This first-of-its-kind project allows researchers from around the world to study the feasibility of using molten nitrate salt in electricity generation.

Built in 1968, this Albuquerque church needed an upgrade to accommodate a fast-growing parish while staying true to its Southwest mission church aesthetic.

The historic renovation of this 1937 Military Gothic-style building was accomplished in phases over a period of several years as funding became available; eventually it was transformed into a lush, modern performance venue for the city of Roswell, N.M.

This 65-unit, affordable-housing building located next to a light rail line was designed to create a sense of place for its working-family residents while helping to revitalize downtown Phoenix.

This design-build project team delivered 30 miles of HOV lanes, widened five bridges and reconstructed eight on- and off-ramps in just 274 days, a full 13 months faster than the original schedule dictated.

Named for a pioneer of senior services in Phoenix, the $4-million Helen Drake Senior Center, sited in a residential enclave, is the result of a city initiative to provide residents with a safety net of community services, including programs to prevent homelessness.

Meaning 'Tree of Life' in Spanish, Árbol de la Vida is a fitting name for the LEED-Platinum home of the Honors College and its 719 freshmen at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

Occupying a former hotel, the Rescue Project's Phoenix Dream Center—offering safe refuge and specialized assistance to victims of human trafficking—was in desperate need of repair.

Manufacturing mirrored-glass reflectors to be used in solar powerplants, this $15-million, 160,000-sq-ft facility also serves as the U.S. headquarters for the Spanish firm RioGlass.

Rust Medical Center, Rio Rancho, N.M. Photo courtesy McCarthy Building Cos. The facility includes a five-story patient tower, two-story diagnostic building, emergency department and a women's center. Related Links: Best Projects 2012 Main Page Best Health Care Project: New Facility Treats Mental Health Patients With Dignity Originally put on hold due to the recession, Rust Medical Center restarted with an aggressive 21-month, fast-track schedule and a reduced $106.4-million budget. Serving a fast-growing Albuquerque suburb, this facility includes a five-story patient tower, two-story diagnostic building, emergency department and a women's center. More than an acre of glass provides a bright, cheery