Pullman Square
Total retail floor area 200,000 square feet (19,000 m2)[1] | | |
No. of floors | 1 |
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Pullman Square is a
History
Superblock
The Superblock was to be a large revitalization project in downtown Huntington.[2] In 1970,[3] a four-block 9-acre (36,000 m2) vacant site was created for the next "large development"; however, problems besieged the area for decades. In 1974, a master plan was developed for the vacant site.[3]
In 1977, the
In the spring of 1986, the Huntington Development Corporation suggested that an off-track betting facility be constructed; however, the idea died after Governor
Another instance included an
A Chi-Chi's Mexican restaurant was constructed on the corner of 3rd Avenue and 10th Street in 1991.[3] These developments were mostly suburban in nature and was not conductive to improvements in downtown Huntington. A Holiday Inn was constructed adjacent to the Big Sandy Superstore Arena between 8th and 9th Street in 1998.[3]
Intermodal facility
In 1998, $27 million for an intermodal facility was appropriated from
The proposed facility was for a Tri-State Transit Authority (TTA) bus transfer station, retail development and associated parking structures and would occupy a two-block surface parking lot between 8th Street and 10th Street along 3rd Avenue. A later study by Woolpert suggested at least 150,000 sq ft (14,000 m2) of retail and a parking structure that has 800 to 1,400 spaces. Yet another study suggested that retail, entertainment, dining, housing, cultural, and educational aspects be included in the project.[6] A ground breaking ceremony was planned in early 2000 with initial completion of the project in 2001.[7]
In order to complete the Superblock, Chi-Chi's would need to be evicted; however, it was granted an opportunity to have a restaurant within the proposed development.[2] Chi-Chi's refused to leave the Superblock, however, citing that they wanted to "upgrade and remodel" the restaurant.
In 1999,
Pullman Square
On September 30, 1999, it was announced that the Huntington Urban Renewal Authority was in negotiations with the Transit Authority and an unnamed Columbus, Ohio developer for the Superblock.[8] In early October, President Bill Clinton signed the Transportation Appropriations bill, which provided an additional $12 million in funds for the intermodal facility.[9]
On October 18, 2000, Steiner + Associates (dropped in favor of Metropolitan Partners with the same developers), a Columbus, Ohio developer that specializes in recreating downtown urban environments, announced a $60 million 200,000 sq ft (20,000 m2). retail and entertainment complex between 10th streets and 3rd Avenue and Veterans Memorial Boulevard that would resemble an "old-time small town" and would fit within the "historic context of the existing downtown."[10][11] The developers had previously constructed similar developments in Newport, Kentucky with the completion of Newport on the Levee and Easton Town Center in Columbus. The project would include stores, restaurants and a 12 to 16-screen movie theater and would open in fall of 2002.[12] Two parking structures would be constructed as well. The parking structure between 8th and 9th Street would be four-levels and include 940 parking spaces, but could be expanded upward to include an office tower; the parking structure between 9th and 10th Streets would be three-levels and include the movie complex on top.[13] Broken down, the project plan included,[14]
- 65,000 sq ft (6,000 m2) of retail,
- 30,000 sq ft (3,000 m2) of restaurants,
- 25,300 sq, ft. of office space,
- 25,000 sq ft (2,300 m2) of entertainment, and
- a 2,300-seat, 50,000 sq ft (5,000 m2) theater.
The plan included narrowing 3rd Avenue from four-lanes westbound towards the Robert C. Byrd Bridge to one lane in each direction with angled parking; however, this was later revised to one-lane in each direction with parallel parking and a center variable lane.[15] The road narrowing plan was envisioned as a traffic calming measure.
In January 2002, the Huntington Urban Renewal Authority began
During November 2002, Metropolitan Partners filed a grant request to the West Virginia Economic Development Grant Committee.[19] It received $10.6 million in infrastructure improvements.[20] A lawsuit was later filed by the Jackson County, West Virginia lawyer Larry Harless, questioning the legality of the committee and its work. Eventually, the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia nullified the grant process and the grants that were given.
On March 26, 2003, the Superblock was sold to the developers of Pullman Square, Metropolitan Partners.[19] Chi-Chi's had until April 15 to vacate; it was demolished on the 29th.[21] The opening date had been pushed back from spring to summer 2004 due to a court case that was being considered by the West Virginia Supreme Court. In July 2003, the West Virginia Legislature passed legislation that withstood the Court of Appeals; however, the Pullman Square project had to be re-approved by the reconstituted grant committee.[22] The grant money was once again awarded in August;[20] however, two citizens' lawsuits by Larry Harless once again disputed the process. In their case, they stated that the state may provide loans to the projects but not to the grants, and questioned the legality of the state's video lottery. The West Virginia Economic Development Grant Committee was to finance the grants by selling bonds which would be repaid from profits on video lottery.
On October 17, 2003, the state Supreme Court ruled that the state could proceed with the sale of bonds financing Pullman Square and 48 other projects throughout the state.[23]
Construction and opening
Construction began on Pullman Square on July 16, 2004 with the excavation of the parking lot for the parking structures.
