Calamar, one of Western New York's largest development and construction organizations, has been awarded the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) 2011 Upstate New York chapter award in the mixed-use category.  The award was presented for Calamar's construction of the Tuscarora Indian Nation House located in Lewiston, NY.

NAIOP is a national association with over 9,000 members and an extensive network of 46 chapters that represents the interests of developers and owners of office, industrial and related real estate throughout North America.

The Tuscarora Nation House is a 36,000 S.F. mixed-use facility and represents the largest, one-of-a-kind building of its size on a Tuscarora nation since 1921.  An 18,000 S.F. medical center is the primary use to service Nation residents and includes fields in dentistry, general healthcare and community health workers.  A spacious 10,000 S.F. community center accommodates large gatherings with a full service kitchen.  The area also offers a resource center with library, computer stations and education resources for children.  A senior citizen center and Nation offices make up the remainder of the building.

Handsome features include a wood frame structure and thick timber beams throughout.  The entrance immediately welcomes you and displays the rich Tuscarora Nation history.  A member of the Iroquois Nations, symbolism abounds with the turtle depicting Mother Earth.  The windows, flooring, reception stations and many other elements throughout, embrace Wampum Belts - a Tuscarora Indian symbol of beads that are authentic to the Tuscarora Tribe that tell a story.  Other emblems and symbols are evident as you travel the building.

"We are delighted to be a recipient of such a high honor", Calamar Chairman & C.E.O. Kenneth Franasiak said.  "We are extremely pleased to be recognized for this project by our peers and by such a prestigious organization as NAIOP".

Tom Weeks, Executive Vice President of Calamar Construction added, "This has been a tremendous job to be involved with and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to work on such a signature project that embodies such a rich heritage into the structure.  We are also grateful to be recognized by NAIOP in such high regard".

An awards dinner was held at Salvatore's Italian Restaurant in Depew on November 10th for all the award recipients.