The historic Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, Va. is widely recognized as a tight-knight community that exists as a beautiful embodiment of all that nature has to offer. Within the borders of the Blue Ridge and Alleghenies Mountains, the valley is home to Shenandoah University, one of the oldest colleges in Virginia. As an integral partner of Winchester, Shenandoah University agreed to jointly construct a brand new facility that would serve as a Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as an educational complex for the school’s tourism curriculum.

Determined to erect a building that would fit in with the surrounding historical landscape, Shenandoah University hired architects from Bartzen & Ball to create a modern, yet rural aesthetic. The firm drew up plans for a 10,000 square-foot facility featuring rustic exterior colors and a traditional colonial build, hiring Petersen Aluminum Corp. to furnish the external metal paneling. For the exterior walls, Petersen Aluminum supplied its PAC-CLAD Snap-On Batten Wall Panels and PAC-850 Half Vent Soffits, which were then coated in Valspar’s Fluropon in Colonial Red to give the building a vivid pop of color.  Additionally, Snap-Clad Roofing Panels were coated in Valspar’s Fluropon in Weathered Zinc, providing a color combination and design to Shenandoah University History and Tourism Center that creates a classic look with a durable exterior.

Fluropon is a 70 percent PVDF architectural coating that features outstanding protection against dirt and staining as well as exceptional color consistency and retention. When applied to metal roofing systems like that of the Shenandoah University History and Tourism Center, Fluropon reflects the sun’s heat rather than absorbing it into the building. This environment-friendly coating helps reduce energy costs for the Center while also providing a dynamic, rustic finish that the design team was looking for.

Now open for the public, the Shenandoah University History and Tourism Center houses space for the Visitor’s Center, Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, classrooms, office space and more. Thanks to the colonial color and aesthetic offered by Valspar coating, the Center feels right at home residing next to Abram’s Delight, the oldest home in Shenandoah Valley, and the historic Rouss Springs.

Project Overview

Project: Shenandoah University History and Tourism Center; Winchester, VA

General Contractor: Russell Roofing; Wayne, PA

Architects: Bartzen & Ball; Richmond, VA

Metal Panel Manufacturer: Petersen Aluminum Corporation; Elk Grove Village, IL

Coatings Provider:  The Valspar Corporation; Minneapolis, MN