Spectrum Design has been awarded the contract for the design of the Artisan Center of Southwest Virginia in Abingdon, Va. The firm was chosen by ‘Round the Mountain, a nonprofit organization that supports artisans in Southwest Virginia.

Located on an 8-acre site on the campus of Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) in Washington County, the center will overlook Interstate 81 and Abingdon, providing a scenic view of Whitetop Mountain.

Inside the approximate 40,000-square-foot center, visitors will browse galleries of local artisans, giving them a sample of the area’s trades. The goal of the center will be to encourage the region’s 200,000 tourists to visit the artisans’ studios and their communities, said David Bandy, AIA, Spectrum vice president and director of design.

The land for the site was donated by Virginia Highlands Community College. Funding is being provided by Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Washington County and the Town of Abingdon. Spectrum Design officials anticipate construction will begin next year.