Age alone does not define a building as historic to a community. A combination of location, context, and connection creates the legacy that inspires investment of energy and resources into these buildings. Three great examples of legacy and redevelopment efforts in Petersburg, Bluefield, and Wellsburg will illustrate the journey from brownfield to revived community assets. We’ll share the interesting places in which Brownfield projects take shape, the nuanced terminology that makes these case studies more accessible, and assist the audience in connecting the dots between the projects presented and THEIR projects back home. Come make us part of your story!
One of the most important relationships in any Brownfields project is the relationship between the Grantee and their Environmental Consultant. However, while the Consultants usually know what they are getting into with a project, the Grantees usually has no experience. Breakdowns in communication, expectations and agreements often lead to delays and extra expenditures in Brownfields projects, resulting in Grantee frustration. This session is designed to give Grantees some critical advice in hiring and developing good working relationships with their Environmental Consultants, including what questions to ask prospective Consultants, realistic expectations and communication, and ways to avoid adversarial relationships. This session includes a panel of experts that have been through the Brownfields process from multiple perspectives as Grantees, Grantors, and Regulatory Agencies who will discuss their experience, lessons learned and answer questions from the audience.
Redeveloping a historic building is not for the faint of heart! From environmental review to funding procurement, a redevelopment project requires insight into the many requirements for site redevelopment. Utilizing Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits, environmental studies and New Market Tax Credits, projects across West Virginia are succeeding and creating sustainable development that serves as senior living, medical services and more. Come learn about several successful projects including the Prichard Building in Huntington and the YWCA in Wheeling.
