The 2011 Better Models for Development Awards were presented on May 25th at Court Square Theater in downtown Harrisonburg. VCC recognized 12 projects from throughout the region as examples of how to grow in ways that respect local character, create livable communities, complement historic resources, and conserve natural assets. The Awards were part of a full afternoon Better Development Symposium for planners, developers, locality staff, and interested citizens. View materials from the Symposium here.
“We seek to honor projects that show successful innovation right here in our backyard,” said Sara Hollberg, author of VCC’s book, Better Models for Development in the Shenandoah Valley 2010.“Each developer and each community has choices they can make that will help keep the Valley a unique, beautiful, and vibrant place even as we continue to grow and prosper. These projects and many like them demonstrate these better ways to develop.”
Award winners are from across the region, north to south, from Berryville, Boyce, Buena Vista, Luray, Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, Greenville, Lexington, Daleville, Eagle Rock, and Botetourt County.
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Fire House Gallery and Shop (Berryville, Virginia)
“Outstanding Adaptive Reuse” Visit the Gallery
Town of Berryville and Berryville Main Street
The Fire House Gallery and Shop, a new beacon of cultural activity in downtown Berryville, showcases the best of the community on many levels. A strong partnership among local governments, Berryville Main Street (BMS), citizens, and the arts community made the design and renovation possible. The resulting gallery draws tourists and residents alike to celebrate local arts of all kinds. In 2010, the Fire House Gallery was named one of the “25 Treasures of Main Street” by the Virginia Main Street program.
The project began in 2009, when the town transferred its former town hall to BMS to design, renovate, and inhabit. The 1930s building served its first few decades as the first fire hall. The clever and respectful redesign used the wide door bays were for expansive shop windows for the gallery. The town and Clarke County helped fund renovations and BMS raised the rest in donations and in-kind gifts. The gallery hosts events and demonstrations, sells products such as items from the Clarke County Historical Society and the Barns of Rose Hill Cultural Arts Center, and will soon start a community arts education series. The building also houses BMS and the partners are exploring using upstairs space as a small business incubator. The Gallery has created three jobs and helps support local artists of all kinds and local firms, starting with Main Street Architecture of Berryville, were used in the design and construction.
Low Impact Traditional Neighborhoods (Boyce, Virginia)
“Excellence in Community Design”
Town of Boyce and Boyce Crossing, Meadow View, and Roseville Downs Subdivisions
Sparked by a sewer system in the Town of Boyce and the addition of a “cluster” option to its zoning ordinance, a trio of subdivisions came forward using the new standards, resulting in a 38% increase in population in this growth area. The policy changes encourage a traditional connected street network, small clustered lots (7,500 to 10,000 square feet) with common open space, and small setbacks to encourage a community feel. The Town also set objectives for stormwater management and other environmental features. The developers in turn created attractive traditionally designed neighborhoods with sidewalks, pedestrian connections and significant environmental features.
Boyce Crossing (above right) is noteworthy for the 4-acre grove of mature oak trees at its entrance. A park for residents has been completed and a future section will use an alleyway to reduce the impact of cars on the streetscape. The project was begun by Richie Wilkins and completed by OakCrest developers, with engineering by Ron Mislowsky.
Meadow View adds 41 lots in a textbook example of a neotraditional street, parcel, and house arrangement with a centrally located village green. A large rain garden also serves as an attractive feature for the entire community. Developer was Bryan Brooks, with Richmond American the builder and KDL group the engineer.
The Roseville Downs subdivision also exhibits a fine example of neotraditonal parcel and house arrangement. It also includes extensive areas of common open space as well as low impact development techniques with a combination of rain garden elements. Roseville Downs was developed by Eric Myer, built by K Hovranian, and engineered by Jon Erickson.
Luray Train Depot (Luray, Virginia)
“Best Historic Preservation Project”
Town of Luray Visit the Train Depot
The rehabilitation of the historic Luray Train Depot caps a 10-year effort by motivated local officials and citizens. The depot had sat vacant since the 1950s until a group of citizens approached the town in 1999 about saving the marquee community asset. The Town put together a committee of stakeholders, which led to a successful application for funding through the Transportation Equity Act (TEA-21). Unflagging community participation — fund raising, promotion, and donations of materials, labor, and expertise – was a great part of the project’s success, especially the help of the Luray Train Club. The five-phase project, completed in 2009, restored the Depot’s interior and exterior and provided for enhanced parking and landscaped areas. Today the beautifully restored Luray Train Depot serves as administrative offices for the Page/Luray Chamber of Commerce and is home to a local railroad museum. The site was also very well done. The depot is connected to the Town’s greenway and its bicycle and walking paths; it incorporates a concealed on-site stormwater retention system using a permeable brick paver system (no storm water leaves the site); and the plaza provides a public gathering space and is fitted for performances. FPW Architects provided architectural
services for the project.
Wetsel Complex Rehabilitation(Harrisonburg, Virgin
ia)
“Downtown Impact Award”
The Baker Family Visit Union Station restaurant
Built in 1935 by Nielsen Construction Company, the Wetsel Seed Building housed various operations of the seed company including offices, mixing facility, warehouse, and garden center. The company located out of downtown in 2006, leaving a key building vacant.
