The familiar red building blocks of the newest building on campus have earned a top industry award for the Hutchinson Center, its architect and the masonry contractor whose employees placed every brick — 185,000 to be exact.
The Robert M. Arnold Building received the Masonry Institute of Washington's highest honor in its 2005 Masonry Design Awards. The award was in the category of commercial construction over $1 million. The Center shared the spotlight and award with masonry contractor Pardue Masonry of Tualatin, Ore., and architect Zimmer Gunsul Frasca of Seattle.
"The institute's Masonry Design Awards are a celebration of the best in Northwest masonry workmanship and building design, and reflect the successful relationships established among masons, architects and project owners," said Marc Holmes, executive director. "The awards honor the collaboration of the best mason contractors and craftsmen with the visionaries, creatives and designers in the building industry. This year's submissions were particularly outstanding for the high quality and creativity of design and craftsmanship."
Scott Rusch, the Center's vice president for Facilities and Operations, praised the architect for superb design and detailing and the masonry contractor for outstanding craftsmanship. "We are honored that the Arnold Building achieved this award and congratulate both Zimmer Gunsul Frasca and Pardue Masonry for this achievement," Rusch said.
