West Virginia Executive Fall 2018 | Page 31

Elk City’s Ice Cream & the Arts event. Photo by GL Calllihan. Destination Elk City Jamie Null There is a spark coming from Elk City, a two-block stretch of Charleston’s West Side that includes Washington Street West and Pennsylvania Avenue. As developers, business owners and state leaders strive to make this West Virginia time capsule a destination for shoppers, foodies and locals alike, the past few years have seen a variety of developments and ribbon cuttings. “We have a number of exciting projects we are currently working on, including a comprehensive lighting project, Gallery 64 underneath the interstate overpass and a number of ongoing public art initiatives along with some exciting public space improvement projects that are on our long-term list,” says Ric Cavendar, executive director for Charleston Main Streets. The area has a rich history with long-standing businesses such as The Grill, Winter Floral and Antiques and Gardner’s Drycleaning, just to name a few. Other businesses that have been sparked by the development of Elk City include Books and Brews, Kin Ship Goods, Bully Trap Barber Shop, Gonzoburger, Mi Cocina de Amor and Mea Cuppa Coffee. From craft beer and coffee to specialty t-shirts and gourmet burgers, the vision for the Elk City District is a diverse mix of businesses for shopping, entertainment and dining. “The architecture, proximity to the interstate, direct access to downtown Charleston and accessibility to properties with great potential created a perfect storm for sustainable development that has spawned community and economic revitalization,” says Cavendar. Elk City’s OktoberWest event. Photo by Josh Saul. Well done! The Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia would like to congratulate current member and 2019 West Virginia Executive Young Gun award recipient Kyle Mork. IOGA West Virginia: Supporting the industry that supports West Virginia. IOGAWV.com WWW.WVEXECUTIVE.COM FALL 2018 29