AIA selects Arkansas library as award recipient

The American Institute of Architects recently announced the recipients for the 2009 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards.

From Arkansas, the Gentry Public Library in Gentry, Ark., designed by Marlon Blackwell Architect, was one of eight national recipients. The library’s existing brick structures, though of little architectural value, were greatly desired by the community to remain visually intact at the exterior. In an effort to elevate the significance of the scarred and patched buildings, they are conceived as historical artifacts. Steel and glass volumes encase existing openings, brick ornament, and selected walls at the ground and second floors.

Nabholz celebrates 60-year anniversary

Conway, Ark.-based Nabholz recently hosted a cocktail reception at the Clinton Presidential Center to celebrate its 60th Anniversary. More than 200 employees, clients, company friends and past and current state legislators attended the event.

CEO Bill Hannah welcomed guests to the reception and Charles Nabholz, spoke briefly about the company’s history. Guests also watched a presentation of the company’s history.

Sixty years after its founding, Nabholz has grown into a regional contractor with more than 880 employees in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas, offering services such as equipment rental, commercial remodeling, emergency services, industrial equipment installation, general contracting and construction management.

“Nabholz has grown and changed so much in the past 60 years, but we are still committed to the company’s original core values – people, integrity, teamwork, fun and service,” Hannah said.