Semi-Finalist - Weaver Architects

Jury Comments

Strong inviting two story presence on Main Street.
Modern architecture that fits in downtown Walla Walla
Concern was expressed about the maintenance of the transparent canopies.
The designers are encouraged to look for ways to accommodate surface parking and vendor activity.

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Board Text

Uniting the rich history of Walla Walla and the anticipated growth and transformation of the quaint town was key to our design of the new Valley Transit Transfer Center and Farmers Market. Our goal was to create a destination and experience for Walla Walla residents and visitors alike.

The budding wine industry has sparked an increase in tourism, igniting the revitalization of the historic downtown area along Main Street. Walla Walla's recent movement in contemporary and environmentally conscience urban lifestyle was taken into careful consideration during design development. Keeping in harmony with the context of the city, we elected to marry the turn of the century architecture surrounding the site to the forward movement in contemporary design. By recessing the parking below grade, we were able create an open and inviting space that would serve not only as an efficient transit facility and farmer's market, but also as a park and central event venue.

Drawing from the prosperous history of Walla Walla's agricultural industry we were inspired by the rich patchwork fields of the town's farms; translating the pattern into the hard-scapes and soft-scapes that make up the site. Because the site is located adjacent to the winding Mill Creek we utilized the twisting and disappearing shape of the river as inspiration for the Farmer's Market and water feature. Merging old construction materials and modern forms, we were able to create an intimate space that envelops 'small-town' living, yet accurately reflects Walla Walla's growth as a destination spot.