| Architecture
The Harvester
We worked with a collaborative team of engineers, as well as performance and stage specialists to develop the Harvester Performance Hall. Additionally, we provided historic tax credit assistance and grant writing for this space. The performance venue serves as the northern anchor of Southwestern Virginia’s Crooked Road Music Trail.
The building
The International Harvester Dealership, a franchise established by the famous industrial designer, Raymond Loewy, previously occupied this downtown Rocky Mount building.
The Room
An intimate spot for both performer and audience, The Harvester is a unique cultural experience.
The Acts
Today, the Harvester is a well-known spot for famous acts, including The Indigo Girls, Buddy Guy, Keb 'Mo', The Wailers, The Bacon Brothers.
Roland Cook Apartments
Just blocks from downtown Vinton, this abandoned 1918 school exhibited exceptional redevelopment potential. We worked with related company Old School Partners to program this building, and design and develop it as a community-building project, stabilizing the neighborhood and providing market-rate housing in this well-loved community facility.
the history
The 1915 Classical-Revival school originally accommodated all grades. In 1933, the school became an elementary school when the town constructed William Byrd High School to accommodate a rapidly growing population. Several Roanoke Valley leaders got their start right here. Wayne Newton, “Mr. Las Vegas”, rehearsed his early performances on the Roland’s stage. Several former students have returned as residents.
The character
The historic renovation restored the high ceilings and paned windows, providing views across the Roanoke Valley and drenching the rooms with sunlight.
the amenities
All apartments enjoy new amenities and green design elements. They also feature the old chalkboards, which were returned to the rooms during construction.
High Knob Tower
The U.S. Forest Service hired us to design a new fire tower to replace the original tower which previously burned down. Our new tower meets the needs of the Forest Service while serving as an area landmark. Visitors can take in a 360-degree view of the Appalachian Mountains from the top of the tower.
The height
Rising almost 50 feet from the parking lot, we provided an accessible route to the top of the tower along a sinuous ramp.
the knob
We seized the opportunity to develop an accessible trail that enhanced the visitor experience from parking the car to reaching the tower.
The tower
Along the walk, the experience changes along with the scenery, culminating at the pinnacle, from which views extend for miles into the Appalachian Mountains.