July 17, 2016
The Florida Foundation for Architecture, a non-profit group that was founded by the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects, sponsored a state wide competition highlighting the most inspiring and unique buildings in Florida. Ranked number two on the 2016 People's Choice Awards Top 10 list at the time of press was the recently renovated Reitz Union on the University of Florida campus.
Another Gainesville building on the Top 10 list so far is Savion Park Apartments, located at 721 SW. 5th Avenue, which is currently ranked number three.
First on the list so far for fascinating buildings in Florida is St. Peter's Anglican Church in Tallahassee.
The entire list includes 39 buildings. Voting began on June 22 and will remain open until July 22 at midnight. You can vote at aiaflatop100.org.
In the same competition from 2015, approximately 560,000 votes were counted from over 40 states and from 120 countries. The People's Choice Award is meant to encourage a heightened appreciation for architecture, particularly in our home state.
The winners of the state wide competition will be honored at the American Institute of Architects’ Florida Convention and Trade Show in Palm Beach and will receive the chance to host an event that would provide an opportunity for members of the public to meet the architects of, as well as tour, the winning buildings.
If the Reitz Union is still at the top of the list when voting is complete, it will be the third award the building has earned since it was remodeled last semester. It has also received Gainesville's annual City Beautification Award and the New York City Urban Green Council's Power to the People EBie Award.
To cast your vote, visit aiaflatop100.org.
