The Quick-Start Guide to Understanding, Recognizing, or Buying a Brownfield
Brownfields—properties contaminated from historic industrial use—pose unique challenges for communities, but with careful assessment, remediation, and strategic partnerships, they can be transformed into valuable economic and community assets. The BDC has successfully redeveloped multiple brownfield sites in the Northern Panhandle, turning long-unused properties into thriving business parks and opportunities for local growth.
5 Reasons Why Our Workforce Loves the Northern Panhandle
Brooke and Hancock counties may be known for their industrial heritage, but there’s so much more to discover in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle. From rich cultural diversity and one-of-a-kind cuisine to scenic parks, historic landmarks, and a prime location near major cities, this region offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big opportunities.
5 Boxes to Check Before Applying for a Grant or Loan
Grants and loans can help turn community projects into reality, but understanding the process is key. From checking eligibility and deadlines to aligning with funding priorities and building strong partnerships, careful preparation can make the difference in securing financial support for your idea.
Brooke and Hancock Counties Volunteer Inventory – August 2021
Brooke and Hancock Counties Volunteer Inventory – September 2021
Rock Springs Business Park issued certificate of completion by state EPA
By Craig Howell MANAGING EDITOR June 6, 2018 CHESTER — Following almost seven years of work, the Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle has reached a milestone with its first major development project. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has issued a certificate of completion to the BDC for the Rock Springs Business […]
TS&T Pottery Site
Once home to the TS&T Pottery Company in Chester, WV, the nine-acre riverfront site sat vacant for decades until the BDC secured funding to remediate the hazardous property. Leveraging a $5,000 Benedum Foundation grant into $1.1 million, the BDC cleared the site and prepared it for future redevelopment, transforming a long-standing brownfield into an opportunity for community growth.
Brooke Glass
Built in 1879, the historic Brooke Glass building in downtown Wellsburg has been preserved and prepared for new use thanks to a $5,000 Benedum Foundation grant and over $500,000 in additional remediation funding. In partnership with local and state agencies, the BDC ensured part of the site’s legacy remains while making way for future development.
Domino’s Pizza
In 2012, the BDC purchased the former Weirton Heights Volunteer Fire Department, later partnering with Domino’s Pizza to redevelop the site. The project brought the region its first dine-in Domino’s, allowing the longtime business to expand while giving new life to a vacant building.
Bidell Gas Compression
In 2017, Canadian-based Bidell Gas Compression chose Weirton as the site of its U.S. headquarters, repurposing a former Weirton Steel machine shop. Today, the facility fabricates, leases, and services natural gas compression equipment for customers across North America and beyond.
Hancock County Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Once home to Friday night lights, the former Newell Stadium site has been transformed into a 3.7-acre commercial property. With the help of a U.S. EPA Brownfield Assessment and local investment, it is now the site of Hancock County Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Newell, WV.
Pietro Fiorentini US
Italy-based Pietro Fiorentini chose Weirton for its first U.S. manufacturing facility—a $5.5 million investment backed by local support and industrial expertise. The plant is set to create up to 45 jobs in its first phase, with expansion plans bringing even more opportunities to the region.
Beech Bottom Industrial Park
Once the site of Wheeling Corrugating, the Beech Bottom Industrial Park has been transformed from an idle steel factory into a thriving 40.5-acre hub. Through strategic investment and federal support, the BDC revitalized the property, now home to Jupiter Aluminum, Tenaris, and Southwestern Energy.