MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — “Build A Great Place” is the declaration made by Main Street Morgantown for 2018 and beyond during their annual meeting.
Their 34th in the organization’s history, representatives reviewed a busy 2018 for Morgantown, which according to Main Street Executive Director Barbara Watkins was nothing but positive.
“I think 2018 was a fantastic year for Main Street Morgantown,” said Watkins. “We had new events, we had new development coming on top of High Street, so 2018 has been great,” she said.
Approximately $3.9 million was contributed to downtown Morgantown over the past year with the main catalyst being the rennovations to the Monongalia County Courthouse Square. Among the amenities built at the square — with approximately $2.1 million in public funds — include an engagement area with a renovated war memorial and restored water fountain along with an updated accessibility ramp to the courthouse.
That’s only part of the changes downtown this year.
“I mean if you look across the street at the Ward Building or the old Magistrate Building, whatever you want to refer it to, they got a new paint and a new facade there,” Watkins said.
Other local businesses followed suit throughout 2018, Watkins said. Another $1.8 million came from private investments made to either improve downtown Morgantown property or to develop business in the downtown area. This also includes a relocation of WVU’s Center of Entrepreneurship into the downtown area and a grant from the City of Morgantown, which allows up to $20,000 in rennovations for local business.
“So businesses are even talking about powerwashing the front of their facades, which you know is a huge improvement,” Watkins said. “That or just painting, just painting some of the window sills, makes a big difference.”
Looking ahead, Watkins said much of the same mindset will be used to improve downtown Morgantown in 2019. Along with their annual Kid’s Day, Chocolate Lovers Day and the Arts Walk are expected to return.
Main Street Morgantown will be welcoming six new members to their board.
“Of course everybody or anybody who has any ideas is more than welcome at any of our meetings,” Watkins said.
Main Street Morgantown’s next planning meeting is Jan. 21.