Charleston Home & Living

Charleston

May Issue 2016

Home & Living

HAPPENING

AROUND TOWN SEE PAGE 6

LOOKING BACK

AT KANAWHA COUNTY LIBRARY SEE PAGE 11

CREATING

THE PERFECT SPACE

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Charleston Home & Living

TMS Publishing Dan Lanham 304-345-0654 dan@livingwestvirginia.com Contributing Writers Leslie Bonham Happening Around Town P6 M. Lynne Squires Looking Back P11 Jason Little Autism P13 Dave Cooper Create the Perfect Space P12 Rev. Matthew Watts The Future of WV’s Work Force P14 Creative Director Lincoln Banry Photographer Michael Bell

on the cover

FEATURED: Darin Fisher Designer Kitchens Also see pages 19

Building & Remodeling Warehouse

2 3 4 5

Alan & Rose Windows & Doors

GoMini’s

Blind Wizard

TNT Garage Doors

6 7 7 8 9 10

Happening Around Town

Fahey Exteriors

Preparing for a Mortgage

5 Reasons to use a Handyman

Mr. Handyman

Building & Remodeling Warehouse

11 12 12 13 14 15

Looking Back at the Library

Dave Cooper Interior Design

Create the Perfect Space

Autism

The Future of WV’s Work Force

16 16 17 18 19

Chas Main Street

A1 Concrete

St. Albans Windows

Duke Jordan

Darin Fisher Designer Kitchens

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Happening Around Town

May just HAS to be one of the best times to be in Charleston!

Between the warm spring days with the breeze blowing up from the Kanawha River to a multitude of extremely cool festivals, there is no better place to be. Several summer activities begin this month.

The ever-popular “Live on the Levee” concerts take place every Friday at Haddad Riverfront Park from the end of May to Labor Day weekend. Every third Wednesday from May to September, you won’t want to miss the “Brown Bag Concert Series” at Davis Park where various local musicians give free performances during lunch. Local artisans gather every third Saturday to sell beautiful handmade jewelry, art, clothing and other crafts at the East End Bazaar. Superstars like Whoopi Goldberg and Dolly Parton will be performing in town in the coming weeks. Our gorgeous State

Capitol grounds is home to the Vandalia Gathering that displays our cultural heritage that’s as colorful as the quilts hanging on the walls of the Culture Center. Bluegrass music, clogging, and other Appalachian arts are enjoyed by everyone. There is even a “Liar’s Contest”!

May 18:

May 20:

May 21:

May 21:

May 21:

May 22:

May 27:

May 27, 7pm to May 29, 5pm:

“Brown Bag Concert Series”, Davis Park at the corner of Lee and Capitol Streets, 11:30-1:30, FREE admission

“Evening With Whoopi Goldberg”, Clay Center, 8pm, admission: $39- $99

“Monty Python’s SPAMALOT”, Charleston Light Opera Guild, Charleston Civic Center Little Theater, admission $25

“Mountain Stage” with Hayes Carll, Darrell Scott and more, Culture Center Theater, 7pm, admission: $20-$25

As if all of this isn’t enough, there is no more beautiful venue for an outdoor concert than the campus of the University of Charleston. On Symphony Sunday, musicians gather to play for hours, while the concert-goers get settled in with their bag chairs or quilts thrown on the ground. There are plenty of food vendors and you can even bring your own cooler, if you like. Summer is just getting started and Charleston is definitely the place to be!

East End Bazaar, artisan market, corner of Washington St. and Ruffner Ave., 10am-3pm, FREE admission

“Live on the Levee” with Hybrid Soul Project and more’, Haddad Riverfront Park, 6:30, FREE admission

Downtown Streetfest, on Capitol St. between Quarrier and Lee Streets, FREE blockparty of live music, food, drinks, kids’ activities, pop-up shops and more

“Vandalia Gathering”, West Virginia State Capitol Complex, FREE admission

May 28:

May 28:

May 29:

June 1:

June 5:

June 5:

June 7:

June 9, 6pm to June 11, 11pm:

“Taste of All”, Four Points by Sheraton & Haddad Riverfront Park, 11am-3pm, admission: 50 cents per food sample ticket

“Symphony Sunday”, WV Symphony Orchestra,1-10pm, University of Charleston, FREE admission

June 11:

“The OVIS Project- Race for Rebuild 5k Run/Walk, 8am, University of Charleston, admission varies 6 Charleston Home & Living | May 2016 63502.8.6.006.indd 1

