Category: Honors + Awards

Design Meets Community Impact: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Center Honored by NAIOP Colorado

Posted on by Tim McManus

Fentress Studios, a Populous Company, is proud to announce that the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Center for the Healing Arts was recognized with the 2026 Colorado Commercial Real Estate Honors’ Community Impact Award, part of the next evolution of NAIOP Colorado’s longstanding Awards of Achievement program. NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, is an organization dedicated to commercial real estate knowledge, networking and advocacy. The honor celebrates outstanding contributions to Colorado’s built environment and recognizes projects that exemplify excellence in design, community impact and innovation. 

The expansion for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance stands as a transformative addition to Denver’s arts and wellness landscape. Building on the organization’s 55-year legacy, the expanded facility was designed to blend historic and contemporary architectural elements, reflecting the cultural richness of the surrounding Five Points neighborhood while providing modern, state-of-the-art amenities. The Center, built adjacent to the historic Shorter AME Church, includes four new dance studios, a flexible performance theater, a sunlit lobby and café and enhanced administrative and educational spaces that support expanded Arts-In-Education and Arts-In-Wellness programming. 

“This recognition from NAIOP Colorado affirms the power of architecture to strengthen communities,” said Curt Fentress, Senior Principal and Head of Fentress Studios, a Populous Company. “Our vision for the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Center for Healing Arts was to create a space where dance and performance connect neighborhoods, generations and ideas. It is an honor to see the project acknowledged among Colorado’s most impactful commercial developments.” 

Leaders at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance emphasized the significance of the recognition in elevating arts-centered development within the broader commercial real estate community by crafting spaces that foster collaboration, healing, education and performance. 

The Colorado Commercial Real Estate Honors program celebrates projects and leaders shaping the future of the industry across the state. By recognizing the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Center for the Healing Arts, NAIOP Colorado underscores the evolving role of cultural infrastructure as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization, economic growth and inclusive community development. 

For more on the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Center for the Healing Arts, click here. 

Huntsville U.S. Courthouse Awarded Best Government/Public Building by ENR Texas & Southeast

Posted on by Tim McManus

Excerpt: Located in Huntsville’s central business district, the $95-million, 123,000-sq-ft courthouse features a symmetrical plan with arcing wings flanking a pedimented entry portico as well as a formal public lawn framed by structured landscaping, offering open views and enhancing its dignified presence.

The building’s five courtrooms, jury deliberation rooms and chambers for assigned and visiting judges incorporate high-performance acoustic standards. Along with offices for clerks, juries and administrative staff, the U.S. Marshals Service occupies a secure suite with detention cells, weapons vault and fitness room.

Read the full story | Learn more about our Civic + Judicial projects

Maryland Department of General Services Seeking Construction Bids for New Supreme Court Building

Posted on by Tim McManus

Excerpts: The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) has announced the release of an Invitation for Bid (IFB) to construct a new Maryland Supreme Court building. 

This landmark project will be the only Supreme Court currently under construction in the U.S. and represents a significant investment in Maryland’s judicial infrastructure.

The building’s design is led by Fentress Architects with the aim of reaching or exceeding LEED Silver standards, and it will break new ground as Maryland’s first all-electric public building.

The five-story courthouse with underground parking will be built along Rowe Boulevard, just north of the Sweeney District Courthouse in Annapolis. Designed with both function and legacy in mind, the building will include 217,564 gross square feet of space. 

Read the full story | Learn more about our Civic + Judicial projects

Planning Meets Purpose at Albemarle County’s Modern New Courthouse in Virginia

Posted on by Tim McManus

Excerpts: Albemarle County’s newly opened courthouse in downtown Charlottesville marks a significant milestone in civic architecture and community planning. Located within historic Court Square, the modern facility replaces aging infrastructure dating back to 1762, addressing long-standing space, safety, and operational needs. A key feature of the project was the restoration of the Levy House, an 1860s Greek Revival landmark that has served as everything from a Civil War hospital to an opera house—now repurposed as the County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office.

The courthouse project, designed by Fentress Studios, a Populous Company (who also served as court planner), officially launched in 2020 as a collaborative, two-phase effort with Albemarle County. Spanning several downtown sites, the new complex introduces nearly 80,000 square feet of functional space—including courtrooms, offices, and public areas—to meet the demands of a growing population and rising caseloads.

Fentress Studios guided the planning process through data analysis and stakeholder input, engaging judges, law enforcement, and court staff. Architecturally, the building marries practicality with modern aesthetics, featuring extensive glasswork to enhance daylight and public visibility.

More than just a facility upgrade, this courthouse stands as a symbol of civic progress—respecting its historic roots while embracing the evolving needs of the community it serves.

The new courthouse is actually Phase 1 of a two-phase project that is expected to reach full completion in 2027.  Justice Design News touched base with the highly esteemed Steven White, FAIA, LEED AP, studio director and senior principal with Fentress Studios, for some of the key details on this historic undertaking.

Read the full story | Learn more about our Civic + Judicial projects

Top 300 U.S. Architecture Firms of 2025

Posted on by Chris Lockhart

Excerpt: Unlike the weather, fashion, and the price of gas, the upper ranks of RECORD’s annual Top 300 American architecture firms by revenue list aren’t all that prone to change… More dramatic maneuvers were reported outside of the Top 300’s upper echelons. For example, Fentress Architects ascended from 112 to 58.

Read the full story | Learn more about Fentress Architects

Thomas J. Walsh Elevated to AIA College of Fellows

Posted on by Chris Lockhart

Excerpt: Fentress Architects proudly announces that Thomas J. Walsh has been elevated to the prestigious American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows, a distinction that recognizes exceptional work and contributions to the architecture profession and society. Fewer than 3% of AIA members hold the esteemed FAIA designation.

“Thom Walsh has been at Fentress Architects for 36 years, leading airport terminal projects throughout the U.S. and around the world,” said Curtis Fentress, FAIA, RIBA, Fentress Architects Principal in Charge of Design. “He has advanced the practice of terminal design, leading stakeholders, teams, and communities through large scale projects with complicated planning and phasing.”

Read the full story | Learn more about Thom

AIA elevates 93 architects to the College of Fellows

Posted on by Chris Lockhart

Excerpt: The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is elevating 83 member-architects and 10 non-member-architects to its College of Fellows, an honor awarded to architects who have made significant contributions to the profession. New Fellows will be honored at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design (AIA25) in Boston.

Newly elevated member: Thomas J. Walsh, AIA Colorado

Thom Walsh
Read the full story | Learn more about Thom

6 Sustainable Airport Design Examples

Posted on by Chris Lockhart

Excerpt: Sustainable airport design can be much more complex than creating a green office space or home. Factors like runway constraints, an urban environment, and millions of annual visitors make airport sustainability no easy feat…

See how these airports are not only designed for the environment, but also for new and seasoned travelers alike.

1. Terminal C at Orlando International Airport 

2. Los Angeles International Airport

3. Nashville International Airport’s Concourse D

Read the full story | Learn more about MCO, LAX, BNA
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