Appalachian Mountain Dreams

Charlotte Observer | 04/30/2008 | New, green gem by Blue Ridge Parkway

Charlotte Observer | 04/30/2008 | New, green gem by Blue Ridge Parkway

VISITORS CENTER NEAR ASHEVILLE

New, green gem by Blue Ridge Parkway

RICHARD MASCHAL
rmaschal@charlotteobserver.com

Blue Ridge Parkway Destination Center

VICKI DAMERON

Blue Ridge Parkway Destination Center.

ASHEVILLE —

Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and you see them from the road, the cabins, barns and sheds distinctive to southern Appalachian Mountains.

Drawing on such local features — sheltering overhangs, peaked roofs, wooden trusses — architects charged with designing a new visitors center for the parkway came up with a large, open structure that seems at home in the mountains.

Charlotte Observer | 04/30/2008 | New, green gem by Blue Ridge Parkway