Local buildings vie for architecture award

The Florida Chapter of the American Institute of Architects' statewide online People's Choice competition is underway, and more than a dozen Gulf Coast buildings are in the running for the top award.

To qualify, the buildings must have been built in the past five years and be public spaces that contribute to the life and well being of the people of Florida, according to the AIA. Online voting in the competition will be conducted at www.floridapeopleschoice.org from June 16 through midnight July 18. The results of the voting will be announced July 19 at AIA Florida's Annual Convention in Miami.

The Gulf Coast properties included in the contest are:
• Chico's National Support Store Building 10 in Fort Myers;
• Highland Recreation Center in Largo;
• 3333 Building in Naples;
• New Port Richey Public Works in New Port Richey;
• Play Ball Pavilion in Sarasota;
• Robert and Beverly Koski Bell Tower & Academic Plaza at New College of Florida;
• Sarasota County Area Transit;
• Sun N Fun Lifestyle Wellness Center in Sarasota;
• USF St. Pete Multipurpose Student Center in St. Petersburg;
• First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens;
• MetWest International in Tampa;
• USF Center for Advanced Medical learning and Simulation in Tampa;
• Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel in Wesley Chapel.