Manayunk's Venice Island Center Wins Prestigious Award

Manayunk’s Venice Island Performing Arts Center is the proud recipient of the prestigious 2015 Groundbreaker Award, given by the Delaware Valley Green Building Council.

The council gives the award to an organization that spurs on “transformational projects” in the green building industry, according to a press release announcing the award.

Venice Island was transformed over a lengthy period of time from a vacant eyesore to a thriving, eco-friendly arts space.

The Philly Water Department, Department of Parks and Recreation, and various architects and construction groups all had a hand in making Venice Island what it is today.

“The project revitalized an abandoned, flood-prone site into a vibrant community space through collaboration and cooperation,” the statement reads.

Venice Island won the Groundbreaker Award over two other local projects, the

Construction Training Education Center in Wilmington and the Cira Green Roof on 2930 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia.

The Council describes the Manayunk project in the following way on its website:

Venice Island represents a shining example of design and construction firms and city agencies working together for the benefit of the environment and community. From the green-roofed pumping station to the solar-powered site lighting to the high-tech glazing on the arts center, Venice Island is greater than the sum of its parts.

From green infrastructure to the arts, the Venice Island complex is fostering a renewed sense of community spirit in Manayunk.

The ceremony took place on October 29.

Image courtesy Delaware Valley Green Building Council.