Staunton is asking private developers to share their vision for a "destination" artisans center. The city put out a request for proposals, and says a strong response has prompted it to extend the deadline until late May.
Such a center will likely have galleries for fine crafts, as well as studio and classroom space. Developers will also be asked to choose the best location.
Amanda Glover with Staunton economic development said, "We imagined it being downtown, because we think there are already a lot of great resources downtown already... with the visitors center, the R.R. Smith Center for History and Art…this is where visitors who come to Staunton really come and stay."
The artisans center project will have access to a $1,000,000 state block grant that was originally intended for a similar development at Staunton's Frontier Museum.
