A Columbus, Ohio, architectural firm has won two awards for its design of the West Virginia University Student Recreation Center.

Moody/Nolan Inc. captured a Special Merit Award for Design of Interior Space from the National Organization of Minority Architects. The firm accepted the award at the 2001 NOMA International Congress&Exposition in Las Vegas. Founded in 1971, NOMA is the largest organization for minority architectural design firms in the nation with more than 600 members.

The facilitys design also landed Moody/Nolan the 2001 Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects Columbus Chapter. The award was presented recently during the 26th annual Honor Awards and Holiday Party at the Huntington Club, Ohio State University.

The Student Recreation Center opened in July on the Evansdale Campus near the Towers PRT station and within walking distance of many WVU facilities. The $34 million, 170,000-square-foot building features a climbing wall; athletic courts; a 17,000-square-foot weight/fitness area; an aquatics area; an elevated three-lane jogging/walking track; a wellness center; and three large multipurpose rooms. Students and eligible WVU employees may use the facility.

Curtis Moody, president and chief executive officer of Moody/Nolan, said,”In selecting our firm to design this important project, the university had great confidence in our ability. The university has told us how much the building has added to their campus, and the awards from our peers confirm the value of our design effort.”

Moody/Nolan,NOMAs firm of the year for 2001, is one of the largest African American architectural and engineering firms in the United States, with headquarters in Columbus. Approaching its 20th anniversary, the 127-employee firm has worked in more than 30 states and also has offices in Cincinnati and Nashville.