The North Central Animal Care Center, more commonly known in these parts as "Lacy Street" has won several prizes for an addition designed by the architecture firm of Elysian Valley/Echo Park resident Tracy Stone (who is a friend of mine). The shelter now has a new one -- the American Institute of Architects, Architectural Foundation of Los Angeles' Design Green award. Chicken Corner is pleased as punch that a design that provides an airier, healthier environment for the animals is simultaneously a better shade of green.

According to the L.A. Department of Animal Services press release:

Los Angeles Animal Services' North Central Animal Care Center was recognized by the American Institute of Architects, Architectural Foundation of Los Angeles with a Design Green award. The Design Green award is a competition to honor projects that integrate exceptional design with new high performance standards for sustainability, LEED certified for their effectiveness while redefining architecture. The City's North Central Animal Care Center which is a certified LEED gold building, has also received:

American Institute of Architects Design Award; "Best Green Building" award by California Construction Publications for McGraw Hill Companies; "Community Impact Award" from the Los Angeles Business Council; and "Exceptional Achievement Award" from the Southern California Development Forum.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa offered his congratulations: "The North Central Animal Care Center has been one of the City's premiere examples of sustainable design," he said. "I congratulate the Department of Animal Services, the Bureau of Engineering and the design team of Barton Choy and Tracy Stone for their multiple award-winning accomplishments."

After the jump, a Chicken Corner micro-interview with Tracy Stone: