$1M grant to boost regional artisan center

A $1 million federal stimulus grant announced this week brings area artisans a step closer to a permanent center to show their work to thousands of tourists.

In development three years, the 77,000-square-foot AWASAW Artisans and Cultural Center will promote Virginia arts, foods and history near the interchange of Interstates 81 and 64 in Staunton, on eight acres leased from the Frontier Culture Museum.

Already, about $22 million in private investment has been committed to the center, which is expected to create 48 new jobs and attract 360,000 visitors, according to project partner Gordon Barlow.

“The grant certainly is a major step in getting long-term permanent financing in a difficult market,” Barlow said Friday.

Gov. Tim Kaine announced the Community Development Block Grant Recovery funding the day before.

The grant will go toward construction of a road into the center, a public waterline and stormwater improvements, said Assistant City Manager Jim Halasz, who noted Staunton city is not paying into the center.

The single building will showcase regional artists and house a tourist information center and Virginia National Guard Museum. Visitors will be able to watch artisans at work and purchase art and regionally made products, said Amanda Huffman, assistant economic development director.

“It would draw in many visitors to Staunton,” she said, describing its location as a “perfect fit” with the Frontier Culture Museum.

Also planned are an IMAX-like screen, restaurant options and a venue for live entertainment, Halasz said. He called the center an “entry point” to the city and region.

Groundbreaking is scheduled for this year, Barlow said.