April 29, 2015

Washington, DC – On Saturday, April 25, Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC), and its partners Amtrak and Akridge, were awarded the 2015 International Skyline Award by Lambda Alpha International. The award recognized them for their creative partnership on the plans for Union Station’s 2^nd Century.

Each year Lambda Alpha nominates two projects from each of its chapters’ cities for the Skyline Award. The International Awards committee then reviews all nominations and selects the winner. The Skyline Award recognizes both individuals and projects that have made major contributions to the betterment of urban areas. The partnership was recognized as a world-class model of integrating innovations in historic preservation, improving multi-modal transportation infrastructure, urban neighborhood development and iconic place making.

“The history of the Union Station is lauded in both architecture and planning and the development plan takes this historic project to a new and fascinating level for our nation’s capital,” said James Fawcett, Chair of the International Awards Committee with Lambda Alpha International.

“We are honored to have been nominated, and to now have won the International Skyline Award,” said Beverley Swaim-Staley, President and CEO of USRC. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, with a lot of support needed, and it’s great to be recognized on this level for the potential contribution this project can have on the region.”

“This is a great recognition for Washington Union Station’s 2^nd Century Plan and the project team,” said Stephen Gardner, Amtrak Vice President of Infrastructure and Investment Development.  “Advancement of this project will ensure that Amtrak can continue to meet the growing transportation needs of the Mid-Atlantic and entire Northeast Corridor.”

“It is exciting that this respected organization affirms the merits of the Partnership’s ambitious vision,” said Akridge Vice President, David Tuchmann. “By tripling the station’s capacity, catalyzing the regional economy, and reconnecting Washington’s neighborhoods ,this project’s breadth of public benefits matches the grandeur of its scale.”

Previous recipients of this award include: John W. Campbell West Don Lands Project in Waterfront, Toronto (2013); Columbia Heights Metro Station and Vicinity in Washington, DC (2009); and, Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois (2007). Lambda Alpha International is the oldest honorary society for land economics in North America.

Union Station Redevelopment Corporation
Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) is a non-profit organization founded in 1983 and charged with three main objectives: to preserve and restore Union Station’s historic and architectural significance, preserve the station’s long-term function as a multi-use transportation center, and enhance the retail and amenities within the station. Today, USRC continues to oversee the station as it evolves into a world-class facility, meeting the needs of more than 100,000 visitors a day.

Amtrak
Amtrak is America’s Railroad, the nation’s intercity passenger rail service and its high-speed rail operator. Amtrak and its state and commuter partners move people, the economy, and the nation forward. Formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak is governed by a nine member board of directors appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Anthony R. Coscia is board chairman, and Jeffery R. Moreland is vice chairman. In FY 2013, a record 31.6 million passengers traveled on Amtrak on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect four states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces.

Akridge
Akridge is a comprehensive real estate services company that has invested in the Washington Metropolitan area for over four decades. It provides acquisition, development, asset and property management, leasing, and consulting services. The company has acquired, developed, or entitled more than 14 million square feet of office, industrial flex, residential, retail, and entertainment space. Akridge has another 10 million square feet in its active pipeline and currently manages 4.5 million square feet at an estimated value of $2.0 billion. In additional to Burnham Place, notable projects include the 1 million square foot Gallery Place, the internationally recognized Homer Building, and 1200 Seventeenth Street.

Lambda Alpha International
In the autumn of 1930, Lambda Alpha was established at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois to help foster the study of land economics. The inspiration for Lambda Alpha was Professor Richard T. Ely (1854-1943), commonly called the “Father of Land Economics.” The membership of Lambda Alpha includes outstanding individuals from many parts of the world who have distinguished themselves in all of the various disciplines and activities that relate to the use and re-use of land. These individuals include not only those who are involved in the ownership, management, regulation, and conservation of land, but also those who are involved in its development, redevelopment, and preservation.

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