The Inter-Mountain photo by Edgar Kelley Trickett Hardware employee Steve Finch works at some of the store’s inside renovation chores on Tuesday afternoon in downtown Elkins.
ELKINS – New businesses and renovated facilities are making downtown Elkins “an expanding hub for commerce and culture,” Major Jerry Marco said.
Less than two weeks ago, the historic Tygart Hotel, which was constructed in 1906, opened its doors after a lengthy renovation. It was joined by Alexandria on the Main and the Hippie Chick Boutique, which both opened downtown this past weekend.
Alexandria on the Main offers a diverse selection of literature along with an event center to host monthly book clubs and cultural events. The Hippie Chick Boutique, meanwhile, offers trendy women’s clothing, accessories, and other apparel. Both businesses are located on Third Street.
“I am delighted to see the continued expansion of businesses in Elkins,” City of Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco said in a press release. “These developments help confirm that we are making the city attractive enough for people to want to invest in it.”
In the past year, downtown Elkins has seen a surge in growth. Other businesses that opened for the first time in the last 12 months include: Dandelion Candy Co., Top Knot Hair, Clementine’s Closet, and Mycelium.
Cunningham Construction’s Ben Pennington, left, and Levi McCauley work on some of the outside renovations at Trickett Hardware on Tuesday.
The Augusta Heritage Center recently moved downtown and is up and running in the historic Wilt Building. The organization already has several new offices and classrooms opened at its new home. Renovations are being done to other parts of the complex.
Big Timber Brewing also opened a new location downtown this past year when it relocated to a space on Davis Avenue overlooking the Tygart River.
Trickett’s Hardware, which has been part of the community since 1923, is undergoing renovations, and Jimbo’s Place, a popular sports bar on Davis Avenue, is in the process of expanding.
Clementine’s Cantina is scheduled to open its doors on March 28 on Davis Avenue. It is located in the former Jabberwock Bar building, and will feature customized burritos and late-night offerings to local residents and visitors of the city.
“The influx of new businesses in downtown Elkins underscores the city’s potential as an expanding hub for commerce and culture,” Marco said. “I hope the whole community will join in celebrating and supporting these businesses, along with continuing to support the many businesses that have been here so long already.”