Mt. Jackson Town Hall

                                           2004 Better Models Award

                                               Best Public Building

The Better Models Award was named after Valley Conservation Council's publication,

Better Models for Development in the Shenandoah Valley.  This award recognizes

projects that encourage growth and development, while protecting local character

and natural features.  Nominated entries are scored based upon the Council's

Six Principles for Better Development.  The Better Models Award was created in 2000

to recognize development projects which best add to the area's quality of life.

The Valley Conservation Council is a non-profit citizens' organization and land trust.

The Council is based out of Staunton, Virginia and serves 11 counties between Fredrick

and Botetourt.  The Council's mission is to promote land use that sustains farms, forests,

open space, and cultural heritage of the Shenandoha Valley region of Virginia.

The Mount Jackson Town Hall is a model for being an attractive and functional public

building.  The design of the building shares characteristics of the old railway station that

was once there.  The town hall is used for town offices, the town library, a visitors center,

the Mount Jackson Museum, and public meeting space.  By the great location and range

of community facilities, the building promotes growth within, not out.  Mather Architects

of Harrisonburg, Virginia served on this project.