FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2014, Washington, DC
The Best in International Real Estate Celebrated in Washington, DC
The International Real Estate Federation – U.S. Chapter (FIABCI-USA) awarded the Grand Prix of Real Estate as a part of a high-level international conference of real estate professions at the City Tavern Club in historic Georgetown. Roosevelt University's Wabash building in Chicago was awarded the 2014 Grand Prix of Real Estate and is a mixed-use "Vertical University," including academics, student services, university administration and student housing. Not only does the building complement and enhance the surrounding landmark structures, but it also embodies the University's commitment to social justice and civic engagement.
One unique feature of the building is that the top 18 floors are student dormitories, giving students multimillion dollar views of the city. The building was designed by VOA Associates and celebrates high performance urbanism by embracing Wabash Street along with the pathway for the Chicago elevated public transit line, yet remains a symbolic presence in the epicenter of the Burnham Plan for the city. It is a LEED Gold Certified expansion and uses28 percent less energy, 35 percent less water and gets 72 percent of its energy from renewable sources.
The awards dinner was the kick-off event of three days of exclusive meetings where real estate professionals from more than 30 different countries participated in business development and networking opportunities including private tours of the US State Department and a private reception at the residency of Australian Ambassador to the United States His Excellency the Honorable Kim Beazley, AC. The culminating event was a celebration dinner held in the atrium of the World Bank headquarters where a Memorandum of Understanding was signed outlining the organization's commitment to monitoring and improving property rights around the world.
Additional projects recognized during the Grand Prix Awards were My Image Studios (MIST) Harlem, a revitalized cultural space in the Kalahari mixed-income condo building in New York submitted by the Harlem Tourism Board; a carbon-negative coal mine methane gas-to-electricity plant developed by the Aspen Skiing Company in Aspen, CO; Fall House, a spectacular private home nestled in a bluff in Big Sur, CA, designed by Fougeron Architecture; and Plan India, the US State Department Bureau of Overseas Building Operations Master Plan for diplomatic and housing properties held by the US government in India.
The yearly event was sponsored by the Wall Street Journal, Hard Rock Hotels, Past FIABCI World President Owen Gwyn, HSBC, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, Foxworth Realty and the National Association of Realtors. For full information on the Grand Prix awards visit: www.fiabciusaprix.com/2014-grand-prix/
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The International Real Estate Federation – US Chapter (FIABCI-USA) is a multi-discipline, networking organization for all professionals associated with real estate transactions. The group provides information, connections and concierge services to help individuals, companies and associations expand their global networks. With members in more than 50 countries and World, Regional and National Congresses throughout the year, FIABCI provides access and opportunities for real estate professional interested in gaining knowledge, sharing information and expanding their international business. FIABCI also enjoys Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. For more information about FIABCI-USA use the contact above or visit www.fiabci-usa.com/.
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