Downtown – Huntington, West Virginia
We set our navigation to take us to Huntington, West Virginia. Then we enjoyed the ride from Kentucky. Right away upon arriving we were greeted by the Foundation for the Tri-State Community. Their director and assistant were kind and generous to give us some time on very short notice. Then we headed to Jim’s Steak and Spaghetti House where U.S. President John F. Kennedy once dined.
We did a quick walk through Pullman Square with many major national franchises. Five Guys, J.S. Banks, and Uno Pizza and Grill were just a few of many companies present. A conscious effort was to make it feel like an activated place, despite being new construction. A farmers’ market shed trimmed in decorative lighting, a clock tower, a water tower, and decorative lampposts all enhanced the appearance. Efforts to provide architectural lighting further helped the area stand out. An interesting comparison might be made with the Station Square project in Pittsburgh, though that would have to be for someone else to do.
Early historical photographs show many buildings under construction and the downtown as it took its current shape.
Nearby was the Robert C. Byrd Institute.
The following morning we briefly had an opportunity to explore the town by the light of day. It gave a completely different impression than when we arrived at night. Less dense national franchises on the periphery contributed far less to the economic vitality of Huntington, than the denser downtown core.
One last observation before departing was the investment of the WPA in public infrastructure. A pedestrian underpass going beneath railroad tracks, and a vehicular underpass were two powerful examples of public infrastructure from another era that was built solidly and had staying power. A plaque recognized the pedestrian underpass as being a product of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1937.
