The Times West Virginian

Local News

November 21, 2008

Black Elks site being advertised

Fairmont officials hope it can be sold and developed

By Mallory Panuska

FAIRMONT — The former site of an historic downtown building is officially back on the market.

Fairmont officials began advertising bids for the former location of what was once known as the black Elks building and Skinner’s Tavern on the corner of Everest Drive and Cleveland Avenue this week.

In August, the city was forced to have the abandoned, dilapidated structure razed because a section of the parapet wall atop the roof of the building came crashing down into the public right-of-way below, creating a significant public safety hazard.

The city, which took over ownership of the building from the Fairmont Renaissance Corporation when it became an issue, fronted more than $72,000 for the demolition project.

Officials hope they will be able to recoup this cost after the site is purchased and re-developed.

“The idea is that in some form or fashion you will recoup your money,” City Planner Jay Rogers said of sending out the bid request.

Rogers said he directly sent seven proposals to regional developers who had expressed interest in the site and expects to receive a favorable number of bids back on the overall request by the Jan. 19 deadline.

City Manager Jim Snider also said the city hopes to receive responses to this request to have some economic development at the site and commended Rogers for his work in preparing the request and getting in contact with interested developers.

Rogers said pretty much any type of business, residential, community, or mixed-use property can be erected at the site as long as it is in accordance with the historic characteristics and city center zoning of the area.

“It would have to be something that would have to fit in with the historic access of the area, and whatever use it is would have to meet the zoning code,” he said. “It would be something that would add to the downtown area.”

E-mail Mallory Panuska at mpanuska@timeswv.com.

Text Only
Local News
  • Therepy Dog -ts.jpg A brighter day

    Sitting on a pink polka blanket with pink bows tied around her ears, Pebbles the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel brightens up the day of a patient at the Arbors at Fairmont nursing home.
    “I always had a dog,” said Max — who preferred that his last name not be used — to Pebbles’ human, Sharon Spevock.

    February 9, 2012 1 Photo

  • ‘New heights’ NASA’s mission

    The NASA Independent Verification & Validation Facility in Fairmont has accomplished a lot over the years, but also has a long way to go, said Gregory Blaney.
    Partnerships will allow the agency to continue to move forward.

    February 9, 2012

  • Man indicted on 14 counts of sexual abuse

    A Mannington man has been indicted by the Marion County grand jury on 14 counts of sexual abuse.
    James Edward Carpenter, 34, of 100 Parkview Drive, Apt. 101, Mannington, is charged with four counts of first-degree sexual abuse and 10 counts of sexual abuse by parent, guardian or custodian.

    February 9, 2012

  • BB&T to remain a part of Farmington community

    Thanks to community members who made their voices heard, the BB&T branch in Farmington is staying open for business.
    The office was full of excitement and hugs Wednesday as employees and community members celebrated the news that this location will continue to service clients.

    February 9, 2012

  • Expanded airport hangar space sought

    Benedum Airport Authority members representing Marion and Harrison counties met Wednesday at the North Central West Virginia Airport for their monthly meeting to discuss plans to build and expand hangar availability.

    February 9, 2012

  • FSHS student works to start scholarship fund

    A bright smile on Kelly Horton’s face could have fooled anyone on Wednesday morning.
    In front of the Marion County Commission, the Fairmont Senior High School junior kept a strong composure as she explained why she needed help with her senior project.

    February 9, 2012

  • Marion co 911--DS.jpg It’s an emergency

    A Dalmatian was on a mission. And he was in a hurry.
    In a fire truck, the Dalmatian, Patches, rushed into Monongah Elementary on Tuesday morning while students looked on in amusement.

    February 8, 2012 1 Photo

  • MCVB and MCPARC OPENING -TS.jpg CVB, MCPARC moving to new homes

    The Convention & Visitors Bureau of Marion County and the Marion County Parks and Recreation Commission are excited to have a new place to call home.
    On Monday, both organizations began simultaneously moving into their new offices in the visitor center building directly off Interstate 79 Exit 136 at 1000 Cole St., Pleasant Valley.

    February 8, 2012 1 Photo

  • Ministers Run still looking for local control

    Following two meetings in different locations Tuesday, the Ministers Run Water Association is still looking for a way to keep its utility in local hands.
    Last week, the state Public Service Commission held a hearing in Grant Town.

    February 8, 2012

  • Man indicted for forgery, uttering, other crimes

    A Fairmont man charged with forgery, uttering and other crimes is one of 23 people named in indictments handed down by the Marion County Grand Jury in its second day of deliberations Tuesday.
    Jeremy Nathan Ferraro, 31, Fairmont, was indicted on forgery; uttering; obtaining money, property or services by false pretenses; and domestic battery, third offense.

    February 8, 2012