Local architect Anthi Frangiadis was honored for her design of a proposed South Coast Rail multi-modal station to be built in New Bedford. Participants in the Whale's Tooth Design Competition were recognized at the New Bedford Whaling Museum on Wednesday, February 9.

Frangiadis was awarded an honorable mention for her "Iconic Treatment of New Bedford's Character" by the City of New Bedford and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for her use of historic charm in her design.

Frangiadis has been a resident of Wareham for 12 years and is the founding principal of local architectural planning firm, Archit8 Studio. She has more than 15 years experience with building design and said her connection to the project encouraged her to apply to the contest.

"I'm a strong supporter of the South Coast Rail and given my background I saw this as a good opportunity to jump in," she explained.

The multi-modal station, to be known as Whale’s Tooth, will accommodate 30,000 square feet of office and retail space, a pedestrian/bus bridge, a 800-foot train platform, a bus loading area, and a parking lot. South Coast Rail will restore passenger rail service from South Station in Boston to Fall River and New Bedford. Whale’s Tooth will be eventually be built off of Route 18 and is one of two new stations that will provide service to the city.

The competition began in November of last year after South Coast Rail Director Kristina Egan told the crowd her company's original design was jeered by the public. The contest invited local students, artists, and designers to put their signature on the project, an effort Egan touted as a success on Wednesday.

Elements from each of the eight designs submitted will be incorporated into the final structure. "All the designs were inspirational," Egan said. "We have a lot food for thought now."

Upon announcing Frangiadis' award, Steve Smith, executive director of the Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD), said Frangiadis' design "would be an iconic structure in New Bedford."

The December deadline for the competition gave Frangiadis just three weeks to research, design, and mock-up her proposal. In additional to her support for the railway, she said her design was inspired by the Quasimodo skeleton, which currently hangs in the Whaling Museum's Jacobs Family Gallery. The skeleton is the centerpiece of the station's layout in Frangiadis' schematics. The whale's spout is also an important feature.

"The multi-modal station incorporates a spout pending departure or arrival of a train. This spout becomes a part of the New Bedford operation of the site such as a storm weather infiltration system," Frangiadis' proposal stated.

Frangiadis said she was also inspired by architect Santiago Calatrava, who is known for his work on these types of projects.

Students from the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School won the contest for their design that reflected the city's historic mill buildings. Architect Damon May placed second. The remaining six applicants were each awarded honorable mentions for the standout element in their design. Submissions were judged by representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the City of New Bedford, and design professionals.

All of the designs will be on display at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, located at 18 Johnny Cake Hill in New Bedford, for the next several weeks. Frangiadis' proposal can also be viewed at www.archit8.com/issuu.php.