Mystic Seaport Garners Blue Ribbon Award

CENTERBROOK, Conn. – The Centerbrook Architects & Planners-designed Thompson Exhibition Building at Mystic Seaport was recently recognized by CREW CT – The Real Estate Exchange as Best Specialty Project at the 22nd Annual Blue Ribbon Awards.

The building garnered one of eight awards bestowed at the CREW CT program, which recognized the best Connecticut real estate projects completed in 2016. The awards ceremony was held at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford.

The Best Specialty Project recognition marks the first award for the 21,000-square-foot building in Mystic. The state-of-the-art exhibition space, which opened to the public last September, enables the nation’s leading maritime museum to become a premier tourism and education destination in southeastern Connecticut on a year-around basis.

The Thompson Building is recognized by its sweeping roofline, end walls and details that recall nautical themes through what architect and Centerbrook Partner Chad Floyd, FAIA refers to as the “geometry of the sea.” Featuring visitor reception, a café and gift shop, a riverfront meeting room, the centerpiece Collins Gallery exhibit hall, and a wraparound deck, Thompson is an ultra-functional contemporary addition to the recreated 19th century seafaring village.

With a mission of supporting and advancing the achievements of women, CREW CT is one of 70 CREW network chapters. Members come from a diverse cross section of the industry, including architects.