Beardsley Project at Southwick Beach State Park Receives Prestigious AIA CNY 2021 Design Award

Posted on December 19, 2021

Auburn, N.Y. - Beardsley Architects + Engineers is pleased to announce that the Concession and Bathhouse Building at Southwick Beach State Park in Henderson, NY, has been selected by AIA Central New York to receive a 2021 AIA CNY Citation for Design in the Institutional category. The awards program celebrates the design excellence of Architects throughout Central New York and honors the client and design teams that work together to create and enhance the built environment. “We are happy that the work we’ve done in partnership with NY State Parks is being recognized. The new building at Southwick beach will hopefully serve the many park patrons well, and make their visits memorable,” says Project Architect Barry Halperin, AIA, NCARB.

Southwick Beach State Park is one of the most heavily visited day use areas in the Thousand Island State Parks Region, attracting an average of 120,000 visitors annually to the sandy shores of Lake Ontario. During their stay, Park-goers can visit the sandy beach, hike along wooded trails, or camp at the nearby campgrounds. To serve this diverse set of visitors and to provide an accessible and modern experience, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation (NYSOPRHP) tasked Beardsley with designing a new, modern bathhouse and concession facility that reflects the traditional architecture of the Thousand Islands region. The selected site also provides a better view of the lake upon approach than the existing, dated 1960s-era concession building, which will be converted into an open-air pavilion in a future phase. 

As visitors drive up the newly re-aligned entry roadway, they are greeted by the new bathhouse and concession buildings straight ahead. Beardsley chose to separate the primary functions of the facility into two separate buildings, connected by a pergola and gathering area, to create an unobstructed view of the beach and Lake Ontario beyond, rather than obstructing the view with a building. The new facility is sited on a raised terrace that formally organizes the facility on the site and mediates between the landscape of the beach and the landscape of the grass and wooded park that visitors travel through when approaching the site.

The bathhouse building features restroom and shower facilities, an office for park staff, and ample storage. The lifeguard and first aid stations are also located in the bathhouse and are oriented to face the lake for safety and ease of access. The concession building features an arcade, laundry area, commercial kitchen and concession area, and camp store. The central outdoor gathering area features both fixed and flexible seating as well as a propane fueled fire pit so that visitors can enjoy the facility in the evening or in the cooler months. Picnic areas and small pavilions create additional gathering spaces around the facility.

Now complete, the new facility provides patrons with improved access to the beach and Lake Ontario, creating a space where people from all walks of life can gather and socialize or find a moment to rest and enjoy the park’s natural setting.

 

Other Member News

Broadway in Syracuse
July 26, 2024

TICKETS FOR CAMERON MACKINTOSH’S ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF BOUBLIL AND SCHÖNBERG’S LES MISÉRABLES WILL GO ON SALE JULY 29TH AT 10AM

This reborn dream of a production looks and sounds fresher than ever. Sends shivers of excitement racing down the spine - You emerge feeling stirred and exhilarated.

Logo for Dannible & McKee, LLP
July 25, 2024

Dannible & McKee, LLP Announces the Promotion of 18 Professionals

The commitment to excellence from these 18 professionals is well demonstrated, and we congratulate them on their achievements.

Park Strategies Managing Director Featured in syracuse.com Article on New York's Cannabis Industry Rollout
July 24, 2024

Park Strategies Managing Director Featured in syracuse.com Article on New York's Cannabis Industry Rollout

His advocacy, born from an understanding of coalition-building and decision-making, has been influential amid many regulatory challenges.

Forbes Best Employers for Women logo
July 23, 2024

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Recognized by Forbes as One of America’s Best Employers for Women 2024

This award highlights the organization’s ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where women can thrive and advance their careers.

Ashley McGraw Architects
July 23, 2024

Ashley McGraw Architects Acquires studioMLA Architects, A National Leader in Early Education Design

Founded in 2006, studioMLA Architects is recognized as a national leader in the design of early education facilities along with nature-inspired playscapes for young children.

Mike Becallo
July 23, 2024

Michael Becallo Joins Oswego Health as Community Relations Representative

Originally from Cicero, Becallo is well-routed in CNY and brings over 15 years of healthcare experience.

Kate Weidman, Deputy Executive Director, AURORA of CNY
July 19, 2024

AURORA of CNY Announces Leadership Changes

Weidman will transition into the role of Executive Director following the retirement of current Executive Director Debra Chaiken, ensuring a seamless succession in leadership.

Credit Score 101
July 17, 2024

Credit Score 101 - Everything You Need to Know

Understanding and managing your credit score is a key step towards achieving financial stability and success. 

Larry Bousquet
July 16, 2024

Crouse Health Board of Directors Welcomes Two New Members

The Crouse Health Board of Directors has appointed two new directors.