central core. This fenestration allows
natural light into the exhibit areas as well as the community
room and administrative space. The window and clearstory
openings along the wings blend both contemporary and rustic
features while the cathedral curtain wall with exposed steel
structure is more contemporary in design and installation. The
siding is a maintenance free, cementitious board that
replicates clapboard siding and was selected to complement the
rustic and rural fabric of the county. Long covered porches
with rocking chairs provide comfort for visitors while adding
to the desired rustic sense of the facility. Picnic tables on
an aggregate patio along with fieldstone walls further
strengthen an inviting atmosphere. The roof is comprised of
shadow casting asphalt shingles and the roof ridge is capped
with a skylight cupola dressed in copper. The building is
symmetrical and balanced with its sightline axis tied to the National
D-Day Memorial and nearby mountains.
Interior finishes incorporate stamped
concrete flooring in a stone pattern for public spaces while
carpet was provided in administrative spaces, glass divider
walls provide accent to the gift shop, and painted wallboard
was utilized along the perimeter and within offices. The
exposed structure in the cathedral core exudes spaciousness
with pendant-mounted lighting accenting the interior space
while acoustical fabrics and high-pressure laminates complete
the desired interior aesthetics.
AWARD WINNER
The Bedford Welcome Center is a huge
success for everyone involved. The Bedford Department of Tourism
knew what they wanted and proved to be an excellent team member
during the design
process. The city and county worked
together sharing costs and were actively involved throughout
the decision making process. This cooperation helped streamline
the design process.
The Bedford Welcome Center was one of
eight projects selected to win the 2004 America’s Crown
Community Award. In December, Bedford received their award at
the National League of Cities Annual Convention.
Tourism has steadily been increasing in
Bedford County. With their new welcome center, Bedford now has the
space and flexibility to showcase what Bedford and Central
Virginia have to offer. One day, perhaps not too far into the
future, the center will be a destination point in itself. It
certainly is a unique facility—possibly a prototype for
future welcome centers.
Bill Rolfe recently became the Orange
County Administrator, but before his departure he was quoted in
Bedford County News with, “The combining of our resources
has allowed us to provide a flagship organization and facility
for Bedford and the Commonwealth of Virginia.” Former
Bedford City Manager Craig Meadows added, “This new
facility will not only serve the traveling public, but also for
our city and county residents to use, to plan a vacation, or to
learn more about our area.”
For more information:
Ronald D. Driskill, AIA
VP, Wiley & Wilson
2310 Langhorne Rd.
Lynchburg, VA 24501
