Architects Lewis + Whitlock (ALW), a Tallahassee-based architecture, interior design, and planning firm, was named the recipient of two prestigious design awards for the Governor’s Inn and the Rosewood Memorial Pavilion during the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Florida annual convention and awards ceremony, held at The Breakers Resort in Palm Beach on July 20, 2024.
The firm received the Merit Award of Excellence for Renovations and Additions for revitalizing the historical architecture of the Governor’s Inn, a hospitality icon located in downtown Tallahassee. Dating back to the state’s earliest days as a territory, the site of the Governors Inn has been a hub of development. Land use records and historical maps authenticate the site’s diverse history, including its role as a blacksmith shop and livery. Over the past three decades, the location has been transformed many times to meet the changing needs of travelers and visitors to the capital city. Two years ago, marked the initiation of renovation work, ushering in another chapter in the illustrious history of the Governors Inn. The extensive 16,500 square foot project encompassed upgrades to all guest rooms and suites, meeting rooms, lounge/pre-function areas, as well as the lobby and public spaces. A new lounge and patio now grace the front of the building. Through this renovation, the architecture of the Governors Inn stands as a tribute to the community’s and the city’s commitment to preserving its historical landmarks.“Our aim in renovating this historic building is to honor its rich heritage while incorporating twenty-first century amenities to enhance the guest experience,” said Rodney Lewis, AIA, Principal of ALW. “By restoring original architectural details, we preserve a piece of Tallahassee’s history and set a new standard for hospitality in the region ensuring the hotel remains a cherished landmark.”ALW also received the Honor Award of Excellence in the Unbuilt category for the design of the Rosewood Memorial Pavilion. Nestled on an expansive 28.6-acre site in Alachua County, Florida, the pavilion serves as the gateway to a journey through history, commemorating the enduring legacy of the Rosewood Community and bearing witness to the tragic events of the Rosewood Massacre, and its aftermath. Modest in size, the pavilion is a 1,320 square foot facility rooted in historic Florida vernacular architecture that is both rustic and modern with a harmonious blend of wood and glass. The design of the pavilion is intended to promote healing and prioritize elements of beauty, serenity, and hope, offering a space for collective mourning and reconciliation.The objective of the AIA design awards program is to encourage excellence in architecture, elevate the public awareness of good design, and recognize those architects whose work enriches our communities and the profession at large. A distinguished body of experts from the architectural community were selected as jurors to evaluate works submitted by architects in Florida. The 2024 AIA Florida Design Awards jury convened in Seoul, Korea and included jurors Gibson Rhie, KIRA, LEED AP, Chair of International Relations Committee, Korea Institute of Registered Architects and Executive Director of SAMOO Architects and Engineers, Jury Chair; Yongkyo Jeong, AIA, KIRA, LEED AP, CEO and President, Junglim Architecture; Jin Baek, Professor, Seoul National University; Jeong-im Kim, Principal, Seoro Architects; and Jongdae (Jaydi) Park, Principal of JEJEHAAP Architects.“These awards serve to recognize some of ALW’s notable contributions to the built environment in central and north Florida,” said ALW Principal, Cam Whitlock, AIA. “Receiving this recognition from AIA Florida is a testament to the hard work and creativity of our team and the value we seek to create for our clients.”About Architects Lewis + WhitlockArchitects Lewis + Whitlock (ALW) is an award-winning architecture, planning, interior design, and graphics studio based in Tallahassee, Florida. The firm’s business approach is based on the tenants of attention to detail, innovative project design, and client satisfaction. Founded in 2000, ALW showcases a diverse architectural portfolio of projects in higher education, hospitality, commercial offices, healthcare, recreation, retail, multi-family and residential housing, banking, and faith-based facilities. Through research and discovery, we create environments that benefit people and their communities and advance the profession.# # #For more information, please contact Kris McCaffrey at 850.942.1718, x314 or at kmccaffrey@think3d.net
