2019 BLEND & EcoBLEND submissions are CLOSED!

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The submission deadline for 2010 BLEND was August 9, 2019 - for both Minneapolis & St. Paul!

There is no project too small nor too big to BLEND!  Whether it’s an addition, new construction, new/redone outbuilding, landscape project, exterior facelift, or something else  – residential or commercial – any project (regardless of cost) can BLEND!
BLEND & EcoBLEND

Online submission form (not active link b/c submissions are closed.)

PRINTABLE 2019 Entry Form and Guide
(for planning & prep only)

BLEND Design Guidelines
​Submissions (closed.  Info provided as resource only)

We are issuing a call for submissions for the 2019 BLEND AWARD, which recognizes builders, architects and designers whose projects respect existing neighborhood design aesthetics. Eligible projects include new buildings and remodels, renovation or additions to existing buildings, and landscape projects that have been completed since July 1, 2014; projects must be located within the boundaries of the city of Minneapolis. A jury of professionals will select projects to be awarded.  ALL SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE August 9, 2019 by 5 pm.  

We encourage all BLEND submitters to complete the EcoBLEND questionnaire as part of their BLEND submission and to be considered for an EcoBLEND Badge!  The EcoBLEND Badge is intended to honor projects that not only represent good neighborhood design, but also go above & beyond building code and general expectations regarding the overall environmental 'footprint' of the project.  

BLEND Award & EcoBLEND Badge recipients will be announced at the ceremony.  Join our email list to get updates from us on this year's BLEND & EcoBLEND Awards submission process and Awards Ceremony.

2019 BLEND/EcoBLEND Eligibility & Submission Process

Please read carefully before submitting.  
​All items are to be submitted electronically, with the exception of the design board and submission fee.  

2019 Eligibility
  • The property must be located within the boundaries of Minneapolis or St. Paul.
  • Construction must have been completed since July 1, 2014.
  • All structures on property must comply with appropriate City codes.
  • While not a prerequisite for eligibility, submissions that comply with the spirit of the BLEND Design Guidelines will be given preference in selection. 
  • Both commercial and residential projects are eligible and there is no limit to the number of projects an individual or firm submits as long as they are for different properties

Categories:  There are two primary categories — Remodel/Addition, New Construction, with an opportunity to indicate landscape, outbuilding/ancillary structure, and/or exterior/façade.  There is also a special designation for small projects (under $150,000 total cost).​

Fee:  $100.00 registration fee per entry. Please make checks payable to:  Minneapolis Climate Action.  (This entry fee includes 1 framed award certificate and up to 2 unframed certificates for winning submissions.)

EcoBLEND Badge
  • There is no additional fee for consideration for an EcoBLEND Badge, however a project must first be awarded a BLEND Award in order to be considered for an EcoBLEND Badge. 
  • Any BLEND-submitted project may request consideration for an EcoBLEND Badge.
  • Receiving an EcoBLEND Badge will be a consideration for “Best in Show” Award, but is not a requirement.
​SUBMISSION STEPS
1.) Online Submission Form.  Complete online submission form, which includes project name, and contact information for submitter, architect, builder, and property owner.  Click HERE for online submission form (requires creating an account).

The online submission form requires uploading digital files for (1) the display board (PDF <10 MB), and (2) at least 1 and up to 2 additional photos (JPEG, <5 MB ea).  Click here for a sample submission form.  This submission form is for preparation purposes only.  THE SUBMISSION FORM MUST BE COMPLETED ONLINE.  If you encounter problems with the online submission form, please contact jim@blendaward.org.
 
If your project is to be considered for an EcoBLEND Badge, fully complete the online EcoBLEND Questionnaire, to which you will be automatically directed through the online BLEND submission form.  The questions on the online questionnaire are included here, to assist in preparation.
 
Please note: Identification of the applicant on the display board or project description may disqualify the entry.
 
2.) Display Board.  Create one 22½” x 22½” x ¼” display board.  Submitters are encouraged to use recyclable 1/4" honeycomb cardboard, if available, although 1/4" foam core will be accepted.  Please review carefully display board requirements and guidelines (see below) before printing your board!  Failure to include required elements will negatively impact your project. 

3.)  Submission fee.  Include a $100 check for submission fee, made payable to Minneapolis Climate Action (our fiscal agent).  Attach the check to the back of the display board, along with email confirmation of online submission.  (If you are submitting multiple projects, you may combine the $100 per property submission fee on one check.)

Display board and submission fee must be delivered to the BLEND drop-off location.

Drop-off location: 2916 47th Street West, Minneapolis, between 2:00 and 5:00 pm on August 9, 2019

DISPLAY BOARD GUIDELINES
Please review carefully display board requirements and guidelines (see below) before printing your board!  Include project title on display board, which must match the project title used in electronic submission.  Submitters are encouraged to use recyclable 1/4" honeycomb cardboard, if available, although 1/4" foam core will be accepted.  ​Failure to include required elements will negatively impact your project.  ​