Traveler’s Inn Design Ideas Competition

We are looking for your creative ideas! Scroll for info or download the Design Brief document. For questions or to apply, contact Dr. Greg Galford at ggalford@vt.edu.

Call

As part of a Mellon grant focused on monuments across America, this design competition seeks creative ideas incorporating themes emerging from community discussions. An important site in this historic Appalachian African American neighborhood will be utilized.  A cash award of $1,000 will be awarded to the second and third-prize winners, and a cash award of $5,000 will be awarded to the chosen first-place winner. Development funds of $15,000 will provide a mockup or full product, depending on the awarded scheme.

Traveler's with Hotel Thelma beyond-Looking east

Goals of the Project

This ideas competition requests a design for a site in Bluefield’s East End-Northside that incorporates identified themes that reflect the history and aspirations of this neighborhood. This design for a permanent installation will gather the neighborhood, act as a symbol, and be a catalyst for new growth. It will reflect the pride, the history, and the aspirations of the community. The two buildings adjacent to the site were recently designated as a National Register Historic District.

Traveler’s Hotel Site Map

Themes for Design

In March 2024, a listening session focused on the neighborhood’s legacy was held, and in August 2024, a listening session focused on future rejuvenation was conducted. Extensive oral histories of local residents have also been gathered. Items to consider for conceptual inspiration include:

Past

  • Segregation encouraged a tight-knit community that took care of itself.

  • Schools and churches were critical civic and social institutions.

  • The foundation of the economy was the N&W railroad.

  • The Grant Street Bridge and the Martin Luther King Bridge were important connectors to the city.

  • Clergy and teachers were mentors for many residents.

  • There was pride in teacher and student quality.

  • Desegregation in 1968/1969 began a neighborhood decline.

  • Park Central High School and BSU dormitories were closed.

Future

  • Desire for spaces of community.

  • Desire for spaces of beauty.

  • Desire for spaces of nature.

  • Desire for spaces of opportunity.

Travelers side wall - looking South

Process

Winning designs must reflect the community's desires, past, present, and future. The listening sessions included individual and group interviews, and the data were analyzed for specific themes. A call for proposals will produce deliverables for judging by a design jury. They will select winners for prize money and the first prize winner for development. This scheme will be presented to the community in the spring of 2025.

Travelers side wall and yard (left)

Context

The Northside and East End neighborhoods of Bluefield, WV, are essential components of African American history in the coalfields of Central Appalachia. Bluefield was a railroad town that served the coal mining areas of the region. Bluefield’s Northside and East End neighborhoods provided a secure home to African American families in the region, producing many who rose to national and international prominence. It is the home to an HBCU, Bluefield State University, and has two Green Book-listed hotels, Traveler’s Inn and the Hotel Thelma.

Traveler’s side wall with yard with historic mural

Site

This competition site is between the two historic buildings. The site is directly adjacent to the existing Traveler’s Hotel. The side wall of the building and the side yard to the property line constitute this site.

Travelers side and back

Deliverables

  • Text of idea (300 words)

  • Scaled plan

  • Inspiration images

  • Elevation or three-dimensional image or sketch

  • Materials list and work schedule

  • CV and relevant past work

Travelers Inn side with historic mural

Timeline

JAN 1, 2025

Call for Proposals

FEB 1, 2025

Entries Due

DEC 15, 2024

Phase One Jury Selection

FEB 15, 2025

Jury Selection

FEB 28, 2025

Prize Award

MAY 1, 2025

Scheme Unveiling

Appendix

Applications & Additional Info

For questions about the Travelers Inn Design Ideas Competition, additional information, or to apply, contact Dr. Greg Galford at ggalford@vt.edu.