Columbus LPOE Receives Prestigious COTE Top Ten Award from the AIA

June 17, 2020

One of the things that make the GSA’s Greater Southwest Region unique is its Land Ports of Entry, also known as Border Stations. These facilities provide controlled crossing to and from the United States and Mexico and are used by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other inspection agencies whose mission is to safeguard America’s borders. In most cases, GSA owns and operates LPOEs and when needed provides design, development and construction services to fulfill each tenant's current and long term space requirements.

In May, the American Institute of Architects took notice of GSA’s dedication and commitment to the success of the LPOE Program and included the Columbus LPOE in their 2020 COTE Top Ten Awards. The prestigious award conferred by the AIA Committee on the Environment recognizes 10 projects a year that integrate design excellence and environmental performance. GSA was among the Austin Central Library and UPCyle in Austin, Texas, and Etsy Headquarters in New York City who also received awards.

GSA completed a full expansion and renovation of the Columbus LPOE in 2019. The facility provides crossing for pedestrians, commercial goods and over 800 school children who use the LPOE daily to go to school in the United States. These projects greatly impact local communities and therefore require close coordination with both internal and external stakeholders from beginning to end. The formed partnerships and completed projects are a source of pride for the Greater Southwest Region.

The Columbus LPOE is also the recipient of the Texas Society of Architects’ 2020 Design Award and achieved Platinum LEED Certification.