Fairfield Innovation Corridor

The Fairfield Innovation Corridor is one of the components of the Huntington Innovation Project or HIP Plan which won the $3 million grand prize in the America’s Best Communities national competition. The winnings were awarded to the Foundation for the Tri-State Community as steward of the funds which are designated only for the HIP Plan projects.  The ABC funds will be used to leverage other dollars to carry out this and the other HIP projects. To date, over $3,000,000 has been leveraged for this project.

The Fairfield Innovation Corridor is a complete and holistic revitalization of the Huntington area from 8th Avenue to I-64 and from 12th Street to 28th Street. The Fairfield effort identifies specific projects and steps to help implement visions and initiatives developed through extensive input from members of the Fairfield Neighborhood as part of the America’s Best Communities HIP Plan and the HUD Choice Neighborhood Master Transformation Plan.  . 

The initiative’s success relies on:

  1. Including residents, businesses, the faith community and anchor institutions in the planning process

  2. Strengthening existing community entities that provide services

  3. Developing a master transformation plan that focuses on all challenges that face Fairfield

  4. Maintaining the culture and heritage of this traditionally African American community

Key initiatives involve the following, all of which are catalytic in nature:

  • Creation of a fully developed Master Transformation Plan

  • The redevelopment of the old Northcott Court public housing project as a mixed-use development with a grocery store

  • Creation of a land-use redevelopment plan including an arts district and a sports/wellness district

  • The redevelopment of Hal Greer Boulevard into a complete street with access points for the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health (PATH)

  • Remodeling, strengthening and expansion of A.D. Lewis Community Center and growing its programs

  • Organization of a community development corporation to help carry out these initiatives

  • New in-fill housing

  • Removal of blighted housing

  • Landscaping and improved lighting

  • Urban agriculture project

  • Special programs at Spring Hill Elementary School

  • Restoration of the Memphis Tennessee Garrison House owned by the Carter G. Woodson Foundation 

  • The creation of jobs and programming designed to uplift residents and allow them to achieve their full potential

 

MOST RECENT PROGRESS

The award money, as well as any funds donated from individuals/businesses/organizations, is given to the Foundation for the Tri-State Community, our region’s community foundation that controls the allocation of the funds to the projects as required by competition parameters.

Donations may also be made by check. Please make payable to The Foundation for the Tri-State Community, Inc. and mail to:

Foundation for the Tri-State Community, Inc.
916 5th Avenue, Suite 403
P.O. Box 7932
Huntington, WV 25779-7932

Please put "ABC Fund" as well as the specific project name in the memo line.