Facts and History

Our Background

In 1997, when the historic Monterey High School building became vacant, a group of concerned citizens came together with the idea of using the building for activities that would benefit all county residents. In 1998, the committee was incorporated as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit and The Highland Center was formed.

As board member Caroline Smith explains:

"In the formative days of The Highland Center, we were very lucky to have a wise person tell us a blunt truth: that there are a lot of old buildings scattered across our country, and what makes a building worth restoring is the quality of programs housed in the structure."

Thus, the board and staff worked to create programs that would enhance the economic vitality of the region and address the unique needs of its rural community. Today, The Highland Center's mission is clear:

To serve all citizens of Highland County by being a catalyst for cultural and economic development, and to preserve an historic landmark as a symbol of unity and pride for our community.

Our Building

Originally constructed in 1922, The Highland Center's building served once as Monterey High School and later as Highland Elementary School. The structure is of neoclassical design with native stone masonry, multi-level hipped roofs, and large double-hung windows. It is designated on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places.

Since the establishment of The Highland Center in 1998, preservation of the building has been a central concern. Practicing what is termed "adaptive reuse," the Center has brought new life to the building by fostering innovative programs while retaining the structure's historical integrity.

In 2007, The Highland Center received a Better Models for Development Award from the Valley Conservation Council, recognizing the Center's successes in economic development and adaptive reuse.

To learn more about the Center's plans for renovation, please visit our Capital Campaign page.

P.O. Box 556 \| Monterey, VA \| 24465 Phone: (540) 468-1922 \| Fax: (540) 468-2551 \| E-mail: highlandcenter@htcnet.org
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