Upland Architects was proud to partner with our client as the Design Architect in responding to the West Virginia Parkways Authority's Request for Proposals to operate and maintain a portfolio of new travel plazas across the State. Although the proposal was ultimately not awarded, our involvement in this ambitious public-private initiative represents an important part of our design legacy, now recognized as a featured entry in our “Unbuilt Architecture” portfolio.
 

The RFP invited operators to submit proposals for four sites—including Bluestone, Beckley, and Morton Travel Plazas—each of which was to be delivered by the State as a white-box shell. Within these parameters, Upland was tasked with envisioning and designing the complete interior fit-out to support our client's operational model. Our approach emphasized not only function and efficiency but also storytelling—using space and material to celebrate the commitment to local associations and entities, promoting programs linked to crafts, education and local art, all while paying homage to the scenic beauty of West Virginia.
 

From commercial driver amenities to fast-casual dining, we carefully integrated all interior components to meet the needs of a 24/7 operation while evoking a strong sense of place. Finishes and graphic elements paid homage to the State’s natural terrain and industrial heritage, while public areas were designed to feel welcoming, intuitive, and adaptable. Our design team collaborated closely with the client to align brand expression, customer experience, and operational flow, guided by the State’s vision of a “post-pandemic” hospitality standard for modern travel plazas.
 

Though the project was not selected for implementation, it stands as a testament to our collaborative process, our passion for place-based design, and our ability to quickly respond to complex design challenges within fixed architectural shells and accelerated timelines.