“FestivALT” with Keller Williams, Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys, and more; 7pm, Haddad Riverfront Park, FREE admission

“Mountain Stage” with Lake Street Dive and more, 7pm, Clay Center, admission: $35-$40

“The MOTH Mainstage”, Clay Center, 7pm, admission: $25-$35

“Dolly Parton LIVE at the Civic Center”, Charleston Civic Center, 7:30pm, admission: $63-$103

“Wilco”, Clay Center, 7:30pm, admission: $30-$75

“Capitol City Biker Bash”, Haddad Riverfront Park, FREE admission

June 11:

East End Bazaar, an artisan market, corner of Washington St. and Ruffner Ave., 10am-3pm, FREE admission April 2016 | Charleston Home & Living 11 4/29/16 1:13 PM

The Home Buyers Guide to

Preparing for a Mortgage Have you checked your credit and decided that it’s time to buy your first home?

Well, it’s no surprise that making a home purchase can be an overwhelming process. Fortunately, there are ways to stay ahead of the game while keeping your stress under control. Before you jump into a new mortgage, let’s learn some preparation techniques to achieve the best possible outcome.

1. CHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORT As soon as you apply for a mortgage loan, this is the first thing that lenders will look for. It’s always a good idea to check and monitor your credit score, and keep an eye out for any factors that may be harming your scores. Make sure that your credit report is as accurate as possible, and that no one else is getting access to your credit. Remember, the ultimate goal is to prove your creditworthiness to the lender in order to get the best rates.

2. CORRECT ANY INACCURATE INFORMATION

6. APPLYING FOR MULTIPLE LOANS OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME CAN HURT YOUR CREDIT SCORE

Every single time you apply for a loan, lenders make an inquiry that will be visible on your credit report. By dragging out loan applications over a month or longer, you can actually end up doing damage to your score, which in turn, can affect the type of rate you get on the mortgage. However, if you apply for a few loans over a series of 2 weeks, that only counts as one inquiry on your report, not multiple.

IN YOUR REPORT

If you see any inaccurate information on your credit report or if you notice any accounts that you didn’t open or addresses that aren’t yours, dispute it with the credit bureaus. Three of the major credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian,and TransUnion.

3. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, AND RESEARCH Buying a home is one of the largest financial decisions you will make, so it’s important that you gather all information and research multiple loans, rates and brokers before making your final decision. If you get to work now and start researching all the options out there, you may even end up with better terms and a better rate.

4. THE DOWN PAYMENT: BIGGER IS BETTER Before you even decide how much to put down on your first house, be sure you’re also being realistic about what you can honestly afford. When setting your budget, keep this in mind: the larger the down payment, the better your terms will be. And, the lower your mortgage payment, the more money you can save for home improvements and repairs.

5. WATCH OUT FOR PRE-PAYMENT PENALTIES Depending on the type of mortgage you get, there may also be pre-payment penalties. Find out whether or not you’ll get penalized for paying your mortgage loan off early before making any sort of commitment.

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5 REASONS TO USE A HANDYMAN FOR HOME REPAIRS Whether you need help with small home maintenance projects like cleaning the gutters or larger repairs like fixing a leaky ceiling or faucet, using a handyman can offer huge payoffs for homeowners, not to mention a lot less stress!

If you’re not convinced, here are 5 reasons to use a handyman for home repairs and maintenance.

1. SAVE MONEY

3. SAFETY

Before you assume that doing a project or repairs on your own will help save money, think again.

A professional will get it done the very first time, while going it yourself may require more supplies throughout the process to get it exactly how you want it. Why go out and spend your money on all the hardware and equipment when your handyman has everything within arm’s reach?

When you hire a handyman to perform a home repair or service, you do not risk injuring yourself by trying to figure it out on your own.

2. SAVE TIME With ample experience under his belt, chances are that a handyman can get a project done in one or two hours, while you may spend all day working on replacing the insulation in your attic or installing a new appliance.

4. AVOIDS MAJOR & COSTLY REPAIRS By having a trusty handyman to fix small home issues as they arise, you’ll be able to prevent those issues from developing into larger ones that can put a big hole in your wallet. Even further, a well maintained home retains your property value.

5. THE JOB WILL FINALLY BE DONE A qualified and experienced handyman will get the job done quickly and efficiently, which will make your family happy that it’s finally finished. And the best part? You’ll have more time to do the things you enjoy!

