The Inter-Mountain file photos Construction on the Railyard Event and Conference Center continues with a completion date of late spring or early summer.

Mega Corp made a significant investment to completely renovate the interior of their three-story historic building.  

ELKINS — Many, many positives in 2025 have created the Elkins/Randolph County foundation for an outstanding 2026.

Determining where to begin on the 2025 positives will result in something being left out. But let’s try.

Construction began on the Railyard Event and Conference Center with a completion date of late spring or early summer 2026. The Railyard Center will simultaneously provide a venue for shows, space for conferences and a home for the Greater Elkins Ascend program.

In 2025 the Tygart Hotel completed their first full year of operations along with the Oxley restaurant which join downtown Elkins restaurants of Beanders, C J Maggies, JimBo’s, El Grand Sabor, Bryd’s House of Donuts, Gino’s and Clementines.

Of course Las Trancas and Bambino’s were new openings in 2025.

The Augusta Heritage Center continued their renovations of the Wilt building at the corner of Davis Avenue and Third Street. Plans are being made to open in 2026, including a bakery on the Third Street side of the building.

Other Elkins activities include the Children’s Interact Museum which will open a 2026 brick & mortar location across from the Augusta Wilt Building.

And Mega Corp must also be mentioned. A significant investment was made to completely renovate the interior of their three-story historic building.   With the ability to expand from 30 to 100 employees, Mega Corp, a logistic company, sees a bright future for Elkins.

Other professional services looking forward include the Mills Group, an architectural firm, which opened an Elkins office. Agency LMC, a branding firm, expanded staff.   Of course there are the attorney, CPA, real estate and other firms which expanded and added staff along with the continuing growth of the local banks.

Local Elkins retail also sees opportunity. Trickett’s Hardware focus has expanded from hardware to include other essentials. Meander, Double Knee Vintage and Charm Farm joined the Delmonte, Artists at Work, Elkins Sewing Center, Coming Around Again and other shops in downtown Elkins.

Lukestone Legacy opened as an Elkins destination for carefully selected wines, gifts and engaging experiences. Or try a trip to Fox Hops or Big Timber breweries for your favorite crafted beer.

In healthcare, WVU Medicine Elkins Corridor Medical Center opened a new $38 million facility which provides a wide variety of medical services. Davis Medical Center merged with Vandalia Health to join a multi-state organization. Valley Health Care expanded their Elkins operations and made plans for other locations. Appalachian Community Health Center has also expanded services.

Davis & Elkins College finalized their new Freshman Village dormitory construction. The investments in talent and facilities has led to a continual increase in student enrollment.

The City of Elkins approved a new strategic plan and continued major renovations of the City Building during 2025 with completion expected in 2026.

The Randolph County Courthouse completed renovations and expanded their Prosecuting Attorney office to a new location, adding to the Swimming Pool and Splash Pad constructed in 2023.

The Federal Courthouse began installation of new windows which will be completed in 2026. All areas of government are planning for the future.

The Elkins Randolph Chamber of Commerce expanded membership to automatically include all businesses located in Randolph County. There is no membership fee to belong. Creating an environment for all businesses to work together is a high priority of the Chamber.

The Randolph County Development Authority continued infrastructure work on the 75 acres of manufacturing and development property which was incorporated into Elkins. This property will be a great location for future businesses.

Quint Studer, author of Building a Vibrant Community, joined the Chamber 2025 Banquet.  He highlighted the outstanding improvements from 2020 to 2025 and led into the outstanding opportunities which exists for 2026 and future years.

As Quint stated, we “get to” live in Elkins/Randolph County. Getting to live in Elkins/Randolph County is a decision made by choice. We realize the benefits and look forward to sharing these benefits with others. Monthly Vibrant Community meeting have been held since Quint’s visit.

The Railyard Event Center, Mega Corp, Augusta, Davis & Elkins and WVU Medicine represent way over $75 million invested in Elkins. This is in addition to the many, many other business investments being made.

From development to retail to entertainment to professional to healthcare to government — Elkins/Randolph County is a community moving forward in 2026. Be positive, be proactive, join us in the fun. Ready-Set-Go!!

Contact the Elkins/Randolph County Chamber of Commerce for more information. 304-636-2717 or executive director@erccc.com.