June 4, 2003. Austin, Texas. -- T he Austin Commercial Real Estate Society (ACRES) will present their prestigious ACRES 2002 Public Sector Award of Excellence to the new Palmer Events Center today at a 6:00 pm ceremony at the Mansion at Judges Hill, located at 1900 Rio Grande. The PEC is Austin's new 131,000 square-foot multiuse events center that opened in June, 2002. It is a City of Austin facility that is managed by the Austin Convention Center Department.

Described as a “pavilion in the park,” the PEC is situated alongside Town Lake and features 70,000 square feet of exhibit space, second level meeting rooms that offer some of the best views of downtown Austin, and a 1,200-car parking garage.

This award is presented annually to the business that through the design, construction or use of commercial real estate, has made the most conscientious contribution to the quality o f urban living for Austinites. Awards are given for projects in both the public and private sector.

The Palmer Events Center attracts a variety of events for Austinites to attend. Popular consumer shows include the Junior League's Christmas Affair, the Austin Book and Paper Show, City-Wide Garage Sales, the Custom Car & Hot Rod Show, the Austin Doll and Toy Show, food shows, cat shows, bridal shows, book fairs, and Christmas bazaars. Other events include the Austin Symphony's annual Jewel Ball, concerts, charity events, business trade shows, banquets, receptions, conferences, school science festivals, and public dances.

ACRES began presenting the Excellence Awards in 1991 in order to call attention to Au stin development projects that greatly enhance the quality of life in the community. The judging criteria ranks the award nominations on their economic, physical, environmental, social, cultural and educational impact in the Austin area.

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