Inspiration carved from Ice

A former Icehouse serves as a catalyst for downtown economic development in
Hinton, West Virginia

Project Summary

Community: Hinton, West Virginia

Technical Assistance: Market Analysis

Former Use: Hinton Icehouse

Future Use: Craft Brewery, Signature
Restaurant, or Small Entertainment Venue

Located among an abundance of natural resources,
including New River Gorge National Park and Bluestone
State Park, the city of Hinton, West Virginia and the New
River Gorge Regional Development Authority hope to
revitalize the former Hinton Icehouse to support the
development of the recreational tourism industry and
attract new businesses to the City's downtown.

The Community's Challenge

The Hinton Icehouse's industrial history has resulted in
environmental contamination that is in need of remediation
prior to redevelopment. Although the cleanup process has
already begun, the population of Hinton is still challenged
by an aging and slowly decreasing population, with a
median household income significantly lower than the
West Virginia average. Redevelopment of the Icehouse
presents an opportunity to attract a young, skilled
workforce and leverage existing tourism demand to drive
economic growth and increased diversity in employment
opportunities.

EPA's Land Revitalization Technical Assistance
In 2021, EPA's Land Revitalization program provided
contractor technical assistance to perform a market
analysis to identify redevelopment opportunities for the
vacant Hinton Icehouse. To do this, the team analyzed
demographic, retail, and real estate data, as well as
interviews conducted with community stakeholders to
understand the demand for retail or other businesses. The

team also reviewed successful redevelopment case
studies to inform opportunities relevant to the Icehouse.

The results of the market analysis indicate demand for
retail opportunities that can serve as a catalyst for
expanded redevelopment in the downtown area by
increasing foot traffic beyond existing retail spaces. Local
stakeholders expressed interest in using the redeveloped
Icehouse to spur further development in the area in the
form of a larger Warehouse District. Potential
redevelopment opportunities include a craft brewery,
signature restaurant, or small entertainment venue, each
of which could kick start a larger redevelopment plan.

Recommendation Summary Table

Future Use

Opportunity Provided

Craft Brewery

A brewery could serve as a gathering place
for residents while also attracting new
visitors to the area. The brewery could also
draw from the existing consumer base
engaged in outdoor recreation in the
surrounding region.

Signature
Restaurant

The unique physical characteristics of the
Icehouse could create a destination
restaurant that supports outdoor food
vendors and caterers, while attracting
visitors to the downtown area.

Small

Entertainment
Venue

A new event space could host local
musicians, farmers or craft markets, and
serve as a hub of youth and entertainment
activities.

For more information, contact Michael Taurine, EPA
Region 3 Brownfields Program, at

taurino.michael@epa.gov.

I_»N HISTORIC

United States
Environmental Protection
M % Agency

Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization
560-F-22-030

-------