Each year, the Indy Chamber’s Monumental Awards recognize the most significant achievements by individuals and businesses contributing to excellence in architecture, engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, construction, real estate development, neighborhood revitalization, innovative reuse, and public art throughout the Indianapolis region.

In its third year taking place at the historic Tibbs Drive-In Theater on the west side of Indianapolis, the 45th Annual Monumental Awards showcased regional entries to celebrate excellence in the built environment among the nine counties, Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan, and Shelby.

Architecture, construction, and engineering firms gathered from across the state to commemorate the most impressive additions to Indiana’s built environment from the past year. Companies set up tailgating tents around the lot and attendees bounced from firm to firm – mingling with fellow industry professionals in a relaxed, celebratory environment.

DKGR Architects took home the highest honor of the night, the Monumental Award, for their work on the 16 Tech Innovation District. The winner of the Monumental Award was selected by an impartial jury of community and professional leaders from the Indianapolis region.

"Since the inception of DKGR, we've always aimed to remain preternaturally committed to focusing our energy on design-forward and impactful projects across a variety of market segments,” said John Albrecht, DKGR Co-Founding Partner. “We often say, 'Stay modest in size and spirit so we can be bold in our work'. The 16 Tech HqO project became a shining example of that initiative, and it was an honor to be recognized by the Indy Chamber alongside a great group of partners and fellow visionaries."

Schmidt Associates was recognized with three awards during the ceremony, including the Engineering Honor Award for the firm’s work on the Indianapolis Consolidated Civil and Criminal Courthouse.

“Winning an Engineering Monumental Award of Honor for the Indianapolis-Marion County Consolidated Civil and Criminal Courthouse is a tremendous accomplishment, and we couldn’t be prouder,” said Eric Broemel, PE, Principal-in-Charge of Engineering. “We were thrilled to design one of the most sophisticated building systems that include elements of sustainability, flexibility, adaptability, and a LEED certification. Because of our design, Owners qualified for a $100,000 rebate from AES Indiana, and the building systems are a 19.1% improvement over the ASHRAE 90.1-2010 which should provide $217,290 in annual energy savings.”

All awards were deliberated by sanctioning organizations selected from the specific area of discipline for each category. This year’s Honor, Merit, and Achievement award winners are listed below.

• Honor Award: 16 Tech Innovation District HqO, submitted by DKGR
• Merit Award: Wabash Power Valley Headquarters, submitted by RATIO
• Achievement Award: Geiger & Peters Renovation and Addition, submitted by DELV Design

• Honor Award: Indianapolis Consolidated Civil and Criminal Courthouse, submitted by F.A. Wilhelm Construction
• Merit Award: Indianapolis Public Library West Perry Branch, submitted by Powers & Sons Construction
• Achievement Award: The Park at the Phoenix, submitted by INMOD Construction

• Honor Award: The Indianapolis Consolidated Civil and Criminal Courthouse, submitted by Schmidt Associates
• Merit Award: Riley Maternity Tower at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, submitted by BSA LifeStructures
• Achievement Award: West Perry Branch Library, submitted by Schmidt Associates

• Honor Award: 16 Tech Innovation District HqO, submitted by DKGR
• Merit Award: Fort Ben Cultural Campus, submitted by Arts for Lawrence
• Achievement Award: Golden Bear Preschool and Administration, submitted by Schmidt Associates

• Honor Award: Barnes & Thornburg Vault Room Renovation, submitted by CSO
• Merit Award: North Mass Boulder, submitted by Blackline Studio
• Achievement Award: The Club at Crosspoint, submitted by DELV Design

• Honor Award: Grand Junction Plaza, submitted by the City of Westfield
• Merit Award: Nickel Plate Trail, submitted by Browning Day
• Achievement Award: Shelbyville Downtown Square, submitted by RATIO

• Honor Award: 38th and Sheridan Cook / Goodwill, submitted by Cook Property Inc.
• Merit Award: 16 Tech Innovation District, submitted by DKGR
• Achievement Award: Depot Street Park and Amphitheater, submitted by the City of Greenfield

• Honor Award: World's Fastest, submitted by Indy Arts Council
• Merit Award: Fort Ben Cultural Campus, submitted by Arts for Lawrence
• Achievement Award: Homage to Hoagy - the City of Carmel, submitted by City of Carmel

• Honor Award: Tinner Park Development, submitted by Onyx+East
• Merit Award: Pando Aspen Grove of Community Heights, submitted by TWG
• Achievement Award: The Agora at the Proscenium, submitted by Lauth Group, Inc.

• The Cabaret, submitted by RATIO