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Focus On Appearance Award
Periodically, the Design Review Board of State College Borough awards a Focus on Appearance Award to individuals, businesses or organizations that have contributed to the enhancement of the community's ambiance. The award is a token of appreciation as well as recognition of those who have maintained a high standard of appearance on their property through design, aesthetic and/or safety enhancements. State College Borough believes that such an initiative is vital in ensuring that the Community continues to be an aesthetically pleasing place to live and work.
Previous Recipients
James and Susan Shincovich-437 East Fairmont Award was selected by the Design and Historic Review Board during their December 5, 2017 meeting. The Board indicated they were appreciative of the property owners' significant efforts to preserve the historical nature of their residence and preservation of the neighborhood character. This work is a great example of what property owners can do with design that can be of value. It was noted that the award is being given due to the improvements made to the building. The Board is very appreciative of the use of quality building materials and design.
The Design Review Board recognized the significant effort to preserve and maintain the mid-century modern home owned and maintained by Beth Kalenak at 126 West Marylyn Avenue. In presenting the award, the Board noted the efforts that have been made to maintain the exterior of the home and landscaping. This work is a great example of maintaining a residence and contributing to the neighborhood environs.
The 2012 winners of the Focus on Appearance Award are the property owners of 800 West College Avenue and Pennsylvania State University for the Nittany Lion Inn.
Pamela and Dale Trout - 800 West College Avenue
Dale and Pamela have taken an existing student home and have made it more viable. 800 West College Avenue is located in the Urban Village Zoning District and is in an area that the community has chosen to preserve in historic fashion. By using flexible zoning incentives, the Trouts have preserved the historical façade along West College Avenue while extending the house further back onto the lot. Other reasons for the award include:
- Attractive South Patterson Street facade
- Improvements made to the building in both uses of quality materials and design
- Preservation of the historical value of the residence and neighborhood character
- Provides an example to other rental property owners that design can be of value
- Use of flexible zoning incentives to carry out the spirit and action of the intent of the zoning ordinance
Pennsylvania State University - Nittany Lion Inn
The Design Review Board has also selected Pennsylvania State University's Nittany Lion Inn for receipt of the Focus on Appearance Award for the following reasons:
- Generously sized brick sidewalks and crosswalks
- Provides for valuable aesthetics and preservation of a historic campus building that enhances a prominent location on the Penn State campus
- Use of quality materials and design, which provides visual interest and consistency with other updated parts of the Penn State campus
- Well-maintained grounds and dedicated building maintenance staff
This 2011 winners of the Focus on Appearance Award are the property owners of Taco Bell for renovations at 310 East College Avenue and Pennsylvania State University for streetscape improvements to Shortlidge Road.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell received the Focus on Appearance Award for renovations of their property at 310 East College Avenue for the following reasons:
- Contributes positively to the streetscape
- The entrance is highlighted by height change, a rounded top and the addition of a canopy
- The façade design creates interest by the use of a combination of materials
- Pedestrian improvements through the addition of a bench and bike rack
- Taco Bell's new location provides a contemporary updated look to an existing building
- The use of stone for the sidewalk and public right-of-way ensures substantial durability in a heavily traveled area
The Pennsylvania State University Shortlidge Road Streetscape Improvements Project
The Design Review Board has also selected Pennsylvania State University's Shortlidge Road Streetscape Improvements Project for receipt of the Focus on Appearance Award for the valuable aesthetic and safety improvements accomplished by the project:
- Adding new benches
- Adding raised pedestrian crosswalks and lighting
- By replanting the trees of various species;
- Installing generously sized brick sidewalks and crosswalks
- The streetscape improvements enhance a key entrance to the Penn State campus and College Avenue
Past Recipients
| Date | Recipient | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| November 2009 | Looks Hair Design mural | Mosaic and other attractive storefront elements |
| November 2009 | Old State Clothing | Upgrades to store façade and entranceway |
| September 1999 | Irving's Bagels | Attractive entranceway, doors, decorative lighting and signs that add character to the building façade and charm to the streetscape. |
| September 1999 | Sera-Tec Plasma Center | Building and site improvements enhance the downtown streetscape and for making this key corner into an attractive and welcoming space. |
| August 1998 | The Deli | The two new outdoor cafes, which are a positive enhancement to the Heister & Calder Alley streetscapes. |
| August 1998 | Ramada Inn | Visual enhancements made to the building and streetscape along South Atherton Street. The variation and style of the roofline and the stylized cornice detailing add interest to the façade. |
| April 1997 | Alpha Kappa Lambda | Recent façade renovations create a pleasant and welcomed addition to the streetscape. Their exceptional architectural style, unique and rich materials, and landscaped surroundings enhance the community’s appearance. |
| October 1996 | Jay Storch Family | Developing McAllister Way, the delightful pedestrian space between the Ski Station and Tavern Restaurant that enlivens the downtown. |
| October 1996 | Manhattan Bagel Co. | Enhancement of the downtown by creating colorful outdoor care that forms an inviting pedestrian zone between building and sidewalk. |
| October 1996 | Perfectly Frank | Stylish outdoor seating area that encourages pedestrian activity thereby enhancing the downtown's vitality. |
| October 1996 | Tavern Restaurant | Developing McAllister Way, the delightful pedestrian space between the Ski Station and Tavern Restaurant that enlivens the downtown area. |
| August 1996 | Chuck Fong's Studio | Recognized for the stylish entranceway to the basement business that uses modern features like the standing seam roof and smartly crafted sign, and blends those new materials tastefully with the older buildings. |
| August 1996 | Jewish Community Center | The new entranceway built along the front of the existing building and its modern design with rounded metal roof and glass walls designed by Larry Wolfe depart it from the older style and present a wonderful entranceway that cleverly announces itself through a contrasting style. |
| August 1996 | University Baptist & Brethren | Recognized for the new entranceway built along the south side of the existing building. Construction using similar stone, trim and other building materials found in the existing church. |
| November 1995 | SC Presbyterian Church | Excellent building design and craftsmanship that complement the church and the downtown streetscape. |
| November 1995 | University Mennonite Church | Matching addition to an older church that enhances both the property and streetscape. |
| September 1995 | Eddie Bauer | Creative façade added to an older building that enhances the downtown streetscape and retail area. |
| September 1995 | Chili's Bar n' Grill | Creative façade added to an older building that enhances the downtown streetscape and retail area. |
| September 1995 | Lillian Raycroft Law Office | Building and Site improvements that exemplify how older properties can be fixed and retained for new uses. |
| July 1992 | McAllister Street Parking Deck | Recognized for the handsome design of the new parking deck as being a real asset to the visual appearance of this part of the downtown. |