For Immediate Release: April 7, 2009
Media Contacts: Bryna Lipper , Johanna Weber

2009 Honor Award: Mayor Richard M. Daley and the City of Chicago

Annual award for leadership in the built environment will go to Mayor and City – more sustainable design, building, community development visionaries to follow

WHAT                                   

The National Building Museum announced today that Mayor Richard M. Daley and the City of Chicago will be recognized for their historic commitment to planning a vibrant and healthy city. The Museum's Board of Trustees cited Mayor Daley's long dedication to a sustainable urban environment, in particular Chicago's sweeping Climate Action Plan, which has not only transformed the city's buildings and infrastructure, but has also engaged private citizens and businesses.

In addition, the award also recognizes Chicago's progressive investment in design and architecture to promote economic development and growth. Through the creation of landmark buildings and public spaces, Chicago has ensured its legacy as one of the most important places in the world for architecture and urban design. Notably, 2009 marks the 100th anniversary of the city's 1909 Burnham Plan, which was the genesis for the American urban planning movement. Consequently, the Museum also praises Chicago's extraordinary stewardship of the innovations and practices established 100 years ago by Daniel Burnham and his colleagues.

On June 4, the National Building Museum will recognize several Visionaries in Sustainability for their leadership, commitment, and achievements in green building and design, workforce development, and business practices during the annual Honor Award gala. The Honor Award was established by the Museum in 1986 to salute those who have significantly improved the built environment. Last week, the Museum announced the U.S. Green Building Council and S. Richard Fedrizzi as its first honoree of the 2009 Visionaries in Sustainability Honor Award. The Museum will announce additional recipients in the weeks leading up to the June 4 gala, to be held in the Museum's historic Great Hall.

WHEN                       

Thursday, June 4, 2009

MEDIA CONTACTS                      

Bryna Lipper, National Building Museum, blipper@nbm.org, 202.272.2448, ext. 3402
Johanna Weber, National Building Museum, jweber@nbm.org, 202.272.2448, ext. 3458

EVENT INFORMATION       

Tasha Passarelle, tpassarelle@nbm.org, 202.272.2448, ext. 3112      

BACKGROUND                                                                           

The National Building Museum is America’s leading cultural institution dedicated to exploring and celebrating architecture, design, engineering, construction, and planning. Chartered by Congress in 1980 and open to the public since 1985, the Museum has become a vital forum for exchanging ideas and information about the built environment through its exhibitions, education programs, and publications. The Museum is located at 401 F Street NW, Washington, D.C. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. Admission is free. Museum Shop. Café. Public inquiries: 202.272.2448 or visit www.nbm.org.