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ENSURE PROPER INSTALLATION WITH REPLACEMENT WINDOWS A window can only perform well if properly installed. Quality installation is critical for an airtight fit and a continuous water barrier to prevent drafts, water damage and condensation. The complexity of the installation depends on whether you are considering complete window replacement or inserting windows or sash kits within the existing frame. Make sure to follow manufacturers’ recommendations on whether the particular installation requires trained professionals or whether do-ityourself is an option.

Finding Quality Installers is the Key The first place to inquire about quality installers is from the distributor you are purchasing the windows from. Each window manufacturer has detailed installation requirements and specifications for their products and may have recommendations for (preferred installers), or provide installation certification programs. Make sure you ask whomever you buy your windows from if they have preferred contractors and if they have any job references in your area where these contractors have installed.

There are standards for proper window installation, and installers are well advised to follow these along with the manufacturer’s installation requirements. The most prominent of these standards is HYPERLINK “http://www.astm.org/Standards/ E2112.htm”ASTM Standard E 2112. Installers who are certified through nationally recognized certification programs or through the training programs offered by manufacturers are likely to be familiar with this standard. Some installers have various certificates from different programs but it is important for you to know who and how they are installing your windows.

Ultimately, finding trusted installers is a case-by-case decision. References may always help with recommendations.

SOME INSTALLATION BASICS FOR WINDOW REPLACEMENT Always follow manufacturer’s installation guidelines and specifications.

Install level, plumb, and square.

Install water tight: water must be prevented from penetrating behind the water control system of the wall. Different techniques apply to different water control systems: Surface barrier system (masonry, concrete or brick with no cavities): the window frame must be carefully joined with the surface barrier because no water must penetrate this barrier; Drainage membrane system (house wrap or building paper behind exterior cladding material such as siding, brick veneer, or stucco): the window must be installed so that any water that gets behind the cladding is drained down and out over the drainage membrane.

Allow movement and thermal expansion (¼” to ½ tolerance around the frame) Seal it up: Maintain the integrity of any air barrier and vapor retarder used in the wall system and seal all gaps around the window frame with caulk. Insulate all voids with foam or batt, but only use low-expansion foam to avoid pressure that could distort the window frame.

10 Charleston Home & Living | May 2016 63502.8.6.010.indd 1

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Looking Back I

...at Kanawha county library

n a world where the role of a library is ever diminishing, it seems impossible to imagine never having had one to begin with. But in Charleston prior to 1909, that was the reality. Only schools and some drug stores had lending libraries with very limited selections. Desiring to correct this gap in the city’s literary resources, two women from the Women’s Kanawha Literary Club requested a meeting with the YMCA. The YMCA, sympathetic to the women’s plight offered space in their building to start a library.

The library flourished and in the course of a few years relocated several times to accommodate the rapid growth. From the YMCA they moved to the manse of the old Presbyterian church on Quarrier Street. When it was demolished in 1913, they moved to Virginia and McFarland Streets, then moved again in 1914 one block away to Kanawha and McFarland Streets. In 1925, the library found their home in the Capitol Annex Building, at the convergence of Lee, Hale and Dickinson streets. In addition to the library, the building at times also housed Kanawha College, Morris Harvey College, the State Teacher’s Retirement System and the Children’s Museum.

When planning to make upgrades to the Capitol Annex Building, it was determined the cost to upgrade exceeded the value of the building, so in 1958 the search for a new location began. The building on Capitol and Quarrier now housing our current library was at that time the Federal Building, and had previously been the US Post Office. The federal government was also seeking to relocate as they were building a new Federal Building on Quarrier, so negotiations commenced. Aided by Congressman John Slack, and Senators Jennings Randolph and Robert Byrd, the library jumped though the required hoops in order to be considered to receive a gift of the library at no cost from the federal government. Practically at the last minute, the government decided the prime downtown location should be sold and not donated. (Ironically they stated ‘Had the property been eight to ten blocks east we would have easily just donated the building to the library.)

At the cost of five hundred thousand dollars the building was purchased in 1964. On top of that was the cost to remodel the building, which was contracted out at a cost in excess of 1.1 million.

Additional funds were needed for air conditioning, an additional elevator, and other moving and building completion costs. The funding was pieced together like a quilt, one bit at a time. The sale of their previous building brought $710,000. The Library Services Act Grant brought $187,050. A grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission for 249,460 and the Joe Lowenstein Foundation contributed $35,000. All this combined with public donations, continued fund raising and annual revenues brought the building to fruition as the library’s new home.

