Photo courtesy Hugo Cruz
Recent efforts from Gainesville businesses to improve the town aesthetic have not gone unnoticed; more than 25 businesses were recognized on April 24 with a City Beautification Award during the annual award ceremony at the Thomas Center.
The annual City Beautification Awards recognize aesthetic projects in a variety of design categories. Projects are evaluated based on originality, innovation and creativity as well as their sustainability, maintenance and use of serviceable materials.
The honorees for 2013 include:
Outstanding Individual Award: Former Gainesville Mayor and Alachua County Commissioner Paula DeLaney.
Outstanding Group Award: Gainesville Garden Club.
Institutional Facilities: The Doris Bardon Cultural Center, the Media Center at Oak Hall School, Gainesville Regional Airport, Kristie’s The Caring Place preschool, the IFAS Professional Development Center, and the Sweetwater at Duckpond Assisted Living Facility.
Commercial & Retail Business: Family Dollar on NE 23rd Ave., McDonald’s on NW 13th St., and Gainesville Nissan.
Apartments: Gertner Apartments, Laurel Vue, O’Byrne House, and Woodbury Row.
Restoration, Revitalization, & Adaptive Reuse: Catalyst Building, Chuy’s Restaurant and Enterprise Rent-A-Car on W. University Ave.
Facade Improvements: The Esplanade at Butler Plaza, Henderson Building, and The Rock Downtown church on S. Main St.
Uniquely Gainesville: SW 13th St. Overpass
Outstanding Commercial Awards: Ashton Lane, Roberts’ Stadium Club, and Walmart Supercenter on NW 23rd St.
Outstanding Institutional Awards: UF & Shands Family Medicine at Main and UF & Shands at Springhill
