Mayor Summey receives American Institute of Architects award

The following was read aloud at the 2011 American Institute of Architects Charleston Honor Awards ceremony:

The Government Affairs Award
This award recognizes an official elected, appointed or employed in a governmental position at any level, for their efforts toward improving the community or built environment.

Although North Charleston mayor Keith Summey’s accomplishments are broad and far reaching, AIA Charleston specifically recognizes his work in improving the built environment by championing sustainable and livable communities.  For each of the 16 years that Mayor Summey has provided regional and local leadership, the City of North Charleston has been first among all statewide municipalities in gross retail sales; however, his greatest impact may be in improving the access to quality development and thus, the quality of life for each citizen.

In 1994, when he was first elected, Mayor Summey inherited the closure of the Charleston Navy Base and Shipyard – one of the hardest hitting jobs killers in the State.  Looking back today, Mayor Summey has played a vital part in North Charleston’s economic growth and revitalization, claiming a leadership role in the development of a regional Convention Center, Coliseum, and Performing Arts venue, the expansion of our regional airport, the Vision and Development of the Noisette Neighborhood and redevelopment of the former Navy Base – as well as recently solidifying the Boeing Assembly Plant and the Clemson Restoration Institute Research park.  These accomplishments have together contributed to North Charleston’s current position of regional prominence.

Additionally, Mayor Summey has played a key role in promoting sustainable development through neighborhoods like Oak Terrace Preserve and LEED NC pilot neighborhood – The Navy Yard at Noisette.  The recently renovated City hall is LEED Certified, and in 2009, North Charleston was awarded 1 of only 2 National Awards of Excellence in Sustainable Community Development by the Home Depot Foundation.

An AIA Charleston Honor Award for outstanding service to the community and the design profession goes to: Mayor Keith Summey.