City Core Developments announces RAW Design/The Planning Partnership in collaboration with Diamond Schmitt as winners of the Harmony Village Lake Simcoe architectural design competition

Rare competition challenged acclaimed architects to present their design concepts for new LEED certified development in Lake Simcoe targeted to Baby Boomers and beyond

BARRIE, ON, Sept. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - City Core Developments is pleased to announce RAW Design/The Planning Partnership, in collaboration with Diamond Schmitt as the winners of the Harmony Village Lake Simcoe architectural design competition.

City Core Developments launched the design competition in early August for the future Harmony Village development - an innovative, mixed-use development model targeted towards adults aged 55 years and older. Harmony Village is designed as an urban village with sustainable buildings offering the latest in energy-efficient architecture.

"Harmony Village will offer community living with resort-like amenities.  This new concept is intended for today's adults whose expectations are greater than ever before," says Jack Pong, CEO & President of City Core Developments.  "Both RAW Design and Diamond Schmitt's designs really reflected what we're trying to achieve with Harmony Village while still utilizing green and energy efficient designs."

Harmony Village will be developed along the Barrie waterfront and is an important addition to the community.  Because of this, it was imperative that the people of Barrie supported the design.  "We wanted the design to be something that the community could be proud of, which was why we strongly encouraged the community to vote on the design," says Pong.

Judges also evaluated the presentations on design excellence and specifically assessed them based on criteria such as; image, sustainability, master plan, function and marketability. The high profile judging panel including:

• Mr. Ian Chodikoff, Editor of Canadian Architect;
• Mr. Christopher Hume, Urban Issues and Architecture Reporter, Toronto Star;
• Mr. Paul Goldberger, Architecture Critic, author of 'Why Architecture Matters';
• Dr. Ian McBurnie, Professor, Ryerson University;
• Lisa Rochon, Architecture Critic, The Globe and Mail;
• Jack Pong, President and CEO, City Core Developments

Awarding the architectural contract to RAW Design/The Planning Partnership, in collaboration with Diamond Schmitt reflects the final votes cast by both the judges as well as the members of the public.

"As one of Canada's fastest growing cities, it is important for Barrie's new architecture and landscape to celebrate the very unique character of the city and to create an unparalleled quality of life for its citizens. We hope that our designs for Harmony Village will intimately connect the city and its residents to the waterfront and park systems of Barrie, spurring renewed interest in the Bay area, and are pleased to have been selected to work in collaboration with Diamond Schmitt," said Roland Rom Colthoff, Principal, RAW Design.

"We are pleased to have participated in this competition and to collaborate with RAW Design on Harmony Village Lake Simcoe.  We are looking forward to designing a truly unique solution, that fits within the context of the waterfront, yet becomes an icon for the city of Barrie. We are truly honoured to win the public vote," said David Dow, Partner, Diamond Schmitt.

About Harmony Village:
Harmony Village developments are designed to satisfy all of your day-to-day needs - from health and wellness to pleasure and leisure. A place where senses are luxuriously satisfied, lives enriched, pleasures fulfilled and cares tended.   Enjoy shops, restaurants, specialty boutiques, cafés and Harmony Village's own on-site all-year round leisure and event programming.

About City Core Developments:
City Core Developments Inc. and City Core Management Inc. have been in the development and property management business since 1976 developing a wide range of residential and commercial including - Single Family Housing, Multi-Family Condominiums, Retail Plazas, Office Complexes, Industrial Parks and Seniors Communities.

Image with caption: "Winners of the Harmony Village Lake Simcoe Architectural Design Competition. (From left to right: David Leinster of The Planning Partnership, Roland Colthoff of RAW Design, Jack Pong, CEO & President of City Core Developments and David Dow of Diamond Schmitt Architects) (CNW Group/Harmony Village)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120922_C8867_PHOTO_EN_18303.jpg

SOURCE: Harmony Village

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