A $12 million project to bring owner-occupied living to Lawrence’s central business district won plaudits from a group of people who should know an investment-worthy project when they see one.

The Lawrence Board of Realtors presented the owner and designer of Hobbs Taylor Lofts with the group’s Architectural Enhancement Award, presented through its River City Recognition Awards program.

The presentation came during a reception Tuesday at the Lawrence Country Club, where 75 attendees applauded the project and the retail, office and residential investments it represents.

“I hope it’s a big changer and makes a big contribution downtown,” said Bo Harris, who is chief executive officer and chairman of Harris Construction Co. Inc., which is developing the building northeast of Eighth and New Hampshire streets. “I hope this brings more residences downtown, and I hope this will help spread the footprint of retail in the downtown.

“There are people touting downtown as the center of retail in Lawrence. Projects like this will have to happen to continue that.”

Harris’ 125,000-square-foot project is preparing to welcome its first residents later this month. All but five of its 32 loft-style condos have been purchased or are under contract, occupying the top three floors of the five-story project.

The second floor will provide office space for project designer Dan Sabatini Architects, plus Harris’ own offices for Harris Construction and the Lawrence offices of Lindquist & Craig Hotels & Resorts Inc.

The Hobbs Taylor Lofts, shown here northeast from the corner of Eighth and New Hampshire streets, is winner of the Lawrence Board of Realtors' annual Architectural Enhancement Award. The project includes 125,000 square feet of space: 22,000 square feet for retail at street level; 22,500 for office on the second floor; and the rest for upstairs condos.

At street level will be retail tenants, including a branch for Capital City Bank. Other space remains available, and there are “several interested tenants” checking it out, Harris said.

Sabatini said that he appreciated receiving the architectural award from the Board of Realtors. The project has been in the works for three years, and he and Harris traveled the country looking for inspiration: in Kansas City’s Crossroads District, in mixed-use areas of Denver, and warehouse and condominium projects in Chicago.

“These offer people a different living experience and lifestyle downtown,” Sabatini said.

Also recognized during the reception were Ray and Marian Wilbur, who received the group’s Humanitarian Contribution to the Community Award. The Wilburs, retired teachers who spent 40 years in the Lawrence school district, were honored for continuing to volunteer through Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Bishop Seabury Academy, Audio Reader, Meals on Wheels and other programs.