Davis Health System brought Webster County Memorial Hospital into their system, added a clinic in Tucker County, and planned several million dollars of investments for their Barbour and Randolph County locations.

Davis Health System brought Webster County Memorial Hospital into their system, added a clinic in Tucker County, and planned several million dollars of investments for their Barbour and Randolph County locations.

Editor’s Note: The following is the 2022 Collaborative Report created by Elkins Main Street, the Randolph County Development Authority and the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce.

Why Here?! Why Now?!

Elkins-Randolph County

2021 Reflections

Why Here?! Why Now?! Two short, but great, questions promoting Elkins-Randolph County, West Virginia. A vibrant community sees opportunity, supports opportunity and builds opportunity. Most importantly, a vibrant community does more than talk — it takes action! Whether private or governmental, for-profit or non-profit, vibrant actions cover a broad spectrum. We’re sure you recognize the saying, “Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.Elkins-Randolph County is building many baskets. Why Here?! Why Now?! Let’s highlight some of those 2021 actions.

Business Development

$16 million of financing finalized to begin spring 2022 renovations of the historic five-story Tygart Hotel into a 50-60 room boutique hotel with restaurant, meeting areas, and other amenities. Renovation to be completed in 2023.

Allegheny Apartment Building renovations to be completed in 2022. The street level will accommodate three retail spaces.

Another downtown three-story building is under contract for renovation and rehabilitation. It will contain apartments and additional retail space with a 2023 completion date.

Other building owners are renovating their upper floors for apartments and/or additional office space.

At least five new store fronts opened in downtown Elkins during 2021.

Outside investors saw Elkins/Randolph County opportunities. Robertson Heating Supply Company acquired Valley Supply, Northern Eagle Distributing acquired Elkins Distributing, Allegheny Insurance merged with Jim Lively Insurance Group and Blue Ridge Insurance, Greenfield Cabinets was acquired by a new investor as was American Hardwood Flooring. Burkes Outlet opened an Elkins/Randolph County location as did O’Reilly Auto Parts. U-Haul has placed a regional center in Elkins.

Area businesses have recognized opportunities outside Randolph County and are expanding their local footprint.

Kelly Foundry, which had been in mothballs for several years, has a new owner who is working to reopen the foundry.

Two additional logistics firms joined the other logistics firms already operating — Elkins seems to be becoming a hub for national logistic services.

The Odd Fellows Mansion which contains 137 rooms (94 bedrooms) and 125 acres had been idle in recent years. Paperwork from the November 2021 auction sale is being finalized — with many positive rumors circulating.

A $500 million Virgin Hyperloop Certification Center has been announced in neighboring Tucker County. Only 46 miles away, Elkins is two and one half to 10 times larger than any other city within a 60-minute drive.

ASCEND WV is an Outdoor Recreation Economy Program for promoting remote workers to relocate in West Virginia. This WVU led program is considering Elkins as an additional featured city for ASCEND.

With three community based banks, three banks with Elkins branches, and a Certified Development Financial Institution (CDFI) headquartered in Elkins, the community has the ability to assist businesses of all sizes.

Broadband, including redundancy, continues to expand in Elkins and throughout Randolph County.

“Explore Randolph County” publication promotes the Elkins-Randolph County business/living opportunities. Videos and other related materials will be finalized in 2022.

Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area AmeriCorps program was renewed and expanded to continue offering opportunities for professionals to serve our community.

Health Care Expansion

Davis Health System brought Webster County Memorial Hospital into their system, added a clinic in Tucker County, and planned several million dollars of investments for their Barbour and Randolph County locations.

A Healthy Market and “farmacy” will open at Davis Health System in 2022.

WVU Medicine continues their partnership with Davis Health System.

Valley Health significantly expanded and enhanced their Elkins location.

Mon General added a new cardiologist to assist with their Elkins location.

Education Promotion

Davis & Elkins College has approved the addition of a cycling team to their sports program which compliments the trails projects mentioned above. June Myles provided a gift for two new programs of study in Sustainable Natural Resources and Forest Technology — which are tied to our county’s rich heritage in natural resources and forestry. Included in the gift was 300 acres of land and a field station for hands-on study.

The inaugural E3 Expo (Elkins Entrepreneurs Expo 2022) will emphasize new business development, business expansion, and under-served populations in business.

WORC programs in conjunction with Eastern Community College and D&E focused on health care, wood product manufacturing, and construction training.

Davis Health System began its new on-the-job-learning program “academy” to high school graduates who are undecided about a career path.

The Early Brain Development Task Force (part of the Building A Vibrant Community initiative) painted sidewalks with learning and exercise symbols around the community. In conjunction with Davis Health System, families of newborns were offered an early learning/reading program.

The Wood Tech Center invested tens of thousands in modern woodworking equipment and a 3-D printer.

Kump Education Center continues to expand and support student achievement and teacher excellence.

