Construction Activity Begins at Former Waldo Hotel in Downtown Clarksburg
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Construction activity is underway at the former Waldo Hotel as work begins on the long vacant downtown Clarksburg landmark.
Photos taken Thursday show construction equipment, materials and temporary fencing along the building. A portion of Fourth Street beside the property has also been closed to traffic while the work continues.
The City of Clarksburg announced that Fourth Street, from Hewes Avenue to West Pike Street, would be closed to all traffic for the foreseeable future because of ongoing work in the area. City officials asked motorists to use alternate routes and said additional information would be released as it becomes available.
The visible activity marks a significant new phase for a property that has remained vacant for more than three decades.
AP Development LLC is leading the redevelopment effort and is working with MartinRiley Architects Engineers on the historic building. In May, the architectural firm announced plans for an adaptive reuse of the approximately 80,000 square foot property while preserving its historic character and architectural features. The concept presented at that time called for converting the building into as many as 80 residential apartments.
The city previously entered into an economic development agreement intended to support redevelopment of the property. Clarksburg City Council has also taken steps to establish a tax increment financing district around the Waldo Hotel to help support eligible development costs associated with the project.
The exact final scope of the redevelopment, construction schedule and anticipated completion date have not yet been publicly detailed. However, the equipment, fencing and work visible Thursday indicate that the project has moved beyond planning and into an active construction phase.
Originally opened in 1904, the Waldo Hotel has long been one of downtown Clarksburg’s most recognizable buildings. Its redevelopment has been discussed for years as part of broader efforts to return vacant historic properties to productive use.
