Tibbits Receives AIA Michigan Honor
The restoration of the Tibbits Opera House façade received additional recognition Friday, June 10 from the American Institute of Architects Michigan (AIAMI).
The AIAMI, headquartered in Midtown Detroit, established its awards program to raise public awareness to the value and importance of architectural excellence and to recognize those whose notable achievements encourage all to make excellence in architecture the standard. This year’s Honor Awards celebration was held at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.
The esteemed jury from Boston, MA, chaired by Glen LeRoy, FAIA, chose 15 buildings out of the numerous submissions to be singled out for design excellence and to receive awards this year. The jury reported, “It was obvious that good design was being achieved at all scales and types and that design professionals are engaging the betterment of the built environment.”
Tibbits Opera House was recognized in the BUILDING CATEGORY. Thomas Roberts Architect, LLC received honors as architect on the Façade Restoration project. Contractors on the project were Owens-Ames-Kimball Co. and Grand River Builders. The building is owned and operated by Tibbits Opera Foundation & Arts Council, Inc. The jury commented on the project, “After generations of failed ‘renovations,’ this historic opera house was meticulously restored to its original elegance in a celebration of architectural craft.”
Also recognized in the building category were the Idaho House in Ketchum, Idaho; Knapp’s Center in Lansing, Michigan; Nano Mechanical Science & Engineering Building in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Newell Rubbermaid New Design Center in Royal Oak, MI; Oakland University Engineering Center in Rochester, Michigan; and Royal House Recording in Royal Oak, MI. The event also awarded honors for interior architectural design, unbuilt design and numerous individual recognition honors to Michigan architects.
Since completing the restoration of its elegant façade in 2013, Tibbits has also received an AIA Detroit award, the Michigan Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation, North American Copper in Architecture Award, Associated Builders & Contractors Award for ‘Excellence in Historic Restoration,” Branch Area Chamber of Commerce Community Project Award, the Michigan Historic Preservation Network Gem Award, as well as the MHPN Community Support Award to the Coldwater community. The restoration of the Tibbits Opera House was documented and has been shown on public broadcasting stations throughout the region. For more information or to purchase a DVD of the restoration, go to Tibbits.org or call 517-278-6029. For more information on AIAMI visit aiami.com or call 313-965-4100.