Community Development

The Tygart River flows through Elkins. A preliminary Riverfront Development plan has been prepared. Bids from engineering firms for further conceptual riverfront designs were received by the City in November 2021.

A committee for art development throughout Elkins has met on several occasions. Mountain Valley Bank placed a beautiful 3-story mural on their downtown Elkins building.

The Development Authority has funded preliminary engineering plans for a multi-use event center and a multi-tenant retail/office building within the Railyard — located in the heart of Elkins.

The City completed the paving and landscaping of the City parking lot.

New zoning guidelines are being actively discussed for presentation to City Council in 2022.

Both City and County officials have removed dilapidated buildings and are working on additional properties.

The Bowden Fish Hatchery is in the midst of a $10 million renovation. The hatchery raises trout, including golden trout, for stocking area streams.

A Trails Conference was held in December 2021 to develop a strategy for fifty miles of trails in the Elkins area. Projects already in planning include a Pump Track adjacent to Davis & Elkins College, a trail adjacent to the WV Autism Support Center, and trails at Stuart Park. Mower Tract trails in southern Randolph County opened in 2021.

Websites for Elkins Main Street, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Development Authority were all updated.

The Elkins Farmer’s Market doubled in number of vendors, and conversation began about developing a year-round Farmers’ Market.

Living the Good Life

Elkins offers many “foodie” experiences — Venezuelan, Mexican, Italian, Japanese, BBQ, Filipino, American, and the newest addition — a Chinese food truck and supper service.

Throughout the summer, Augusta’s Pickin’ in the Park is available on Wednesday evenings and Our Town, Inc. brings concerts to the Rotary Amphitheater on Thursday evenings.

Mountain State Street Machines brings antique car enthusiasts to town every July 4th weekend for a weekend event as well as weekly “cruise-ins” in the warm months.

Wednesday Trivia Night is available at Beander’s throughout the year. There’s always music to be enjoyed at many of the local establishments, as well as the monthly Brown Bag Lunch Concerts at The Arts Center.

Wonder & Grow provides mindful nature experience through curiosity-driven exploration and mindfulness practices — for ages two through adults.

The YMCA, Anytime Fitness, 1201 CrossFit, Seven Performance, Burst and others provide outstanding opportunities for healthy workouts.

West Virginia Railroad Museum, Inc. is dedicated to providing education about West Virginia’s railroad history.

The Appalachian Forest Discovery Center interprets and tells the story of the people, places, and culture of our natural heritage area.

Allegheny Highlands biking/hiking trail connects Elkins, Parsons, and Thomas – approximately forty miles.

A dedicated group is working to develop a Children’s Museum in Elkins.

Clean Air!! Randolph County is 88% forest — approximately 585,000 acres of trees — with 100 to 200 trees per acre. A mature tree produces enough oxygen each year for ten people.

Cooler Temperatures!! Elkins is 10% cooler than D.C. and Philadelphia. Of course, we already knew Elkins is “Unexpectedly Cool!”

Charm Farm and others provide Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) with an ever-expanding array of produce and meats.

The Old Brick Playhouse offers regular afterschool programs that provide a safe and positive environment for elementary and secondary school students to explore the arts as well as productions throughout the year.

The Gandy Dancer continues to entertain thousands of visitors to its performances.

Forest Festival, July 4th fireworks, Fasnacht, Maple Syrup Festival, Ramps & Rails, Augusta, and many other fairs and festivals happen throughout the year.

Big Timber Brewery, Still Hollow Spirits Distillery and Honey River Meadery provide outstanding, locally made refreshments.

Watoga State Park (less than a two-hour drive from Elkins) is now a certified International Dark Sky location. At the same time, almost any location in Randolph County has outstanding dark skies!

Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad tourist trains reopened during 2021.

RV/Tent camping opportunities will be promoted in 2022. Currently, there are approximately 1,500 permanent/temporary RV sites along Shaffer’s Fork River in the Bowden area alone.

The Elkins Historic Landmarks Commission announced the new Graham-Davis Historic District, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, an Elkins-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting historic preservation efforts in the Mountain State, was one of 11 recipients nationwide to receive the National Park Service’s Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant. With this funding, PAWV has created the Saving Places Sub Grant Program to save certified historic buildings in rural communities through West Virginia from demolition by neglect.

Elkins-Randolph County Public Library expanded their children’s area to offer a more interactive experience with a mural, indoor playhouse, and a colorful seating area for crafts, readings, and other events. They also added podcast equipment in the Crow’s Nest.

Why Here?! Why Now?! Because this is the time and this is the place where a vibrant community is expanding — Elkins/ Randolph County, West Virginia!

Madalyn Higgins

Executive Director,

Elkins Main Street

Robbie Morris

Executive Director,

Randolph County Development Authority

Lisa Wood

Executive Director,

Elkins-Randolph

County Chamber