AIA Honors Lombardi Projects for Design Excellence

FOLLANSBEE, W.Va. — Three of the eight architectural design awards given in 2013 by The American Institute of Architects — West Virginia went to projects built by Lombardi, a general contractor known for partnering with design professionals on high-caliber new builds and renovations. Honorees were announced April 13 at the 35th AIA-WV Design Awards Gala and Scholarship Benefit in Charleston, W.Va. Judges gave Merit Awards for Achievement in Architecture for the Raleigh County Judicial Center in Beckley and for two separate projects — one overall and one interior — at The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center on the campus of Fairmont State University in Fairmont.

“We feel honored by our involvement in creating these award-winning buildings,” said President Paul M. Lombardi II. “The awards testify to our success in partnering with architects and building owners in developing structures of beauty and utility.” Designed by Charleston architects Silling Associates, Inc., the Raleigh County Judicial Center, in Beckley, was dedicated in April 2012. The $17.5-million building consolidates the circuit, magistrate and family courts into one secure structure adjacent to the county courthouse. Lombardi fitted out the building’s interior, including state-of-the-art courtrooms, offices, restrooms and hallways.

Separate awards for overall and interior design were given to projects designed by Clarksburg architects WYK Associates Inc. for the Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center in Fairmont. A building addition with pergolas was honored for overall design, while a second-floor renovation was noted for interior design. Originally built in 1903 as a stone barn on the Michael Kennedy dairy farm, the Folklife Center building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Following years of neglect and fire damage, the building required extensive restoration before it could house the new Folklife Center. In phases of the $1.37-million project, Lombardi strengthened the roof bracing as part of the second-floor renovation and built a first-floor classroom addition and exterior pergolas. The second-floor renovation, with soaring ceilings, hardwood floors and barn siding, recreates the open structure of the barn and provides both exhibit and multi-use space.

The Folklife Center is one of several Fairmont State projects completed by Lombardi, whose educational portfolio also includes multiple projects for Bethany College and West Virginia University, as well as elementary and high school buildings.

“Over the past several years, Fairmont State University has formed a lasting partnership with Lombardi Development,” said James B. Decker, former assistant vice president for Facilities and Capital Projects. “We have grown to rely on their professional workmanship and strong foundation to build high quality projects.”