JMT Honored with National Award
The Arts Alley @ Blair Mill project recently was selected for a 2007 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award. This project, completed by JMT for Montgomery County (MD) Department of Housing and Community Affairs as part of its revitalization of Silver Spring's central business district, transformed a 300 foot-long service alley into an attractive walkway and a lively gathering place. The alley was completely redesigned to become a contemporary aesthetic and functional space for outdoor eating, gathering and building access. Façades facing the alley were redesigned and given the importance of front façades. New pavers were added to the alley floor in a geometric pattern, inspired by the artist Mondrian’s colorful, geometric paintings. Other features included: a metal tower structure at the main alley entrance; an area reserved for public sculpture; in-ground planting strips and vegetated wall sections; above-ground planters; benches, tables and chairs; lighting; and canopy structures. JMT's planners, landscape architects and engineers completed the site analysis, concept plan, and final contract documents while overseeing an architectural façade study prepared by a subconsultant. NACo, founded in 1935, is the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States. The association's membership totals more than 2,000 counties, representing over 80 percent of the nation's population. NACo achievement awards recognize innovative county government programs that have measurable results. | 
