Clinch River Valley Regional Visitor Center Conceptual Design

St. Paul is a small but vibrant town in southwestern Virginia with a rich history. Situated along the Clinch River and holding land in both Russell and Wise Counties, it is strategically located and poised to serve as a gateway to the region’s natural assets. The Clinch River is internationally renowned for its biological diversity and is a regional asset. Thus, the Clinch River and other complimentary assets (existing trail systems, Wetlands Estonoa, etc.) are a primary focus for a new creative economy dealing with tourism.

To enrich the new plan for economic development and to communicate the ecological and tourism potential of Southwest Virginia, the region’s advocates are exploring the concept of an entry gateway. This gateway would serve four counties and the City of Norton and act as a regional visitor center.

The Town and Russell County received permission from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to develop an entry gateway along US 58 on a piece of property bound by US 58, St. Paul Road, and County Road 640 (Frosty Road) and recently conveyed the site to Russell County. Elements envisioned for the space include a LEED certified regional visitor center that highlights the four counties along the Clinch River in Southwest Virginia, enhanced plantings, signage, parking, an informational kiosk, and possibly a small covered shelter. Vehicular entry to the site will be provided from County Road 640. The site and structure would highlight and respond to the Clinch River, offering views to the nearby river as well as educational and recreational information about the Clinch.The Town and Russell County received permission from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to develop an entry gateway along US 58 on a piece of property bound by US 58, St. Paul Road, and County Road 640 (Frosty Road) and recently conveyed the site to Russell County. Elements envisioned for the space include a LEED certified regional visitor center that highlights the four counties along the Clinch River in Southwest Virginia, enhanced plantings, signage, parking, an informational kiosk, and possibly a small covered shelter. Vehicular entry to the site will be provided from County Road 640. The site and structure would highlight and respond to the Clinch River, offering views to the nearby river as well as educational and recreational information about the Clinch.

Funding for this project has been provided by a USDA Forest Service (Region 8) Competitive Grant through the Southern Group of State Foresters in partnership with the Virginia Department of Forestry. In the spirit of this partnership, the project will build awareness of regional forestry-related industries through the thoughtful design, specification and implementation of landscape architecture material, architectural material and construction practices. The Community Design Assistance Center (CDAC) was asked to assist the Town of St. Paul and St. Paul Tomorrow, Inc. with a conceptual master plan for this entry gateway. CDAC worked with St. Paul Tomorrow, Inc., Town Council, VDOT, and the local community to refine the program and develop a concept for the visitor center. This report is a compilation of these design concepts.