Hinton Technology Center

With the primary support of Senator Robert C. Byrd and assistance from Congressman Nick J. Rahall, the City of Hinton is constructing a 38,000 square foot technology center comprised of two floors of office/computer lab space and two floors of underground parking. The Hinton Technology Center will be located at the corner of Third Avenue and Summers Street in historic downtown Hinton and is expected to become the home for Hinton’s existing high-tech firms along with other prospective tenants.

Broadband Development

The centerpiece of Summers County’s broadband development efforts are focused around the Hinton Technology Center. The new technology center will be a central anchor in the I-64 High-Technology Corridor initiative sponsored by Congressman Nick J. Rahall II. County leaders are also exploring the development of both fiber and wireless-based solutions for providing high-speed Internet service to outlying business, industries, and residences in the county.

Commerce Park Development

County leaders are exploring potential sites within the county and the City of Hinton on which to develop a mixed-use commerce park for business and industrial development. The county has identified a development group that has indicated their interest in constructing a spec building on the chosen site in order to stimulate the park’s development.

John Henry Historical Park

The Summers County Commission has obtained 26-acres from CSX Transportation adjacent to the Great Bend Tunnel in Talcott in order to facilitate the development of a theme park based on John Henry’s legendary battle with a steam drill during construction of the Great Bend Tunnel which began in 1870 and was completed in 1873. A steering committee has been organized with officers elected and sub-committees established to oversee the park’s concept and design, financing, marketing, and business operations.

Cantrell Island

The City of Hinton is working with the property owner to develop the twelve buildable acres of Cantrell Island along with a four-acre island owned by the city that lies in the New River across from the city. Plans for the islands include walking/biking trails, a campground, and a hotel if a developer can be identified.

Cultural District

The City of Hinton is in the midst of a strategic plan update that will focus considerable attention on the development of a cultural district adjacent to the City’s historic downtown. The Hinton Rail Depot will serve as an anchor in the proposed cultural district. The district is also projected to include a river walk along the New River, art galleries, museums, entertainment venues, and restaurants along with various retail operations.

Rail Depot Rehabilitation

The City of Hinton and its Rail Depot Committee have been working to rehabilitate Hinton’s historic rail depot. Weatherization of the depot’s exterior is nearly complete and future efforts will be directed at restoring the interior. The depot is an active Amtrak stop and plans call for the depot to become a multi-use community facility.