Judged on a wide range of qualities, the Sir Walter Raleigh Awards are given every year by the city to people and projects that ultimately improve the visual quality Raleigh.
See below for categories and criteria, or to nominate a project, go HERE.
Awards Description
The Sir Walter Raleigh Awards annually honor the projects and people that have made a difference to Raleigh’s appearance. Since 1983, more than 200 awards have been presented, for outstanding contributions toward enhancing the visual character, environment, and livability of the city. Award categories include:
• Residential
• Commercial
• Historic Preservation / Rehabilitation
• Community
• Institutional
• Industrial
• Site Enhancement
• Tree and Landscape Conservation
• maintained outstanding appearance
• Individual
Awards are not necessarily granted in every category every year, nor is there a predetermined number of awards to be given. Rather, the emphasis is on excellence—and in celebrating exemplary effort. Awards are presented at official ceremonies in the fall, and recipient projects commemorated in print, online, and a permanent display in the City of Raleigh Municipal Building. Eligibility Individuals or groups nominated for a Sir Walter Raleigh Award must be residents or maintain an established location in the City of Raleigh. All other nominees, programs, or projects must be located in the City of Raleigh or its planning jurisdiction. All projects must have been substantially completed within the last five years prior to nomination, except those in the “Maintained Outstanding Appearance” category (which is for projects completed more than five years ago), and the “Individual” category (which honors longterm committment to improving Raleigh’s appearance). Incomplete projects (e.g., buildings that have not yet received their Certificate of Occupancy) are not yet eligible.
Entries will be evaluated using the following general criteria:
- Exhibition of a new standard for excellence, thereby providing anexample for the future.- Demonstration of an awareness of the importance of good stewardship of the land.
- Demonstration of community involvement, and innovation.
- Preservation or restoration of existing topography, trees, and other natural features.
- Significant improvement of an existing site or structure and / or preservation of important historic or cultural features.
- Provision of attractive and safe conditions that meet and exceed applicable ordinances and policies.
- Residential: For new residential development, conversion to residential use, or improvement made to existing residential areas. The entry may be for either multi-family or single-family developments of multiple buildings.
- Commercial: For all types of new construction or adaptive use of existing non-residential development that are open to the public.
- Historic Preservation / Rehabilitation: For preservation or rehabilitation of historic buildings, especially Raleigh historic properties.
- Community: For enhancement of the appearance and livability of highly visible public areas of the City, including churches, neighborhoods, streets, and parks.
- Institutional: For local, state, and federal projects including office, educational and transportation-related facilities.
- Industrial: For industrial, warehouse or corporate projects not normally open to the public that have a positive impact on the city’s visual environment.
- Site Enhancement: For otherwise utilitarian site elements (e.g., stormwater facilities, lighting, etc.) that, through exemplary design and / or quality of construction, are made into public amenities.
- Tree and Landscape Conservation: For projects that significantly preserve Raleigh’s natural features and trees.
- Maintained Outstanding Appearance: For projects that are more than five years old and have consistently maintained a high quality appearance contributing to Raleigh’s image.
- Individual: Given to individuals who have consistently exhibited concern, leadership, and vision in preserving and improving the appearance and / or environment of our city.
image: Architektur, PA
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