New owners Marvin and Robin Baker have rehabilitated the structure into a mixed-use space including office, retail, and a restaurant. The new Wetsel Complex pays full homage to its roots, including keeping the Wetsel sign on the building, retaining historic features, and weaving historic displays into the restaurant décor. Displays feature history and photographs of buildings that used to stand in the downtown area. One of those was Union Station, cleared in the 1950s for the seed company parking lot and now remembered by the restaurant by that name on the first floor. The rehab has attracted other strong tenants. The upper floor serves as offices for Rosetta Stone employees while two new retail businesses have opened on the first floor. Together the restaurant, offices and stores house close to 100 employees. The combination of mixed uses within the single structure strengthens each other and the surrounding community. This puts this block squarely back in the positive column again for downtown vibrancy.
Coyner Springs Water Treatment Plant (Waynesboro, Virginia.)
“Best Public Building Design“
City of Waynesboro Visit Coyner Springs Park
Coyner Springs holds a special place in the hearts of many in the Waynesboro area. Its historic rock-lined water channelsand picnic shelters have been a favored recreation spot for generations.
Shelter at Coyner Springs Park
The challenge of creating a new water treatment facility at this site was taken as an opportunity to respect local character in new construction and to demonstrate that infrastructure projects can be both functional and very attractive.
The City of Waynesboro designed a building that fits the Coyner Springs’park setting. The design team embraced a barn style and natural materials that complement the beauty of the area and local architectural traditions.
The project was directed by the Department of Public Works with architectural design by FPW Architects, construction by Anderson Construction, and engineering by Draper Aden.
Churchville Avenue Rehabilitation Project (Staunton, Virginia)
“Excellence in Street Design”
City of Staunton Visit Staunton
When Churchville Avenue, the narrow thoroughfare connecting downtown Staunton to the park and parts west, was widened for several blocks to add turn lanes, the city also designed the strip to be beautiful and pedestrian friendly. Two landmarks, the Staunton Public Library and the Old Lee High School, now are connected by a lovely boulevard with brick crosswalks and sidewalks, street trees, and specially designed street lights. Shade trees were planted on the length adjacent to Peyton Creek while understory spring flowering trees were planted in front of the former school.
The pedestrian experience is much improved, with sidewalks restored on the north side and the change in materials on the crosswalks heightening driver awareness. This increasingly traveled pedestrian corridor extends out of downtown to key destinations. It also is largely residential, so the city specified full-cutoff light fixtures with lower intensity and even light distribution. The difference is striking at night. Staunton laid out strong pedestrian, aesthetic, and environmental goals, with input from local groups such as Historic Staunton Foundation and the Staunton Downtown Development Association and ongoing coordination among the city’s public works, engineering, horticultural, and planning staffs. VDOT’s Staunton Region Design Unit responded to the challenge. Contractors included Fielder’s Choice Enterprises and AMT Engineering.
Greenville Mini-Mall Bioretention Project (Greenville, Virginia)
“Best Environmental Site Design”
County of Augusta, Gary and Linda Scrogham, with recognition of many partners
Through the efforts of a broad array of partners, an ugly, non-functioning stormwater retention basin at the Greenville Mini-mall has been revamped into an attractive and successful bioretention basin featuring a variety of native plants. When property owners Gary and Linda Scrogham asked for help with drainage issues, their local county supervisor Nancy Sorrells saw the opportunity to use forward-thinking low impact development techniques. The new “rain garden” has not only solved the drainage problems but also made a striking visual improvement at a prominent location in the community.
A cast of helpful professionals and citizens donated time, expertise, and plants. Students from Riverheads High School participated in the project, learning to pot and plant the plants and the reasons behind the redesign. Technical expertise was important. Doug Coleman of the Wintergreen Nature Foundation helped choose the species and educate the students. Local firm Turfco oversaw the specialized soil mixture and the planting. Volunteers from the Virginia Native Plant Society located and donated native plants and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation helped with funding and advising on the project. The owners gracefully accepted the expanded project, with the challenges of design innovations and extra partners, including hosting student groups. The county too moved a long way, from requiring a waiver for rain gardens at the beginning of the project, to rewriting its ordinances to not only allow but encourage bioretention as a method for managing stormwater.
Downtown Lexington Rehabilitation Projects (Lexington, Virginia)
“Renaissance Award” Visit Downtown Lexington
Four recent projects: Sheridan Building, First National Bank Building, Historic County Courthouse, and Troubadour Theater Building
Four recently rehabilitated buildings on Lexington’s Main Street together are being honored in an award recognizing the positive effects and momentum they bring to the downtown. These private investments resulted in adaptive reuses that respect the historic character and contribute residents, businesses, and civic uses.
The old Rockbridge County Courthouse (above right), owned by John Adamson, has found new life as rental office space for Washington and Lee University with a fully equipped meeting room available for use for free by community groups. Perhaps the most dramatic change 
was to the building across the square.
The First National Bank Building (right) now sparkles as the home of Hess Jewelers, transformed by Matt Gianniny and Bruce Schweizer.
