West Virginia Success Story

Restoration and Redevelopment of B&O Roundhouse Complex

Program or Category: Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D)

Overview: Potomac Headwaters RC&D was the original organization to publicly propose the purchase, restoration and redevelopment of the B&O Roundhouse Complex, located in Martinsburg (Berkeley County), West Virginia. The effort began in the mid 1990s, with the Council adopting the idea as an official project on August 27, 1994. Requests to purchase the facility by the City of Martinsburg fell on deaf ears. But, in 1997 the idea began to snowball and wide spread public support became apparent. Then in 1997, the Berkeley County Commission took action and purchased the 12 acre Complex for approximately $150,000. It included the West Roundhouse (WRH), Frog and Switch Shop (FSS), Bridge and Machine Shop (BMS) and the burnt-out ruins of the East Roundhouse (ERH). During the next year, the WV Legislature created the Berkeley County Roundhouse Authority. The RC&D Coordinator was appointed by the County Commission. One RC&D Council member was also very active in the project and became a member of the Founders’ Committee. It was at that time the RC&D Project was proclaimed complete, as it was evident serious work was about to begin. The RC&D Project that could not even find a legitimate sponsor suddenly took on life of its own. The roundhouse complex had been renamed as the Martinsburg Roundhouse Center.

Accomplishments: Since its creation the Roundhouse Authority has earned nearly $12 million in local, state, and federal grants and other contributions. The Authority hired its first executive director and office manager in the spring of 2004. During the restoration phase of the project, new roofing (100-year guaranteed rubber slate-like shingles) were installed on the FSS and BMS. The brick masonry has been re-pointed on all three buildings, plus what was left of the ERH. Windows (nearly 1,000) and doors throughout the Complex were either repaired and repainted or replaced. The interiors of each building were sand blasted and then repainted. The current work project involves the construction of a pedestrian bridge (ADA-compliant, including elevators) from Caperton Train Station over to the Roundhouse Complex. An important step for redevelopment which will help with reuse has been the restoration of the southern pine flooring on the second floor of the BMS. Current work is focused on completing the Pedestrian Bridge which will connect the Caperton Train Station on the west side of the CSX Rail Tracks with the MRC, at a cost of just about $1million.

Program Benefits to Community:

• Promoting community pride and involvement
• $12 million dollars of construction contracts, with about one-half  going to local contractors
• Increased B&O Tax Revenue for City of Martinsburg - $100,000
• Six public events (tourism) drawing in over 20,000 people over its history
• General Economic Development
• Promoting volunteerism & citizenship

Contact:
RC&D Project Coordinator
304-267-8953 Ext. 3312
phrcd@verizon.net

Potomac Headwaters Resource Conservation & Development Office, Inc.
151 Aiken Center, Suite 6
Martinsburg, WV 25404-6211
http:// www.potomacheadwatersrcd.org/

	A "Panoramic" view of the Bridge and Machine Shop (left) and Roundhouse (center) and Frog and Switch Building (left) looking over a new memorial commemorating the unique architectural character of the roundhouse (castiron frame)
	Showing where the Pedestrian Bridge will be, with free standing tower on left and Caperton Train Station on the right.
	Views of Machine Shop (left) and West Roundhouse (right).

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