A few months after opening, the
Edible Arrangements was announced on August 5, 2006. The retail store, specializing in fruit bouquets and designer arrangements of fruit, opened in the fall.[28] A few months later, on January 11, 2007, Moe's Southwest Grill closed for remodeling.[29] The quick-casual restaurant later reluctantly announced that it was, in fact, moving to a nearby location on 9th Street. On March 17 Runway Couture opened next to Inspired, featuring west coast-inspired fashions; both are owned by Deneene Chafin. Moe's Southwest Grill maintained good faith talks with Pullman Square and after protracted negotiations Metropolitan Partners agreed to Moe's corporate lease arrangements and subsequently surrendered the keys to the former location on November 5, 2007.
On May 8, 2008, it was announced that Community Trust Bank would locate a bank branch at the corner of 3rd Avenue and 10th Street. It would include spaces for more retail that is currently "under negotiations".
In October 2018, Max and Erma’s closed its doors abruptly. Many employees claimed they were not informed by management that the location was closing.[1]
In March 2019, Ohio businessman Benjamin Morgan announced he would be opening Quicksilver Arcade and Bar in the former Max and Erma’s space.[2]
See also
References
- ISBN 9781864701562.
- ^ a b c Ross, Jim (1999-02-22). "Chi-Chi's not interested in moving". Herald-Dispatch.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Wellman, Dave (2000-10-19). "Officials hope decades of flops are over". Herald-Dispatch.
- ^ Ross, Jim. "New facility could alter downtown." Herald-Dispatch [Huntington] 16 Feb. 1999. 2 Jan. 2007.
- ^ a b "Huntington given more cash." Herald-Dispatch [Huntington] 22 May 1999. 2 Jan. 2007.
- ^ Koch, Joseph. "Superblock a key component." Herald-Dispatch [Huntington] 28 March 1999. 2 Jan. 2007.
- ^ Terry, Edward. "Cash crunch hinders Superblock." Herald-Dispatch [Huntington] 18 Feb. 1999. 2 Jan. 2007.
- ^ Terry, Edward. "Superblock progressing, chief says." Herald-Dispatch [Huntington] 1 Oct. 1999. 2 Jan. 2007.
- ^ Terry, Edward. "Superblock." Herald-Dispatch [Huntington] 16 Oct. 1999. 2 Jan. 2007.
- ^ Ross, Jim. "Developer unveils plans for $60 million complex." Herald-Dispatch [Huntington], Oct. 19, 2000. March 21, 2007.
- ^ Ross, Jim. "Superblock plans revealed today." Herald-Dispatch [Huntington] 18 Oct. 2000. 2 Jan. 2007.
- ^ Tarbett, Jean. "Shoppers." Herald-Dispatch [Huntington] 19 Oct. 2000. 2 Jan. 2007.
- ^ Ross, Jim. "Developer unveils plans for $60 million complex." Herald-Dispatch [Huntington] 19 Oct. 2000. 2 Jan. 2007.
- ^ "Development Program/Merchandising Mix". Pullman Square. 2002. Archived from the original on 2003-06-28.
- ^ Gorczyca, Beth. "Before it gets spiffy, 3rd will be messy." Herald-Dispatch [Huntington] 19 Oct. 2000. 2 Jan. 2007.
- ^ Ross, Jim. "Schedule tightens on Pullman." Herald-Dispatch [Huntington] 24 Jan. 2002. 2 Jan. 2007.
- ^ Ross, Jim. "Chi-Chi's." Herald-Dispatch [Huntington] 9 March 2002. 2 Jan. 2007.
- ^ Ross, Jim. "Chi-Chi's." Herald-Dispatch [Huntington] 2 May 2002. 2 Jan. 2007.
- ^ a b c Ross, Jim. "Superblock land sold to Pullman Square developers." Herald-Dispatch [Huntington] 27 March 2003. 2 Jan. 2007.
- ^ a b Ross, Jim. "Development in limbo." Herald-Dispatch [Huntington] 5 Oct., 2003. 2 Jan. 2007.
- ^ Ross, Jim. "Demolition makes way for Pullman." Herald-Dispatch [Huntington] 30 April 2003. 2 Jan. 2007.
- ^ a b Cantley-Falk, Rebeccah (2003-07-13). "Work to begin Monday at Pullman site". Herald-Dispatch.
- ^ "Ruling clears way for local projects." Herald-Dispatch [Huntington] 18 Oct., 2003. 2 Jan. 2007.
- ^ Chambers, Bryan (2004-11-20). "TODAY'S SPOTLIGHT: PULLMAN SQUARE". The Herald-Dispatch.
- ^ "Pullman progress." Herald-Dispatch [Huntington] 16 June 2005. 2 Jan. 2007.
- ^ Herald-Dispatch.
- ^ Hardiman, Tarbett (2007-02-22). "Bistro closes doors at Pullman Square". Herald-Dispatch [Huntington].
- ^ McElroy, Justin (2006-08-05). "New store set to open at Pullman". The Herald-Dispatch.
- ^ "Two downtown restaurants unexpectedly close". Herald-Dispatch [Huntington]. 2007-01-12.
- ^ a b Hardiman, Tarbett (2007-05-08). "Feds approve bank branch at Pullman". Herald-Dispatch [Huntington].
- Herald Dispatch. 2007-06-20.
External links
38°25′20″N 82°26′36″W / 38.42222°N 82.44333°W