was idle for 25 years , is being redeveloped into the Three Springs Industrial Park , a new industrial and warehouse center . This complements the Half Moon Industrial Park , which also sits along the Ohio River .
In Weirton ’ s downtown , the former Weirton Steel Corporation location is now known as Weirton Frontier Crossings .
Paul Lauttamus , president of A . V . Lauttamus Communications , Inc ., believes Weirton is a perfect example of the adage , “ If you build it , they will come .” Lauttamus Communications recently expanded into a new corporate office space — including an innovation center , event center , corporate gym , wellness center and data center — and created 25 new skilled worker jobs .
A new public / private partnership in Weirton is creating a combination of retail residential development branching from Three Springs Drive , known as Park Drive . For this project , the city is installing road and utility infrastructure and community amenities to support at least two combination retail / residential buildings .
“ The Park Drive development creates jobs and commercial development while addressing residential needs ,” says Adams . “ This property had been dormant for a number of years ; however , and with the help from the economic development association , this public / private partnership has awakened the potential of this highly accessible and highly visible area , breaking ground in April 2022 .”
Photo by Pietro Fiorentini .
Weirton is celebrating its 75th anniversary as a city this year as it continues to transition from an industrial steel town to a diverse hub of industry and recreation .
“ Weirton is flourishing — not with just industrial development but commercial and retail development ,” says Adams . “ When you look at all that has developed over the past five years , it is evident that the city of Weirton no longer has to depend on steel to thrive .” •
Supporting Small Communities
By Jorge Rodriguez-Stanley
The West Virginia Community Development Hub , more commonly known as The Hub , works with community teams across the state to revitalize small towns . Through this work , local leaders consistently identify downtown redevelopment as a key strategy for community growth and economic development . The Hub is part of a statewide , collaborative group of organizations called the Downtown Appalachia Working Group .
“ Economic development is driven by private investment , not just nonprofit and public investment in communities ,” says Kaycie Stushek , the community development programs specialist for The Hub . “ There are system-wide barriers stopping communities from attracting private investment . We work as a coalition to identify those barriers , strategize ways to fill resource gaps and support communities to tap into diverse resources that create opportunities for transformational investment in communities .”
The Downtown Appalachia Working Group , which is hosted by the Northern West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center , is supporting partners from across the state to work alongside teams who are trying to make positive changes in their communities .
The Hub , as one of those support partners , provides professional coaching to these communities to help them achieve their goals .
“ Community members see the building and project ideas for development but don ’ t know the next step ,” says Amanda Workman-Scott , The Hub ’ s director of community engagement . “ Community coaches guide residents , keep them motivated and connect them with resources and groups needed for success .”
When local leaders , property owners and technical support groups work together , dramatic transformation occurs in small towns that also grows local economies .
Photo by The West Virginia Community Development Hub .
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