Old Main Corridor Ideas Presented
Since August of 2006 the American Institute of Architects' West Virginia Chapter, in partnership with Huntington city officials and the Chapter's Livable Communities Committee, have met with architects, business owners, property owners and Marshall University personnel to generate design ideas for improving the Old Main Corridor. After three public meetings and a survey of Marshall students, the committee presented conceptual drawings of the ideas developed from the forums. Suggested improvements include increased lighting, traffic pattern changes, surveillance cameras and sidewalk restoration and extension. The Corridor is envisioned as a place of unique business, outdoor eateries and garden spaces. The possibility of a trolley was also incorporated into the design suggestions.

Click here to see an overview of the project.
Click here to see the design plan.
Click here to view the Marshall Student Survey.
Click here to learn more about architects and livable communities.

Downtown Live
The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce has initiated a committee called "Downtown Live!" that is going to plan events downtown and help existing events connect with the entire downtown business community.  Their first event is called "CAFE!" or Children's Art Festival Extravaganza and will be held on the 9th Street plaza on Saturday, June 28.  The Chamber has secured private funding for these activities and are running the operation out of the Chamber Foundation. The purpose of the initiative is to improve Huntington’s creative environment and bring customers to downtown businesses and restaurants. The Chamber's  "Downtown Live!" committee has partnered with the City, Cabell County, Pullman Square, the Convention and Visitor's Bureau, the Empowerment Zone, TTA, Marshall University, and several downtown property owners and businesses.

Vaughn Grisham Gives Huntington Economic Development Advice
Vaughn Grisham, Director of the McLean Community Development Institute, recently visited Huntington to work with community members and inspire citizen activity that improves Huntington. More than 100 residents participated in the series of workshops and meetings. Many agreed to take on short term projects to be completed before Dr. Grisham returns to Huntington in October 2008. Portions of his presentations will soon be airing on Huntington’s cable access channel.

Create Huntington Team Visit Morgantown, Paducah
Teams from Create Huntington committees went on the road in April to learn more about how successful communities make things happening. A trip to Morgantown provided valuable information about the importance of a community visioning and planning process. In Paducah, Create Huntington representatives learned about their “Artist Relocation Program” that has revitalized blighted neighborhoods and elevated economic development through the arts.

Click here to see photos of the Morgantown visit.
Click here to see photos of the Paducah visit.
To learn more about Paducah’s Artist Relocation Program, go to www.paducaharts.com.