Jersey City’s own design-build firm, Dixon Projects, focusing on residential, commercial, retail and office renovations recently gained national acclaim for their versatile expertise and distinctive approach at the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) Awards ceremony on August 11.
Dixon Projects, known for residential, commercial, office and retail projects with offices in both Jersey City’s and New York City’s Financial Districts, scooped 12 awards at the 2017 AIBD Awards ceremony—the industry’s most-prestigious awards gathering.
The AIBD Award winners were chosen from over 140 projects submitted by 35 design firms across 17 states. At this year’s ceremony, Dixon Projects came out on top as the country’s most awarded firm, including the Global Choice award for a must-see roof deck experience at a home in Jersey City Heights.
AIBD Executive Director, Steve Mickley, tipped his hat to Dixon Projects’ success at the ceremony sharing how the team had pushed the limits and, ultimately, raised the bar for design firms across the country. Dixon COO, David Orr, shared his gratitude to AIBD and his talented team saying, “These awards are fantastic recognition of the excellent work of each and every department at Dixon Projects. We’re honored to have taken home 12 awards in this prestigious industry gathering and look forward to upcoming endeavors.”
Dixon Projects entered Hudson County in 2011, initially as an investor and private construction firm. They quickly developed a reputation for providing beautiful townhomes for rent, and most recently have shown off their talent completing a wide array of projects for private clients. In Orr’s view, it’s the end-to-end service that sets Dixon apart, “From planning and approvals, to architecture, interior design and construction, we offer a comprehensive service for residential, commercial and retail clients.”
Dixon Projects has completed over 800 projects throughout Hudson & Essex Counties, Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, and has taken home awards from a broad range of stunning projects. From an industrial Hoboken gem with a striking all-black façade and glass elevator, to a modern Harlem showplace with stately 19th century touches and a cellar spa experience, see which Dixon Projects renovations took home the gold.
With unique features that include a ground-to-roof elevator, home theater and a one-of-a-kind roof deck experience, it’s no surprise the indoor-outdoor oasis on Ogden Avenue in Jersey City Heights scooped up three different awards. Most impressively, this home earned the Global Choice Award, the standout award of the year voted on by the general public.
Executive Director of Project Management, Scott Cohen, shares, “It’s always amazing to stand in a space or in some cases on a space with a talented group of individuals with a vision of what it can look like and have that vision brought to life through the extraordinary efforts of a great design and construction team. To be recognized in such an awesome way by not only a great organization (AIBD), but by voters nationwide is truly an honor.”
To bring this home to life, the team created a remarkable roof deck complete with a 10’x12’ stainless steel pool/hot tub, billion-dollar views of the Manhattan skyline and plenty of space for entertaining. This roof deck went on to win two more awards at the AIBD ceremony, including Best Renovation and the Outdoor Living Award. Although completing the roof deck was no easy task, this massive feat paid off for the Dixon Projects team, resulting in a gorgeous oasis flanked by unbeatable city views.
Next, we travel to a Hoboken home on Willow Avenue. Full of industrial elements and raw materials, this property was up against post-Sandy citywide ordinances that affected all new construction. Aside from a 16-foot rear extension and three new balconies, the team cleverly chose to add a rooftop deck which doubles as a green space to alleviate the city’s concerns about storm water retention. Aesthetically, the rooftop deck functions as a tranquil hideaway with environmental benefits and views of the Empire State Building.
Inside the parlor level, the team fashioned an ingenious center light well, complete with a skylight. This breathtaking focal point is complemented by a nearby glass and steel elevator – a rare convenience in Hoboken townhomes – that spans from parlor level to roof. Surrounded by a glass-wrapped staircase, this elevator creates a work of art across every floor of the home; the exact work of art that earned this home two awards, including Best Renovation and the Design Detail Award.
A rundown four-story church and three-story parsonage in Downtown Jersey City’s Historic Van Vorst Park District on Mercer Street was awarded the Conceptual Design Award, which showcases projects in the idea or proposal stage. After suffering a fire in 2007, the church sought to repair this charred building, but ultimately became bankrupt. Well known for historically accurate renovations, the Dixon Projects team quickly recognized the opportunity to redevelop the two buildings into luxury rental properties and return them to a state of grandeur.
In terms of the renovation’s projected course, Lead Project Manager, Gabriele Felici, explains, “Converting their existing usage into a luxury apartment complex is both exciting and stressful. There’s a litany of constructability and feasibility analyses to perform before even a single hammer has swung.” He continues, “Having said that, there isn’t a doubt in my mind that we will knock this one straight out of the park – Van Vorst Park specifically – and restore another spectacular building in Historic Jersey City.”
Across the Hudson River in Manhattan’s historic Harlem neighborhood, Dixon Projects’ ultra-modern mansion on 5th Avenue was also jointly awarded Best Renovation, along with the Indoor Living Award for the home’s stunning cellar space. Once uninhabitable, the cellar space now gives residents a spa-like experience. Originally described by Dixon Creative Director, Steffen Ringelmann, as, “A cold, dark, damp cellar where people kept mechanical equipment and not much else,” this below-ground level is now a premier swim/spa/steam/sauna oasis.
Additionally, this cellar space was also awarded the Design Detail Award for its unique and innovative touches, including a Hayward SwimJet saltwater pool and adjoining hot tub that allows for both lap swimming and deep-soaking relaxation. A gorgeous cedar sauna and a spacious steam room flank an oversized cool-off shower/changing room, and the convenient wet bar boasts dishwasher drawers and a beverage center.
Travel east to Cobble Hill, Brooklyn to find Kane Street, a corner lot property with a storied past as a butcher shop and antiques store before being renovated by Dixon Projects. Now a modern, industrial townhome with a poured concrete chimney and one-of-a-kind oversized wine room, Kane Street earned the Renovation Award, Indoor Living Award and Design Detail Award.
As one of the fastest growing design-build firms in New York, Dixon Projects’ success at this year’s AIBD awards is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and tackling tough projects. With the bar officially raised, it will be fascinating to see what the team designs next.
Planning a renovation? Dixon Projects does it all from quick kitchen remodels to full-gut brownstone renovations and everything in between. Contact Dixon Projects today for your free consultation.
