TRACTION SQUARE

FCDP’s “Traction Square” Sparks New Neighborhood Vision

A fringe area in Fairmont’s downtown is finding clear, harmonious direction and beginning to rejuvenating itself.  On the south side of Fairmont’s center city district is a ‘struggling’ mixed commercial and residential neighborhood that has suffered from long-time uncertainty regarding it’s identity and direction.
This nine block area (Walnut to Virginia avenues, and first to third streets) has been an outwardly mismatched array of property types and conditions.  The extremes have extended from the well keep, to the unsafe; from well preserved historic homes to the un-occupied blighted structures; and from light industrial operations to private homeownership.  Realtors have commented that would be investors are sidetracked because the area lacks identity and direction.

Soon a clear plan and ways to build a strong neighborhood identity will be in place. 

A long story short ----- a revitalization plan which will bring this divergent, mix of properties together is being put together in a way that all the existing ‘components’ can be retained and developed independently.  The mind-boggling problems were addressed by a group of architects who are volunteering their service.   These fresh look from the outside by skilled individuals who have worked on similar problems in their past are making the difference.  

This good fortune came when volunteer members of the WV Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) agreed to assist with the planning.  AIA brought in ten professional architects from around WV to work with Fairmont Main Street, the FCDP, and the property owners to establish a vision and direction for the targeted area. 

“There has been a convergence of good luck and teamwork that is making this happen.” said Vera Sansalone, Executive Director of Fairmont Main Street.  “First, the FCDP renovated the McCoy Building on Fairmont Avenue for part-residential use and part-commercial use; and, more recently, the FCDP initiated the Traction Square project.”

With the ‘spark’ from the FCDP project and new ownership of some of the Fairmont Avenue properties, Main Street decided it was time to contact the property owners about developing a renewal plan for the neighborhood. 

FDCP Executive Director, Charles Fawcett commented that the Traction Square project has been challenging but will be completed in mid-June 2007, but seeing the impact the project is having on the neighborhood makes it well worth the effort that is going into the project.  The project began with the razing of three large multi-level structures which surround the Davis Maytag Building, a/k/a Monongahela Valley Traction Company Freight House. 

The Freight House, which is being restored / renovated for commercial and residential use, is the centerpiece for this development which will be known as Traction Square.  Attractive parking accommodations and landscaping will make the Freight House and Traction Square a focal point in this new revitalization area.