UK ARCHITECTS’ WAINSHALL MILL PROJECT RECEIVES A 2010 PLAN NH MERIT AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Claremont, NH, April 23, 2010 - Plan New Hampshire announced that Monadnock Mills No. 2 and No. 6, also known as the Wainshal Mill Buildings, received a 2010 Merit Award of Excellence in Planning, Design, and Development. The design team was led by UK Architects of Hanover, NH, and included Pathways Consulting of Lebanon, NH, Engineering Ventures of Burlington, VT, and The Preservation Company of Kensington, NH. The mill buildings are located in Claremont, NH, and are owned by Wainshal Partners.

Considered to be the most important buildings in Claremont’s historic mill district, the two buildings now form one rehabilitated structure that successfully maintains the integrity of the old features while incorporating modern necessities. In addition, site elements connect the building with the river and with other parts of the mill district.

The UK Architects project exemplifies a classic public/private development with the buildings’ owner/tenants working with the City of Claremont to include stronger pedestrian connections, vibrant public spaces, improved infrastructure, and pedestrian safety. The project took an abandoned area of the downtown and provided an opportunity for additional jobs.

The awards jury commented that this is a “high quality restoration that turned a serious liability for the town into an asset… [that] reinforces the fabric and vitality of downtown Claremont.”

Awards were given to projects in New Hampshire that have been completed since 2005, and, not only exemplify excellence in sustainable planning, design, and development, but also go above and beyond in the areas of smart growth principles, sustainability, social responsibility, and/or creative approaches to partnership and collaboration. A total of five projects were recognized and celebrated at a dinner held on March 31st at The Derryfield Country Club in Manchester.

About Plan New Hampshire
Plan NH, founded in 1989, is an organization of professionals working within the industries of the built environment. Its purpose is to help maintain the unique character and quality of life in the state’s communities by advocating for and championing “excellence in sustainable planning, design, and development,” while incorporating the principles of smart growth, social responsibility, and collaboration and cooperation. Further information about Plan NH, visit www.plannh.org.