K-State student architecture group recognizes Manhattan landscape architect for work revitalizing downtown Hoisington

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Source: James Evrard, evrard@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Diane Potts, 785-532-1090, potts@k-state.edu

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

K-STATE STUDENT ARCHITECTURE GROUP RECOGNIZES MANHATTAN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT FOR WORK REVITALIZING DOWNTOWN HOISINGTON

MANHATTAN -- The Kansas State University chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students has presented Rod Harms, Manhattan, with its 2006 Community Design Award.

A principal of Civitas Group Holding Company Inc., Harms was honored for work he has done in his hometown of Hoisington. Harms purchased and remodeled five buildings along Main Street in Hoisington. The buildings were returned to their original uses as stores, offices and apartments. While providing improvements necessary to the comfort of the occupants, the buildings were restored as closely as possible to their early 20th-century appearance.

Harms also participated in the application process that led to Hoisington being named a Kansas Main Street community in 2005. He now serves on Hoisington's Main Street board of directors, as well as on the economic restructuring committee. The Hoisington Dispatch recognized Harms as Citizen of the Year for his work in the community.

Harms received a bachelor of landscape architecture degree from K-State in 1982 and has been a consistent supporter of K-State students. Through the years, Civitas has employed more than 100 K-State students during their years of study. K-State students were involved in his Hoisington project.

James Evrard, a fifth-year senior in architecture, Cleveland, Mo., and president of the K-State chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students, said nominations for the award were solicited from faculty members. The nominations were then researched and discussed by chapter officers.

"Rod Harms was selected to receive the 2006 Community Design Award from a group of highly deserving nominees, all of whom had made a significant and positive difference in the quality of the built environment in Kansas," Evrard said.