NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

RUDY BRUNER AWARD FOR URBAN EXCELLENCE

Center in the Square was a silver medal winner as one of the top five in the United States for excellence in the Urban Environment in 1997. Site visitors from the Bruner Foundation visited Center in the Square to become familiar with every aspect of the project's operations and history. The concept of housing multiple organizations under one roof, centralizing support services, utilizing a sound older structure and minimizing administrative overhead was recognized as an innovation practical and sustainable for any community.

UNITED STATES NATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD

The National Excellence Award by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development was awarded at the City Summit held in Istanbul, Turkey in 1996 where 25,000 political and social leaders explored worldwide challenges presented by human development. Center in the Square was a winner as announced by HUD Secretary Henry G. Cisneros. According to Cisneros, "Each winner displayed the kind of innovation and commitment that America must have if we are going to solve our most pressing urban challenges."

INTERNATIONAL DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION

1999 Special Achievement Award in Economic Development its top international award recognizing downtown economic impact

LOCAL AWARDS

  • 2005 & 2004

    Outstanding Small Business for Not-for-Profit Arts and Culture
    Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce

  • 2004

    Perry F. Kendig Award for Outstanding Support of the Arts
    The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge

  • 2004, 2001, 1991, 1984

    Order of the Golden Trowel for Meritorious
    Improvement to Downtown
    Downtown Roanoke Incorporated

  • 2001

    Award of Excellence for Outstanding Achievement in
    Downtown Revitalization
    The Virginia Downtown Development Association

  • 2001

    Commercial/Institutional Adaptive Reuse Award for the Shenandoah Hotel
    Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation

  • 2001

    Chairman's Award in Recognition of
    Extraordinary Commitment to the Betterment of Downtown Roanoke
    Downtown Roanoke Incorporated

  • 2001

    Named Best Idea of Last 35 Years by
    Roanoker Magazine July/Aug 2010

  • 1974-1999

    25th Anniversary Award : Best Thing in the
    Valley to show Your Mom, Platinum
    Roanoker Magazine