Union Studio Architects wins Urban Design Award from AIA/RI: Waterfront master plan for Newburyport, Mass.

The American Institute of Architects' Rhode Island Chapter recently named their 2013 Design Awards. Union Studio received a Merit Award in the Urban Planning / Urban Design category for their design of the Newburyport Waterfront Master Plan. The plan was completed for the Newburyport Redevelopment Authority (NRA), who owns 4.2 acres of waterfront land surrounding a public park in the town's downtown commercial district. The NRA, with assistance from MassDevelopment (the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' finance and economic development authority), hired Union Studio to help lead the community to a vision for the property,which would be the basis for a "Request for Proposal" for development of he vacant land. Ultimately, the solution needed to balance viable econoc development opportunity with the public's enjoyment of this special waterfront open space. "After working very hard to lead a polarized and passionate community to a common and compelling vision for the future of their cherished waterfront, it means a great deal to have the master plan design and the public process we employed recognized by our peers," said Union Studion principal, Donald Powers. fig the right amount and types of commercial activity, while retaining - and actually improving - the park and boardwalk that is unique to the Newburyport waterfront. We're delighted that the jury saw the value in our proposed plan." open space. ng lot and weaves the site into the town's urban fabric