies the AIA Minnesota core values of integrity, inclusion, passion, and empathy in both its design and impact on the community.
Principal project consultants include Doug Barr, engineer, Barr Engineering Co; and Hans Hagen, developer, Ban Con, Inc. Cuningham Group will receive the award at the annual AIA Minnesota Awards Dinner on December 7, 2018, at the McNamara Alumni Center in Minneapolis.
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The American Institute of Architects Minnesota, founded in 1892, is dedicated to strengthening our communities, improving our built environment and providing exceptional design.
