Buildings receive one nationwide, one statewide award

Hartford, Conn. – Trinity College’s Koeppel Community Sports Center and Mather Hall Dining Facility have recently been selected as recipients of two significant architectural awards.  The Koeppel Center, named in memory of former College Trustee Alfred J. Koeppel ’54, H’00 by his family, opened in late 2006 and has won a “2007 Facilities of Merit Award” from Athletic Business, while the renovations at Mather Hall, which were completed in September 2007, earned an “Excellence in Construction Award” from Associated Builders and Contractors of Connecticut, Inc. 

The Koeppel Center, a $15.5 million project which is used by the Hartford community as well as the college, was one of ten facilities selected to win the award out of nearly 100 entries, and was lauded by the judging panel for its attractiveness, simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and the fact that it enhances both the college, its neighboring community, and Hartford as a whole.

“Its designers,” said one panelist, "should be commended for taking a simple program and elevating its architecture and surrounding context to a higher level."

The Koeppel Center, designed by Sasaki Associates Inc. in Watertown, Mass., features the Albert C. Williams ’64 rink, a 90-by-200-foot ice sheet, as well as spectator seating, an open two-story lobby with an inviting glass facade, locker rooms, skate-changing area, and second level with several well-appointed rooms available for community meetings, gatherings, and special events.

The renovations at Mather Hall earned an “Excellence in Construction Award” in the category of General Construction, which was judged by a five-person panel.  The new Mather design allows students to sit in booths, at counters, and in living room-like areas in addition to tables that can accommodate large groups.  The response from the college community has been positive.

“Overall, the renovated Mather Main Dining Hall has been a tremendous success…,” says the student newspaper, the Trinity Tripod.

The LaRosa Building Group, who designed the renovations, will be honored along with other key organizations in the industry at a Jan. 24th dinner/awards night at the Aqua Turf restaurant in Southington.  Sasaki Associates received their award for the Koeppel Center at a Nov. 30th reception at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.