It was a proud moment on February 3, 2008, when Tanya and Joe Matthews of TMG Construction Corporation helped cut the ribbon to open the new Franklin Park Performing & Visual Arts Center. The grand opening was a big event for residents of Purcellville and surrounding communities - as the standing-room-only crowd indicated.

The arts center, built on the historic location of the original Franklin Farm, has been 10 years in the making -- beginning with the fiery destruction of the original dairy barn. In the years that ensued, community preservationists organized a barn raising and rallied local companies and volunteers to rebuild the barn. They patiently and persistently persevered for a decade before finally reaching their goal – a local performing and visual arts center to showcase and encourage local talent.

TMG President Tanya Matthews participated in the barn raising and was delighted when TMG won the contract to complete the buildout of the beloved arts center. TMG’s Franklin Park project team constructed two restrooms, offices and the ticket counter; built out and framed the stage area; installed rough-hewn timber trim and beams; installed electrical, lighting and heating systems; installed the flooring, carpeting and exterior awnings; and built a front porch and decks, among many other tasks.

Tanya and Joe Matthews were invited to be honored guests at the grand opening, after which the center was inaugurated with several live arts and musical performances. "It was such a privilege to be a part of this effort," said Tanya Matthews. "TMG not only operates from Purcellville, but looks for opportunities to serve the community. This was a perfect project for us."