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For its role as an advocate for and major contributor to the Boardwalk on Lady Bird Lake, the Trail Foundation won the 2015 Urban Land Institute Austin: Impact Award for Public Places. The award honors the creation of lively gathering spaces that serve as a public destination, and those that exhibit intensive use on a regular basis and act as a magnet for a broad spectrum of users. This award recognizes the Boardwalk as a stunningly beautiful section of the Trail that features spectacular views of downtown, and that has already become a popular destination for joining in Austin’s active, healthy lifestyle. Limbacher & Godfrey Architects was the project’s lead architectural designer.

The Deep Eddy Bathhouse is featured in the new Austin Wallpaper* City Guide. Published by London’s Phaidon Press, Wallpaper* City Guides present an insider’s checklist of all you need to know about the world’s most intoxicating cities. Focusing on architecture, art and design, each unique guide is illustrated with more than 50 striking colour photographs.

Alfred Godfrey, and two other speakers, gave the Inaugural State of the Trail address at the first annual Trail Foundation State of the Trail breakfast. Held at Austin’s W Hotel, the event was intended to position the Trail Foundation as a community thought leader in matters of urban greenspace initiatives in conservation, design and health. Over 100 major donors and community leaders attended.

Laurie Limbacher was elevated to Fellow of the American Institute of Architects at its annual convention in Chicago. The investiture ceremony was held in Chicago Auditorium, a part of the historic Auditorium Building. Fellowship is bestowed by the American Institute of Architects on AIA-member architects who have made outstanding contributions to the profession through design excellence, contributions in the field of architectural education, or to the advancement of the profession. The 2014 Jury of Fellows elevated 139 AIA members to its prestigious College of Fellows. Out of a total AIA membership of over 80,000 there are over 3,000 members distinguished with this honor.

The Boardwalk on Lady Bird Lake opened to the public with a Grand Opening ceremony attended by the Mayor, three City Council members and over three hundred members of the public. The Boardwalk creates a new 1.3-mile route in the heart of Austin on its most popular and recognized recreation area, running on dry land, across open water, through a woodland corridor and across wetlands. The $28 million project captures magnificent views of the skyline and it encounters undisturbed natural scenery along secluded limestone bluffs. Limbacher & Godfrey Architects served as lead architect for the six-year design and construction process.

Limbacher & Godfrey served as Historic Resources Consultant for the Downtown Austin Plan. With this Plan, “At its Bicentennial in 2039, Downtown will be at the heart of one of the most sustainable cities in the nation. . . . .with a beloved fabric of historic places, buildings and landscapes that celebrate the unique journey Austin has taken over the past 200 years.” The planning process began in 2005 with a Council resolution.

Limbacher & Godfrey’s Master Plan for Barton Springs Pool was accepted by the Austin City Council by unanimous vote. The goal of the plan is to, “return the site to its rightful glory, where the water was cleaner and the experience of the pool was more enjoyable.” The 22-acre site had nearly a million visitors during the 2006-2007 swimming season.