Insider Scoop with
Woodlands Development Group
As travelers , we always want to stay in a place that tells a story . The Tygart Hotel in Elkins , West Virginia , is not just a beautifully restored boutique hotel , but a thriving symbol of hope and community empowerment . In this interview , we will dive into the inspiring story of how the hotel came to be and how it continues to support the local community ’ s growth and prosperity . We were fortunate enough to have a one-on-one interview with Dave Clark , the Executive Director of Woodlands Development Group , the nonprofit community development organization that brought this project to life .
What is Your involvement in the Tygart Hotel renovation project ?
In 2015 , Woodlands helped convene a series of community meetings focused on the Tygart . At that time , the building was in very rough shape , providing substandard housing , and the source of a lot of criminal & drug activity . It was literally sucking the life out of downtown , and that feeling was palpable .
As a result of those meetings , Woodlands decided to take steps to purchase the building , and agreed to explore the option of restoring it back to a hotel . We purchased the building at the end of 2017 , and after much research and working with a couple consultants , Woodlands decided to pursue the hotel option .
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