The Crest at Galvez Plaza nets DDD international award

The Downtown Development District has received an award from the International Downtown Association for its work and initiatives related to The Crest at Galvez Plaza, the outdoor entertainment venue and sculpture adjacent to downtown’s North Boulevard Town Square. The Crest was selected from among nine qualified entries for the IDA’s prestigious merit award in the category of public spaces. “Each year the IDA recognizes organizations that utilize best practices in our industry,” says David Downey, IDA president and CEO, in a prepared statement. “The Crest is a shining example of excellent downtown management delivering real value to the city.” DDD Executive Director Davis Rhorer is currently in Ottawa, Canada, for the IDA’s annual conference, where he accepted the award. Reached by phone earlier today, Rhorer says he is excited about the award. “I’ve just come from a session on placemaking and the importance of it,” he says. “We’re creating special places and having a crest like this helps define it. People want the experience. We’re creating great experiences with projects like this.” Trahan Architects designed the project, which cost nearly $1 million and was completed last summer. Arrighi Construction was the contractor. —Stephanie Riegel