MINNEAPOLIS (May 19, 2010) – Ryan Companies US, Inc. was recently named winner of a FAB Award for excellence in interior design for its work on the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School/Colin Powell Youth Leadership Center in Minneapolis. Presented by the Northland Chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), the FAB Awards program honors projects that exhibit an artistic and innovative approach to interior design and recognizes top design talent by member firms throughout Minnesota, the Dakotas and Wisconsin.

The Ryan-designed project was selected winner in the category of Best Government/Institutional Interiors from an impressive list of entrants. The Cristo Rey Jesuit High School/Colin Powell Youth Leadership Center is a 160,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art educational and recreational facility that serves 500 students and up to 25,000 individuals annually. The school/center has also been honored by the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE) with a CAE citation award for Great Educational Planning, and a Minneapolis Merit Award, presented by American Institute of Architects (AIA) Minnesota. Merit Awards honor projects that tell a “story of excellence beyond design” based on client/team satisfaction, technical innovation, environmental responsibility, budget/business success, community impact and architectural solution.

The primary challenge of the project was to bring together five building typologies – a high school, a leadership center, a gymnasium, an auditorium and a library – under one cohesive design. The building is divided – one-third high school, one-third youth leadership center and one-third shared space.

“Our integrated team of architects, interior designers, engineers and construction project managers were able to deliver a truly great design while working with donated materials, a tight budget and a fast-track schedule,” said Will Jensen, vice president of architecture and engineering. “We consider the Cristo Rey/Colin Powell Center to be the most significant project in our company’s history because of its impact on the community and its children. Being acknowledged with awards that recognize our design is icing on the cake.”

The goal was to create a shared facility reflecting the values of two distinct organizations. The use of useable space, light, color and innovative design elements creates a flexible facility that grows with the expanding programs of both organizations. For example, garage doors and dividing partitions instantly change a large room into an intimate setting, or vice versa. Subtle tweaks in wall angles, windows and doors maximize outdoor views, including inspiring views of downtown Minneapolis.

About Ryan Companies, US, Inc.
Ryan Companies US, Inc., a nationally recognized developer, design-builder and real estate manager, has specialized in fully integrated solutions for more than 70 years. Ryan builds lasting relationships with a project delivery model based on full-service customized solutions and total collaboration – pairing the customer’s needs and expectations with the talents of a team of developers, financiers, architects, engineers, constructors and property managers. In addition to its Minneapolis office, Ryan has offices in Chicago, Phoenix, San Diego, Tampa, Fla., and Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Des Moines, Iowa. Ryan was named the 2007 National Developer of the Year by the National Association of Office and Industrial Properties (NAIOP).