The author of the redesign of the old building was architect J. Russell Bailey, of Orange, Virginia. Well versed in library design, Bailey’s plan provided spacious areas, programs and literary events including rooms wired for television for children’s educational M. Lynne Squires is the author of the award-winning book Letters to My Son – Reflections of Urban Appalachia at Mid-Century.

Her blog The View from My Cup, is found at www.mlynne.com.

By: M. Lynne Squires

programming to come. Although the building had one elevator, another was added toward the front of the building. The building is six floors in all, including the basement and the attic. There is a mezzanine overlooking the spacious first floor reading area.

Renovations were extensive because while serving as the Federal Building, there were numerous agencies that called the building home. There were still safes in the walls from the post office’s tenure as well as peep holes that were used to check on tellers in an effort to ensure honesty. The attic floor housed FBI and Secret Service offices. Army, Navy and Marine recruiting offices were occupants, and the building saw many citizens sworn to serve their country, including more than a few library staff during World War II. The VA Services kept offices there. People who entered the building as immigrants became naturalized citizens within the courthouse and stepped out the front door and down the steps into the America they now called home.

The old library closed its doors at the Capitol Annex on November 14, 1966 in preparation for the move to the newly renovated location. A new sculpture and fountain made of sheet bronze was placed predominately in the front of the building. Somewhat controversial, the modern art piece was about eight by eight feet, and stood in stark contrast to the classic Greek ionic architecture of the library. The sculptor, Robert Conback of Westbury, New York declared it a perfect fit for a city in West Virginia as it “combines a consciousness of rocks and mountains.”

People were driven to ensure and maintain a place for Charleston and the Kanawha Valley’s literary advancement. January 3rd, 1967 saw a dinner gathering of the dedicated staff and the library Board of Directors at the Daniel Boone Hotel, down Capitol Street from the library. On January 4 an open house was held for the new library home on Capitol Street. The next day, January 5 the library finally opened its doors for business. Next month we will travel two blocks north and explore the early years of the stately Daniel Boone hotel.

BUILDINGS DEFINE THE SKYLINE OF CITIES.

The next issue will feature a Charleston building many have entered but few know its history. Read the next installment of Looking Back to explore the Kanawha County Library on Capitol Street.

May 2016 | Charleston Home & Living 11

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5

Great Considerations to Create the Perfect Space

Years of experience working with many clients, I have found that there are 5 basic points to tremendously improve the results of creating that perfect, comfortable home environment. Keeping these proven tips in mind and taking advantage of an outside set of eyes, one can guarantee a desired result for years of pleasurable living.

DAVE COOPER Space Planning & Interior Design

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FIRST AND FOREMOST, HAVE A PLAN. We have ALL had the "First Apartment"experience. You know, the one where we used our bed from our parents home,found lamps and tables at yard sales, and made use of any otherhand-me-downs that were available. We "MADE" it work. We've all madepurchases (investments) that didn't work like we thought because the piecewouldn't fit or the color was not what we thought. Settling and makingcostly mistakes often result when we don't have a plan in mind. Knowingmeasurements and some basics like how we want the room to be used willassure the space is completed in a way that is most reflective of what wesee in our imagination. A plan will often educate us on the cost involved aswell. so whether we complete the entire project at one time or in phases, wewill feel confident in our buying as we know the end result before the firstpiece is purchased!

1

Dave Cooper 304-539-8592 Cooporris18@outlook.com www.cooporris18.com

2

NEXT,, address the function of the space. Have you tested out the dream ideaof how you want to use this space? A great example, TV's over fireplaceshave often not been what the client thought. Trends often dictate decisionsmade by clients. ALWAYS suggest taking a piece of existing furniture tomimic placement in relation to a TV. Watch a movie to see how they feelabout the comfort of the experience. Many aching necks have resulted inclients understanding that a mistake would have been made! How many seatsfor everyday use and how many max do you see in the space. It's nice to knowBEFORE making purchases that this is reasonable. Having a chance to live inthe space BEFORE committing to a plan is a great way to confirm the use ofthe space as well. Knowing how you use the space, you may want to stretchout on the sofa! Let's make sure you can!

3

A THIRD CONSIDERATION,, always helpful in the decision-making process, thinkabout what you like about the current set up in your existing space and whatis NOT working. Make sure that these desires are met in the new plan!

Also,this is the perfect time to make sure know what existing pieces will play arole. Great design reflects the pieces that personally have meaning.Sometimes these pieces might be used in the new plan and sometimes there areavailable options to use the treasure in another part of the home. These arethe items that help to make your house...

YOUR HOME!

