NYSERDA Buildings of Excellence Blue Ribbon Award

NYSERDA Buildings of Excellence Competition

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Buildings of Excellence (BOE) Competition seeks to jump-start a major shift toward climate-friendly construction by supporting the development of architecturally significant, clean and resilient multifamily residential buildings. 

All BOE winning projects must demonstrate cost-effective, low-carbon or carbon-neutral designs that are profitable for developers, offer predictable revenue and costs, while simultaneously creating a safe, comfortable, healthy, and affordable space for building occupants. The Competition supports New York’s Climate Act, which puts New York State on a path to economy-wide carbon-neutrality, as well as the State’s mandate for an 85 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The Competition recognizes best in class buildings with prizes of up to $1 million for demonstration projects and up to $150,000 in funding for Early Design Support. (For more info on the Early Design Support program, watch the NYSERDA Early Design Support RFP FAQ Video here.)

The League / NYSERDA Partnership

In 2022, NYSERDA launched a new subset of the award called the “Blue Ribbon for Design Excellence” recognizing a subset of the BOE winners for their resilient, sustainable, carbon-neutral designs that prioritize quality, functionality, and connection to their community. NYSERDA has commissioned The Architectural League to run the Blue Ribbon Design jury, as well as to help organize and publicize the overall BOE Competition. Blue Ribbon honorees are selected by an independent panel of highly accomplished architects led by The Architectural League of New York. 

2024 Blue Ribbon Winners

Carmen Villegas Apartments
Location: East Harlem, Manhattan
Designed by: Magnusson Architecture and Planning, P.C.
Developed by: Ascendant Neighborhood Development Corp., Urban Builders Collaborative, and Xylem Projects.

Livingston Apartments Phase II
Location: Albany, New York
Designed by: SWBR
Developed by: SoldierOn & WinnDevelopment

Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Plaza
Location: Harlem, Manhattan
Designed by: Think! Architecture and Design
Developed by: Malcolm Shabazz Development Corporation and Procida Development Group
Sustainability and MEP Lead: Ettinger Engineering Associates

Three Arts
Location: Upper West Side, Manhattan
Designed by: Curtis + Ginsberg Architects
Developed by: West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing

2023 Blue Ribbon Winners

Highbridge
Location: Bronx, New York
Designed by: Magnusson Architecture and Planning, P.C.
Developed by: Samaritan Daytop Village

Livonia C3
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Designed by: Magnusson Architecture and Planning, P.C.
Developed by: Catholic Charities

Magnolia Gardens
Location: Flushing, New York
Designed by: Urban Architectural Initiatives, RA, PC
Developed by: Asian Americans for Equality

Parcel 7
Location: Rochester, New York
Designed by: Sustainable Comfort, Inc.
Developed by: PathStone Corporation

2022 Blue Ribbon Winners

Bethany Terraces Senior Houses
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Design by: Paul A. Castrucci, Architect PLLC
Developed by: RiseBoro Community Partnership, Inc.

Cooper Park Commons, Building 2
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Designed by: Magnusson Architecture and Planning, P.C. and Architecture Outfit
Developed by: The Hudson Companies, St. Nick’s Alliance

Dekalb Commons
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Designed by: Magnusson Architecture and Planning, PC
Developed by: St. Nicks Alliance

The Rise
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Designed by: Magnusson Architecture and Planning, PC
Developed by: Xenolith Partners LLC

The Seventy-Six, Building C
Location: Albany, New York
Designed by: Garrison-Architects
Developed by: South End Development LLC