5 Minutes With The Wireworks Team
Wireworks, Awards for Excellence in Mixed-Use Development Finalist
Colin Brice, Partner, BOM Newburgh LLC and Partner, Mapos Architects DPC
Who has had the greatest influence on your career and what was the best advice he or she gave you?
There isn’t one particular person but rather a community of people that have influenced me over the years. From my peers in design school to my partners on this recent project, I have always been drawn to creatives who envision where they want to go and set out a process to get there. And most of the time this journey runs counter to the status quo. As an architect, the most influential people have been other designers and architects who get that entrepreneurial streak to start a new business outside of what’s considered “standard.” The best advice I’ve received could be summed up as, “you have met some amazing professionals over the years, from design and construction to management and finance. Put the right team together and learn from them.”
As a ULI NY Awards nominee, what makes you most proud of your project?
I am proud that a low(er) budget project in a small(er) city is being recognized. Like similar mixed-use and adaptive reuse projects in other areas, Wireworks is having a real positive impact in Newburgh, sparking regeneration within an often overlooked, but still vital, community. This was a team effort from the beginning. My partners and I worked very closely with the City, our neighbors, our consultants – as many stakeholders as possible – to develop Wireworks from an idea to a finished project (opening during a global pandemic, no less). There is no shortage of other “Newburghs” throughout New York and we’re proud to be a part of this small scale movement.
What is your favorite off the beaten path New York location or activity?
There are so many activities to enjoy living in the Hudson Valley [so] it’s hard to pick just one! However, I would have to say cycling. On a bike you can cover longer distances at a perfect pace. In one day you get to see and experience the best of the area: rolling hills, amazing food, small towns, and sculpture parks. But best of all is the people who live here making it happen every single day.