By Jack Houvouras
HQ 41 | WINTER/SPRING 2001
As editor of a small city magazine, one of the questions I am asked most frequently is: “Aren’t you afraid that you’ll run out of story ideas one day?” The answer, quite simply, is no. Just as the seasons change every year, so too does the city. Stories abound throughout the region whether it is news from the Marshall University campus, the anticipation of a new restaurant opening or the renovation of a beloved downtown Huntington landmark. Let me illustrate.
Despite the financial hardships that the City of Huntington is facing today, the community as a whole continues to see positive change. First and foremost is the news that the much-maligned SuperBlock development will finally become a reality. Steiner & Associates of Columbus, Ohio, recently rededicated and renamed the 25 year old parking lot “Pullman Square” and plan to break ground next year. The $50 million development will include restaurants, retail shopping, modern movie theaters, a comedy club and more. This historic project, which will be linked to both Third Avenue and the riverfront, has the potential to rejuvenate Huntington’s beleaguered downtown.
Another positive story that will be featured in an upcoming issue of the Huntington Quarterly is the recent renovation of the old Huntington High School building, now renamed the Renaissance Center. The multi-million dollar project now offers low income housing for the elderly; space for Arts Resources of the Tri-State, an organization of performing artists and humanities groups; and the new youth and seniors centers of the Huntington YMCA.
Just down the street from the Renaissance Center, the YMCA May building, widely regarded as one of the finest facilities in the country, isn’t resting on its laurels. A $1.8 million expansion is currently underway which will make way for a new warm water exercise pool, an adjoining family pool with beach-style entry and a major expansion of the fitness center and weight room.
Renovations are occurring all over town and leading the way is Huntington attorney John Hankins. Hankins, the current subject of an eight-part series in our magazine, recently purchased the old Frederick Hotel and is lending his classic touch to this architectural gem. Many Huntington residents are anxious to see Hankins’ completed work and, when that happens, we will be the first to bring it to you.
Of course there’s more. As this issue goes to press, Huntington’s favorite Italian chef is set to open Rocco’s Little Italy on Fourth Avenue. Marshall recently received $25 million in funding from Sen. Robert C. Byrd to further the university’s commitment to scientific research. And, by year’s end, we should know the fate of the most critical issue of our time — the regional airport. There’s a plethora of story ideas in any community, especially one as steeped in history and tradition as Huntington.