Sallie and John Sebrell’s rehabilitation of ‘Sheridan Row’ (left), restores the final two sections of the Sheridan Building, one dating to 1789 and one pre-Civil War. They put four retail spaces on the first floor, two condominiums on the second floor, and one condominium on the third floor.
The Troubadour Theater building (right) was rehabilitated by Everett Gilbert and Wayne Heslep and now contains a salon and day spa, with residential above.
Community Bank Building (Buena Vista, Virginia)
“Outstanding Rehabilitation Project”
Community Bank Visit the Bank
The rehabilitation of a commercial building across from city hall in Buena Vista offers an especially dramatic “makeover.” When Community Bank, based in Staunton, transformed the original 1907 Peoples Bank building on West 21st Street into a 21st-century banking facility, it did so in a way that not only restored its beauty and function, but also paved the way for additional improvements throughout the area. The two-story commercial building was built in classical design with arched openings and tripartite windows and cornices at each level, but it had been greatly modified in the 1970s and damaged by flooding in the mid1980s. Community Bank hired Frazier Associates to restore the façade to its original look and used local craftsmen and specialty materials suppliers to reconstruct missing elements on the building. In addition, the bank provided strong leadership and financial assistance to complete the application to make downtown Buena Vista a state and national historic district.This designation allows the use of rehabilitation tax credits for contributing historic buildings and thus should encourage further activity. Consultants for the project were Frazier Associates (architecture and historic preservation), Michael Curry and Associates (structural engineering), Perkins and Orrison (civil engineering), and Bob Seaman (general contractor).
Bank of Fincastle Restoration and Addition (Daleville, Virginia)
“Excellence in Compatible Construction Design”
Bank of Fincastle Visit the Bank
The attractive pair of limestone buildings on Roanoke Road in Daleville exemplifies the best of historic preservation and compatible new development. The community can thank the Bank of Fincastle for restoring a historic building in a very visible location on Route 220 and designing a new building to be its perfect complement. The result is an investment in commerce but also in local character and history. The brick and limestone Gish/Nininger house was built by the Gish family in the early 1800s and later passed to Benjamin Nininger, a successful orchardist and a founder of Daleville College.
When the current owners, the Bank of Fincastle, found the building had termites, it still decided to restore it to its historic glory. It also added a new building perpendicular to it that adds to rather than detracts from the historic building. Traditional materials and architectural features and a connecting walk help integrate the two buildings. Parking was configured to avoid cluttering the view from the front. Architect Anthony Veloso designed the new stone building with Steven Spickard the project manager. Gluth Construction was the contractor for the rehabilitated building. Both are rented to tenants.
ReMax Realtors occupies the historic building while the John Alderson Agency has its offices in the new building.
“Our goal was to continue the integrity and structure of the old building. We wanted them to look like they had been there together for many years”–Bank of Fincastle.
Eagle Rock Library (Eagle Rock, Virginia)
“Best Small Town Building”
Botetourt County
The tiny community of Eagle Rock now has a wonderful new community building. The Eagle Rock Library means much in terms of adding access to meeting space, internet access, computer use and instruction, and educational and entertainment activities for all age groups. The structure respects the local character, blending in with the rural nature of the setting. Its clerestory windows use natural light and the Hardie Board exterior on a rock base reflect the heritage of Eagle Rock as a mining and quarrying community. The project was situated to be unobtrusive and to accent the majestic beauty of the mountains behind it. Lights in the parking lot use a ‘dark sky’ design and are used on a limited time to reduce light pollution. No longer to residents have to drive 20 or 30 minutes to such library resources. The library also is located directly across from the elementary school, allowing students a place to go directly from school without driving. Various county departments as well as the library board of trustees carried out the project. The architect was Glenn Reynolds and the contractor was Price Buildings.
Upper James River Water Trail (Botetourt County)
“Outstanding Conservation and Economic Development Project”
Botetourt County
Botetourt County developed the Upper James River Water Trail to encourage residents and visitors to expeience the beauty and history of one of the country’s greatest natural treasures. A key objective is to protect the natural beauty and character of the river for generations to come by working in partnership with landowners, businesses, state agencies, and citizens to promote a sustainable recreation experience. 
The water trail has six public access points along this 45 mile stretch of the James River, 14 miles of which is designated a Virginia Scenic River. From these points, users can put in small boats, canoes, and kayaks or float or fish, with beautiful views of the Alleghany and Blue Ridge Mountains, farm land, and wildlife. The project focused on increasing access to the river while also preserving its natural state. Website, brochure, and the signs at each access point help visitors learn more about the ecological importance of the watershed. For example the sign at the Town of Buchanan describes the endangered? James River Spiny-Mussel. The towns also can tap into the economic opportunities from recreation. The campaign also encourages local residents to see and use the outstanding recreational options close to home. The project is managed by the Botetourt County Office of Tourism.
This year VCC recognized 13 projects from throughout the region as examples of how to grow in ways that respect local character, create livable communities, complement historic resources, and conserve natural assets. Award winners were from Berryville, Boyce, Luray, Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, Greenville, Lexington, Daleville, Eagle Rock, and Botetourt County.
