BARC Electric Cooperative calls on Mather Architects for a renovation project in Rockbridge County.

Headquartered in Millboro, Virginia, BARC is a member-owned electric cooperative that provides electric and broadband service to roughly 13,000 connections across five counties in the Shenandoah Valley including, Bath, Alleghany, Highland, and Rockbridge. BARC acquired the Highland Belle School located at 1972 Big Spring Drive, Lexington in 2015.  The former school was purchased with plans to renovate and use it as a district office to give BARC a location in Rockbridge County where roughly half of its customers reside.

The building has been only partially occupied by BARC since they acquired it.   The former Highland Belle School was built in 1958 and is a dated building with needed improvements.

After discussion with BARC Electric Cooperative and getting an understanding of what the coop’s needs are for this building, Mather Architects has laid out a plan that brings the building up to date with newly renovated spaces which include an executive suite, meeting rooms, a fitness center, updated bathrooms, breakrooms, and two office suites.  The building will also get a new updated entrance and skylights to allow for more natural light and provides the building a warmer, more up-to-date feel.

BARC Electric Cooperative is the second electric cooperative that Mather Architects has served in the Shenandoah Valley.  Mather Architects previously helped Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative design a new 113,000 SF Headquarters and District Office in Mount Crawford.

Mather Architects is honored to be working with BARC Electric on this renovation project.