Pullman Square Groundbreaking Marks the End of the Superblock

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Shovels broke ground to loud applause today on what was once the Superblock, but is now known as the future site of Pullman Square. A large crowd attended the groundbreaking ceremony to hear dedications and witness the ceremonial breaking of ground by Gov. Bob Wise, U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W. Va., Ron Smith, president of the Huntington Urban Renewal Authority, Timothy Rollins, president of Metropolitan Partners, Mayor David Felinton, WV State Senator Bob Plymale, D-Wayne, and Vickie Shaffer, general manager and CEO of The Transit Authority.

" With the $26 million federal grant I included for this development, the public and private engine is now at full throttle," said Congressman Rahall.  "Pullman's partnership is a reminder that when business and labor and government work together, America grows stronger. And so will the Huntington region.  Pullman Square is nothing less than a federal investment in a strong economy, and that is the best homeland security we can build."   

Pullman Square, a $54 million retail and entertainment complex, will include a state-of-the-art, 14-screen movie theater, a variety of restaurants and retail stores and offices.

Ron Smith, Chairman of the Huntington Urban Renewal Authority recalled his days as a college freshman at Marshall, when ambitious plans for new office, retail and river park development were planned. "Little did I know that 32 years later I would be presiding over the very Urban Renewal Authority to finish the job that was undertaken back then," he said. "Might we never hear the term Superblock again, but only speak of the rousing success that Pullman Square has become."

Funding for the project comes from a $10.6 million state grant, $4 million provided by private developers, $20 million in bank loans secured by private developers and $20 million of a $27 million federal grant secured by Congressman Rahall for construction of two parking garages.

"Huntington is on the edge of a transformation unparalleled to any time in our recent past," said Mayor David Felinton. "Over the next five years we will see more growth and development than at anytime within the past twenty year span."

Site work will begin near Veterans Memorial Boulevard and work its way south, with construction beginning on the parking garages. Once the garages are complete, construction on Pullman Square can begin. The complex is expected to be open for business in spring 2004.

"Years ago, Huntington, much like Charleston and Wheeling, was one of the cities that began revitalizing core business districts in the state," said Gov. Bob Wise. "With the development of the Pullman Square project, Huntington will now take on this role again as a leader of economic development."