Montgomery County, PA

NORRISTOWN, PA — The Montgomery County Planning Commission will present its land development awards on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. in conference room 202 of One Montgomery Plaza, Norristown.
The Outstanding Land Development Award recognizes projects that exemplify outstanding site planning and design, with every aspect of the project being award-winning. The two award winners in this category are Normandy Farm in Whitpain Township and Pottstown Town Center in Pottstown Borough.
Normandy Farm will receive the award in recognition of its sensitive building restoration and impressive preservation efforts. This adaptive reuse successfully preserved historic character while converting an eighteenth-century farmstead into a mixed-use hospitality center. The prominent massive barn was carefully preserved and retains its architectural characteristics. All of the original buildings on the site were renovated. The property’s landmark, a white stucco wall with formal gates, was restored to retain the atmosphere of a private enclave. Normandy Farm is an outstanding example of an historic restoration and demonstrates how older buildings can be successfully adapted to meet contemporary needs.
Pottstown Town Center will receive the award in recognition of the borough’s vision in completing a successful town center. The new borough hall and Smith Family Plaza create a town center that is a catalyst for downtown revitalization. Borough hall’s design borrows from Pottstown’s rich architectural heritage. Smith Family Plaza, an inviting prominent civic space, includes an impressive fountain framed by a vine-covered pergola, an extensive lawn, ample seating, decorative paving, public art and extensive landscaping. This successful project provides a focal point and community gathering place. The town center is a valuable amenity for borough residents and continues the revitalization of downtown Pottstown.
The Planning Merit Award recognizes excellence in site planning and design in one or several aspects of a project, such as a unique pedestrian system, building layout or innovative planning process. The recipient in this category is Plymouth Meeting Friends School in Plymouth Township/Whitemarsh Township.
Plymouth Meeting Friends School will receive the award in recognition of the creative site design that effectively integrated new buildings into the school’s historic landscape. A multipurpose building and art studio, placed around a village green, form a compact academic village reminiscent of a farmstead. The architectural design elements resemble traditional farm buildings. Site features, including an innovative storm water facility that can be used as an outdoor classroom, tree preservation and landscaping, contribute to the site design. This project successfully incorporated new buildings into an historic setting while retaining the integrity of the site.
The Special Recognition Award is given to projects that exhibit successful planning efforts. The award recipient in this category is Designers Furniture & Interiors in Norristown Borough.
Designers Furniture & Interiors will receive the award in recognition of a well-designed infill development that successfully complements and enhances the existing character of downtown Norristown. Designers Furniture & Interiors demonstrates all the elements of a good infill development. This two-story brick building is built to the sidewalk, continuing the existing building line. Its size, massing and materials blend with nearby structures, enriching the streetscape. Architectural features, such as a prominent corner entrance, display windows with awnings, second-story windows with architectural trim and a decorative cornice, add to its attractive appearance. This successful infill project promotes the revitalization of Norristown while enhancing Main Street.

The 2004 Land Development Awards Committee, consisting of 2004 Montgomery County Planning Commission Board members Dulcie F. Flaharty, Scott Exley, and Pasquale Mascaro, chose the winning projects.

For further information, contact Holly Mager at 610-278-3972.