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.
Local News
Black Elks site being advertised
Fairmont officials hope it can be sold and developed
- Local News
-
-
Teaching on their level
“I would like to nominate Lois Thibodeau for ‘My Favorite Teacher.’ She is the special needs Pre-K teacher at Watson Elementary School.” This was Kristi Wolford singing the praises of Lois Thibodeau.
-
DHHR requiring additional vaccines for students
Seventh- and 12th-graders who return to class in the fall without certain immunizations will not be allowed to attend school unless they get the required inoculations.
-
Cost of crime
Victim.
You never thought this would be you.
But you are the victim of a nonviolent or violent crime.
After contacting the proper authorities, you may be bewildered as to what happens next. -
More streets to be paved this week
Even more city streets will be paved this week than expected.
City Manager Jay Rogers said the spring paving required fewer tons of asphalt to cover the distance than originally estimated. That means there’s asphalt to spare and more streets are getting paved this spring. -
Bertoletti has 33 pepperoni rolls in only 10 minutes to win
If there’s one Memorial Day tradition that everybody participates in, one way or another, it’s eating.
Maybe it’s at a picnic at one of the many venues scattered across Marion County, enjoying hamburgers, hot dogs, macaroni salad and other seasonal food. -
Assaults, physical or not, affect ‘sense of safety and trust’
An assault of any kind — whether it’s physical or not — can be traumatizing.
“You don’t need to have suffered any cuts or scratches,” said Dr. Ronald Pearse, “but any kind of assault affects your sense of safety and trust.” -
Reasoning Mind excites students
As a teacher, Beverly Stewart has never been more thrilled than when she sees the benefits a newer program has done for her students.
Pleasant Valley Elementary fifth-grade student Calista Muzzapelle worked diligently on her assignments last week, much like she had during her Christmas break. -
Pepperoni roll prize
To someone from out of state, the pepperoni roll might seem like a mystery.
“Is it like a calzone?” they might ask, “or a stromboli?”
Unique to the state of West Virginia, the pepperoni roll represents the Italian heritage of many of the miners in the early 20th century mixed with hardworking Mountaineer common sense. -
BOE seeks land for new middle schools
The Marion County Board of Education is looking at land to build new middle schools in Mannington and Monongah.
If all goes as planned, county voters will see a bond on the November ballot. -
Former WVU coach takes final journey home
Bill Stewart has made his way back home.
The former West Virginia University football coach, who died suddenly earlier this week of a heart attack at 59, was laid to rest Friday in his hometown of New Martinsville. - More Local News Headlines
-
