This fall, VIP is proud to celebrate industry recognition that spans our architecture and construction teams—two awards that underscore a shared commitment across disciplines to adaptive reuse. From thoughtful design to careful execution, these honors reflect how reimagining existing buildings can preserve history, strengthen communities, and deliver spaces built for what’s next.
At the heart of both recognitions is a common belief: that existing structures hold enduring value. Whether through design decisions that honor original craftsmanship or construction strategies that stabilize and extend a building’s life, adaptive reuse remains a defining part of VIP’s work. The following awards highlight that philosophy in action.
AIA CNY Design Award: One Webster’s Landing
VIP Architectural Associates was awarded a Design Citation in the Adaptive Reuse category by the American Institute of Architects, Central New York (AIA CNY) for One Webster’s Landing. The award recognizes design excellence that balances innovation, sustainability, and respect for context.
Formerly known as the Marshall Building, the five-story Romanesque Revival structure was originally designed in 1893 by noted Syracuse architect Archimedes Russel. VIP’s design team transformed the historic landmark into 34 modern one-bedroom apartments, preserving defining features such as timber framing, brick walls, and hardwood floors while introducing light-filled living spaces and contemporary amenities.
The project demonstrates how careful architectural intervention can bring new life to historic structures—maintaining their character while meeting modern housing needs. Recognition from AIA CNY reinforces VIP’s leadership in adaptive reuse design and context-sensitive redevelopment.
PACNY Paul Malo Preservation Award: Market House, Oswego
VIP Structures is proud to have served as the construction partner on the award-winning restoration of Market House Oswego, recently honored with the Paul Malo Award from the Preservation Association of Central New York (PACNY). This distinguished award celebrates projects that expertly balance historic preservation with community impact, recognizing efforts that revitalize cherished landmarks.
Built in 1836, Oswego’s Market House has been a defining presence along the Oswego River for nearly two centuries. Once the city’s principal market hall and first city hall, the building later served as railroad offices before sitting vacant and structurally compromised. The restoration transformed Market House into a vibrant mixed-use destination, preserving its historic character while adapting it for modern use.
As the general contractor, VIP Structures worked closely with the building’s visionary owner, alongside MacKnight Architects, restoring defining historic features such as the original spiral staircase, curvilinear ceilings, and masonry façade, with portions of the work carried out by VIP’s own field crews. At the same time, modern systems, accessibility upgrades, and amenities were integrated, with engineering design and coordination provided by IPD Engineering. These improvements support the building’s new uses, including the riverfront restaurant, the Old City Hall Brewery, and Market House Apartments.
Supported by Historic Tax Credits, New York State grants, the Oswego County IDA, and the City of Oswego, Market House Oswego stands as a testament to collaboration, craftsmanship, and preservation. VIP Structures is honored to have contributed to a project that celebrates history, serves the community, and earned such distinguished recognition.
