The American Institute of Architects held their annual convention recently in Ketchikan, and Juneau architectural firm Jensen Yorba Lott Inc. received two awards for recently completed projects.
The Alaska Capitol Building Renovation received an Award of Merit. The project, led by architect Wayne Jensen, was accomplished over a four year, phased construction duration. The entire exterior of the building was replaced with new materials that faithfully reproduced the original building, including the installation of a new cornice to replicate the previously demolished original. The work included utilization of the original construction drawings to prepare new precast concrete to faithfully replicate the deteriorated stone cladding. In addition to the exterior, the structure was upgraded to resist seismic forces. The project was especially noted as being of significant importance statewide and nationwide as the symbol of Alaska.
Jensen Yorba Lott Inc. also received an Honor Award for the Kodiak High School Renovation and Addition. The project, led by architect Tony Yorba, resulted in construction of a new four-story academic tower as well as renovation and additions to the rest of the existing school. The project was accomplished with Seattle architects DLR Group as education architects. The school features innovative planning concepts including a virtually corridor free interior, and highly flexible spaces allowing student led activities to flourish in nearly every part of the building. The four-story academic tower, the result of the collaboration of the design team with the community, is unique in Alaska.