5 4

ANOTHER REALITY, finishing the space is THE ONLY WAY to create that ideathat is likely in one's mind when the project is developed. Paint color,flooring, window treatments, rugs, lighting... the finishing touches arenecessary to create that well balanced room. Again, sharing this informationwith a professional outside set of eyes can help!

FINALLY,, in my experience, one of the MOST imporFINALLY tant considerations increating the perfect space is PATIENCE. Know the goal... an update to thespace? or is there an event in the future when the room needs to becompleted? Is it more important to have the perfect dining room this holidayseason or for all the seasons to come? PATIENCE in the production andinstallation process averages 6 to 8 weeks. PLAN and be PATIENT! The endresult will be well worth the effort!

4/29/16 1:12 PM

C

hances are you know someone whose life is affected by autism. In 2015 the CDC released a report indicating that 1 in 68 children will be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a statistic that spans all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic categories. Autism and ASD are general terms that encompass a group of complex disorders of brain development, often characterized by significant delays in verbal and non-verbal communication, a lack of social interaction, and repetitive, compulsive behavior. ASD is 4 times more likely to affect boys than girls, and while the exact cause is unknown, the latest research indicates that there are genetic factors that play a role. For example, studies have shown that among identical twins, if one child has ASD, then the other will be affected about 3695% of the time. Children born to older parents are often at higher risk, as well.

T

here is no definitive test for autism, such as a blood test or brain scan, that clearly indicates the presence of ASD, but rather it is an aggregate of symptoms and physicians must consider the child’s behavior and development to reach a diagnosis. Signs that a child has autism typically occur between two and three years, but sometimes symptoms are clearly present by 18 months, and sometimes even younger.

S •

ome typical signs that a child may have autism include but are not limited to:

• • • • • • • • • • •

not pointing at objects to show interest (for example, not pointing at an airplane flying over) not looking at objects when another person points at them avoiding eye contact and preferring to be alone preferring not to be held or cuddled, or might cuddle only when they want to appear to be unaware when people talk to them, but respond to other sounds repeating or echoing words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language having trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions not playing “pretend” games (for example, not pretend to “feed” a doll) repeating actions over and over having trouble adapting when a routine changes having unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound losing skills they once had (for example, stop saying words they were using)

W

By Jason Little, Applied Behavior Learning Center - 304-720-3383 http://ablccharlestonwv.com

63502.8.6.013.indd 1

hile there is no “cure” for autism, early intervention can often help a child gain important skills during a critical time of development. If your child presents some of the previously listed symptoms and you suspect that he or she may suffer from autism, share your concerns with your pediatrician, who should then refer you to a specialist such as a Developmental Pediatrician or a Child Neurologist or Psychologist.

To find the right contact information, you can contact the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) at 919-962-2001.

May 2016 | Charleston Home & Living 13 4/29/16 1:24 PM

THE FUTURE

of WV’s Labor Force

By Matthew J. Watts-President/CEO HOPE Community Development Corporation

The Kanawha Valley needs for local businesses and community organizations to develop and implement a pilot job-training program for people ages 16 to 24.

are available. They often do not graduate from high school on time or are not ready for college or advanced training, further decreasing their employment options.

Such a project could be undertaken by the Charleston Area Alliance, Kanawha County Workforce Investment Board, Kanawha Valley and Bridgemont Community and Technical colleges, Kanawha County schools, local private business and other collaborators.

Many contend with hurdles beyond their control, such as growing up in poverty, having few working adults as role models, attending low performing schools and living with a single parent.

The need for this initiative is evidenced by the fact that West Virginia has the lowest workforce labor participation rate in the nation, at roughly 54 percent, 10 percent below the national average.

One of the main contributors to that low rate in West Virginia is the low workforce participation among this age group. The rate for this age group has continued to decline over the last decade particularly during the Great Recession. The unemployment rate for 16 to 19 year olds is more than 50 percent in some communities.

The need for a special Demonstration Workforce Development Initiative in West Virginia is further supported by a 2012 KIDS Count Report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. According to the report, “Youth and Work: Restoring Teen and Young Adults Connections to Opportunity,” there are more than 56,000 teens and young adults in West Virginia who are not in school and jobless.

These teen and young adults are veering toward a path of chronic unemployment and underemployment as adults and failing to gain the skills employers need in the 21st century. Many are on a path that will lead to crime and incarceration that could exacerbate West Virginia’s already over-crowded adult prison system.

According to the report, many of these young people face numerous obstacles and are often described as “disconnected youth.”

