Developments
Determined to grow the population , Kanawha County is introducing multiple major projects to accommodate its growing community .
One of the most highly anticipated developments this year , the multi-million-dollar Park Place Project , is currently underway in South Charleston .
“ Businesses will be retail big box and outlets , several restaurants are planned and possibly hospitality and entertainment . As for any announcements , Chick-fil-A started construction on August 29 , and we also closed on Menards , so they should start construction this fall ,” says Frank Mullens , mayor of the City of South Charleston .
The estimated completion date for this project is August 2025 .
Another major development coming to the Kanawha Valley is The Valley Plan , which seeks to increase tourism in the state and encourage residents to get outside and explore the state ’ s abundant beauty .
“ We want to connect these tourism and recreational activities to give folks the opportunity to enjoy tourism activities in Kanawha County and then travel on to Fayette County for additional activities ,” says Jennifer Herrald , county manager with the Kanawha County Commission . “ We want to make the Upper Kanawha Valley a tourism destination .”
“ We want to make the Upper Kanawha Valley a tourism destination .”
This plan is just one part of the county ’ s long-term project of revitalizing the Upper Kanawha Valley .
“ The Upper Kanawha Valley was chosen for the trails as this area is the gateway to Fayette County and other recreational activities that lead to the New River Gorge National Park ,” says Herrald . “ We hope to have some major projects started and a few completed in three years .”
Building 754 ’ s Science on a Sphere display . Photo by Jordan Ferrell .
The Valley master plan . Image by Kanawha County Commission .
Park Place Project in South Charleston . Rendering by Williamson Shriver Architects , Inc .
The latest research , education and technology campus in all of West Virginia ’ s higher education systems , the West Virginia Regional Technology Park ( WVRTP ) in South Charleston , is planting the seeds of innovation throughout the Mountain State .
“ The West Virginia Regional Technology Park recently completed Building 754 , a build-to-suit project for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ) and the U . S . National Weather Service ’ s ( NWS ) local forecast office that will house approximately 24 NWS employees and has approximately 9,000 square feet available for an additional tenant on the second floor ,” says Matt Ballard , CEO for the WVRTP .
Building 754 is also home to the park ’ s Science on a Sphere display , a system that displays planetary data on a six-foot diameter sphere that will be used for educational purposes . The system is set to open this fall in partnership with Bridge- Valley Community and Technical College .
“ WVRTP ’ s robust and reliable infrastructure allows NWS to predict and track weather for our county and region around the clock ,” says Ballard . “ Having NOAA / NWS locate its new facility at the WVRTP also provides the county with a growing technology campus of scientists and STEM professionals that help diversify our local economy and attract new industries and professionals to our county and region .”
WWW . WVEXECUTIVE . COM FALL 2022 23