There’s no downplaying the significance of a first impression. Great opening statements can make all the difference — as is the case with 2006 Facilities of Merit.

Distinguished from among 81 projects appearing in the June Architectural Showcase issue of Athletic Business, these 10 cutting-edge buildings feature entries and exterior elevations that range from “sensitive” (see the Germantown Friends School Field House) to “evocative” (Cedar Hill Recreation Center).

That said, all 10 projects — which include school facilities, municipal and college recreation centers, spectator venues and wellness centers — are “superb,” according to our panel of seven leading sports and recreation facility architects who selected the award-winners after meeting in Chicago in July for two days of deliberations.

The architects, consultants and facility owners behind each Facility of Merit have been celebrated at a reception at the Athletic Business Conference 2006 in Las Vegas.

The event featured ESPN commentator and former University of Utah basketball coach Rick Majerus, and an engaging video presentation highlighting the award-winning facilities.

Thanks to all those who by submitting entries helped maintain the program’s high level of competition, and congratulations to the 2006 class of Facility of Merit winners.

Winners of 2006 Facilities of Merit Award

	Project	Location	Architect
	Angus Glen Community Centre & Library	Markham, Ont.	Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners; Toronto, Ont.
	Boston University Fitness & Recreation Center and Agganis Arena	Boston, Mass.	Cannon Design; Boston, Mass.
	Cedar Hill Recreation Center	Cedar Hill, Texas	F&S Partners Inc.; Dallas, Texas
	The Shipley Center Dana Hall School	Wellesley, Mass.	Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbott; Boston, Mass.
	David D. Hunting YMCA	Grand Rapids, Mich.	Integrated Architecture; Grand Rapids, Mich.
	Georgia Institute of Technology Campus Recreation Center Renovation and Expansion	Atlanta, Ga.	Hastings & Chivetta Architects Inc.; St. Louis, Mo.
	Germantown Friends School Field House	Philadelphia, Pa.	Bohlin Cywinski Jackson; Philadelphia, Pa.
	McCarthey Athletic Center Gonzaga University	Spokane, Wash.	ALSC Architects; Seattle, Wash.
	Hemenway Gymnasium Renovation Harvard University	Cambridge, Mass.	Sasaki Associates Inc.; Watertown, Mass.
	Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre	Peterborough, Ont.	Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners; Toronto, Ont.