The Downtown Raleigh Alliance recently held their annual meeting at the Raleigh Convention Center. The theme of the evening was decidedly “green” and drew over 500 attendees. I was asked to document the event in a photo journalistic style as well as photograph the presentation of two Achievement Awards and nine Imprint Awards.
At the end of the evening I was also honored to discover that several of my photographs were credited in their annual report. You can DOWNLOAD THE REPORT at this link if you would like to view it.
A brisk, yet beautiful kicked off the event at The Raleigh Convention Center.
Attendees begin to filter in as they began to find their nametags.
This display highlights the Downtown Raleigh Alliance logo and is surrounded by photography that captures the spirit of Raleigh.
David Crawford of American Institute Architects enjoys chatting with a fellow attendee.
Pictured is Janice Mrkonjic of Savvy Event Designs.
Pictured is Jill Wells of Heath Mulkey Engineers Consultants.
Pictured is Chloe Lipp of The Carolina Railhawks.
The food and catering service was simply perfect!
The overall design of the event was meaningful and elegant.
To highlight several rehabilitation and construction projects, nine Imprint Awards were handed out.
At the beginning of the event Donald Knaack seemed to transport us to another world where recycled “junk” was given new life in the form of beat driven music.
Donald Knaack’s album Junk Music was nominated for a Grammy award. I thought his music was perfect for the green event and applaud whomever was able to secure him for this event.
Mayor Charles Meeker chatted with several attendees before making his way to his table.
Rick French of French West Vaughn gave an opening welcome and introductions.
Carter Worthy received a custom red jacket and was welcomed as an honorary Downtown Ambassador.
She announced the Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market, which will run from 10 am-2 pm on Wednesdays from April 28 through October 27.
Joseph “Bo” Dempster of Poyner Spruill is pictured speaking here.
AV Services were provided by American Audio Video under the direction of Brian Clonaris. Paul Reimel of the DRA helped make sure the slideshows displayed without a hitch.
John W. Ward of Wachovia (Wells Fargo) is pictured here.
David Diaz kicks off the awards ceremony.
The Distinguished Leadership Award honors an extraordinary individual whose involvement and contributions to making downtown a success have been realized over many years. This award was presented to Steven D. Schuster, AIA, Founding Principal of Clearscapes.
The award was a beautiful original painting provided by Eric Mcray of Eric McRay Studios
The Downtown Advocate Award recognizes an outstanding public servant whose advocacy and commitment positively impacted downtown. This award was proudly presented to Roger Krupa, Director of the Convention and Conference Center Department for the City of Raleigh.
Accepting for Crosland was Keith Britt for the 712 Tucker project.
Accepting for Bloomsbury Estates was John Bruckel of Bloomsbury Estates:
Accepting for the City of Raleigh was Mayor Charles Meeker, City Manager J. Russell Allen, and Plaza Construction Manager Bob Panella for the City Plaza project.
Accepting for The Simpson Organization was Gil Hearn and for CB Richard Ellis was Crystal Hall for The Pavilions at City Plaza project.
Accepting on behalf of Trammell Crow Residential was that President of York Properties, Inc, George York for the project HUE.
Accepting for Shaw University was Dr. Mack Sowell for the Institute for Health, Social and Community Research project.
Accepting for Peace College was President Laura Bingham for the Lucy Cooper Finch Library Renovation and Expansion project.
Accepting for Campbell University was Vice President for Business & Treasurer, Jim Roberts, and School of Law Dean, Melissa Essary for the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law project.
Accepting for U.S. Bankruptcy Court was Judge J. Rich Leonard for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court (Eastern District of North Carolina), and the 3rd Floor renovation of the Century Station Building projects.
The featured guest speaker Clark Manus, FAIA, CEO of Heller Manus Architects. He discussed the importance of integrating sustainable practices in the design concepts of livable communities.
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