They encounter greater competition from older workers for increasing scarce good paying jobs that are available, especially in light of the slow economic recovery. They lack the higher skill set required for the better paying jobs that

According to the report, youth employment is at its lowest level since World War II. Nationally, only about half of young people ages 16 to 24 held jobs in 2011 compared to 60 percent in 2000.

In West Virginia, only 40 percent of youth held a job in 2011 compared to 53 percent in 2000. When young people have no connection to jobs or school, government spends more to support them and many of them already have children of their own, exacerbating the intergenerational cycle of poverty in some communities. The latest data from the U.S. Census Population Survey shows that more than 20 percent (11,200) of these youth in West Virginia already have children of their own.

It is imperative that we reconnect these youth to education and job training that leads to employment in order to break the cycle of poverty for them and their children and to help many avoid a life of crime and imprisonment.

It is equally important that these young people are reconnected to education and employment in order to replenish West Virginia’s aging workforce to help grow the economy. Kanawha County could serve as the model for the rest of the state.

West Virginia economic future hinges on it developing a well trained, healthy and drug-free workforce. Without such a workforce, West Virginia cannot capitalize on emerging economic opportunities.

Appeared in the Opinion Section of the Charleston Daily Mail Newspaper - Thursday March 20, 2014 Rev. Matthew J. Watts is senior pastor at Grace Bible Church in Charleston.

14 Charleston Home & Living | May 2016 63502.8.6.014.indd 1

14 Charleston Home & Living | April 2016

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Charleston, WV

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is a volunteer-driven economic development non-profit focused on revitalizing Charleston’s East End and West Side. Through our four-pronged approach of urban design, program development, economic development, and marketing and promotions, we are growing vibrant commercial districts that enhance the unique and diverse characteristics of the East End and West Side.

To get involved, contact Executive Director, Ric Cavender, at 304-767-9269.

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304.347.9700 1.877.45LEVEL

Charleston Home & Living

To advertise call Dan Lanham | 304-345-0654 | dan@livingwestvirginia.com

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West Virginia’s Premier Home Improvement Co. Windows Siding Doors Sunrooms Porch Enclosures

2141 MacCorkle Avenue, St. Albans, WV

304.727.9363 | 1.800.322.7488 www.stalbanswindow.com Windows, Siding, Doors, Sunrooms & Porch Enclosures

in the Valley

WV Licanse No. 005570

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I keep hearing our economy is going down the drain, and everyone is afraid to buy.

Well, in my opinion, Charleston properties, as a whole, are doing just fine. As it has been over the last year, the absorption rate for our larger ticket items has expanded, but they too are eventually selling. The one thing I have seen change in Charleston’s marketplace is the buyer. Being the small community that we are, we all know some of the usual movers and shakers at the residential investment end, as well as the buyers of commercial properties. I personally have seen different small business owners making decisions to take that risk of buying to expand, and for personal investment reasons. In the past 30 days, I have sold a 60,000+ square foot building to an expanding small business, a 70 acre tract to an expanding business, a prime commercial lot, formerly known as Steak & Ale, and another building on downtown Capitol Street. Of course, I’m putting homes into contract too. There are always new home buyers looking in that 150-250k price range. If you’re in the industry, you’ll also know money is still cheap. There are some great rates being offered out there for financing. Instead of rate shopping, it is starting to come

down to, with whom does the buyer have a relationship.

At the end of the day I do believe West Virginia will make it through, and will eventually have small businesses to fill the void that war on Coal has created. I believe Charleston has been blessed with some great small businesses like The Block, Charleston Brewery, First Watch, Pies & Pints, Bridge Road Bistro, Adelphia, Celsius, So Hos, Bricks & Barrells, Fazios, Ellens Ice Cream, and more. Yes, these are all restaurants, but they have created life in the downtown area.

I’ve seen more and more buildings being converted into living spaces and loft apartments. To truly see Charleston grow and further expand, we have got to get out and do our part by supporting our local small businesses. Looking back on my days as an officer, working the streets of Charleston, I remember the hundreds of folks from out of town who would tell me they thoroughly enjoyed the people and the Charleston experience. Folks we have to remember to keep investing in one another. Together, we will make it. Just remember the next time you are looking to buy or market your property, I will give you service beyond the sell.

Going Beyond the Sale, Duke Jordan

JORDAN

GOING BEYOND THE

SALE

Mike Callaghan, Broker of Record 1337 Virginia St., E. Charleston, WV 25301 • 304-346-0330

duke@greatexpectationsrealty.com

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