Becker Morgan Group Receives AIA Delaware Design Awards

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Delaware Chapter recently presented Becker Morgan Group with a Honor Award, the program’s top honor, in the Built Category for the Lewes Public Library. The awards program recognizes significant achievements in planning, design, and execution of architectural projects and were presented at the AIA Design Ball in Wilmington, DE. An independent jury gave this project the highest recognition noting the design was “very pleasing, very inviting, very flexible … the library becomes a space for the entire community.”

The new Lewes Public Library is the culmination of a 6-year planning effort which included multiple site options and extensive community involvement in the design effort. The new 28,500 sf facility nearly doubles the size of the library it replaced to address growing population and service needs. Principal Architect Brad A. Hastings, AIA, LEED AP noted “The project was designed to be reflective of the local seaside vernacular, taking cues from old lifesaving stations as well as paying homage to the site’s past use as a railway spur.” The project was also designed to be highly energy efficient, highlighted by a 163.2 kw roof-mounted solar array which offsets 100% of the building’s projected annual electrical consumption.

According to Lewes Public Library Past President, Beckie Healey, “The Board of the LPL selected Becker Morgan after a thorough review of many applicants responding to our Request for Proposal. It wasn’t long after that selection that we were entirely comfortable that we had made the right choice. Brad and his team were always right there to respond to our questions and concerns. Becker Morgan turned out a spectacular building for the Greater Lewes Area that is functioning exactly as it should.”

Becker Morgan Group also received a Merit Award for the new William F. Cooke, Jr. Elementary School.