We were surprised and delighted to be honored by the Colorado Springs Downtown Partnership with a Downtown Star award, presented for “outstanding commitments to a thriving downtown.” Our high school architecture class, which is one of the reasons we received the award, is offered every spring.

This is what they said:

"RTA Architects is known for a variety of architectural projects including health care, education and commercial projects, or for their recent selection as Project Lead and Architect of Record for the new Pikes Peak Summit House. What is lesser known is their free, 10-week, after-school Introduction to Architecture course open to area high school students. This year more than 20 students learned about site analysis, history, space planning, programming, architectural drawing, interiors, construction, engineering and more through RTA staff members and community guest speakers. Not only does the program provide kids with a realistic exposure to the industry, but for some students it is their first taste of Downtown Colorado Springs. Through the class they learn about the value of a vibrant downtown through architecture and design of the public realm."

Click the link below to see the other Downtown Star winners!

http://www.downtowncs.com/news/532-2015-downtown-stars-announced.html

The Colorado Springs Downtown Partnership chose the RTA offices to be the site of their quarterly Membership Mixer. The late afternoon gathering included light hors d'oeuveres provided by the Springs Rescue Mission, wine by Vintages Wine and Spirits, and hand-crafted ale by Phantom Canyon Brewing Company.

Approximately 90 guests mingled around the third floor of the historic Hibbard Building (repurposed, updated and designed in 1997 by RTA Principal Perry Lewis).

Earlier in the week, the RTA offices had experienced a whirlwind clean-up by architects who are prone to living around creative piles of paper, samples, drafts, and construction documents. Downtown merchants and business owners enjoyed touring the newly tidied office and many comments were made about the open design and interesting office space.

The mixer also provided ample opportunity for business connections. RTA owner and Principal Randy Thorne said, "It was a great opportunity for me to reconnect with a bunch of business associates that I hadn't seen for a while. We appreciated the exposure."