
A highlight of recent Virginia architecture, Leesburg's government center resulted from a well-publicized competition of the late 1980s. Weber, a Chicago-based architect, conceived of a contextual fit in which an octagonal form—derived from work by Aldo Rossi—stands out as an object and a symbol of the city but the exterior walls blend into the streetscape. Parking for 320 cars is integrated into the scheme, and the familiar Lawn scheme from the University of Virginia makes an appearance as the courtyard. The rear of the complex, accessible from the parking lot on Wirt and Loudoun streets, is equally impressive. The focus is on the octagon and the council chambers on the upper floor, which are worth a visit, though the interior detailing is neither as strong nor as inventive as the exterior.