County plans to put buildings up for sale — plus this week's news
Published about 18 hours ago • 9 min read
Observer Weekly
March 19, 2026
Jefferson County, WV news & events
While finishing up this week's issue, we tuned in to tonight’s Jefferson County Commission meeting — and caught some significant news. The commissioners voted to hire a commercial real estate broker to sell the county-owned downtown buildings. The first properties available will be the Mason Building (116 East Washington St.) and the Hunter House, at the corner of Washington and Samuel Streets. A recent change in state law now allows the Commission to use this approach.
The timing is notable. Earlier this week, Charles Town City Council got its first look at a market analysis it commissioned for the downtown district — a story you'll find below. The city has been watching the county's plans for these properties closely, and with both processes now in motion, there's likely to be a lot more to report in the weeks ahead.
— Steve Pearson
The Observer is proud to be the "Best Small Local Newspaper" in West Virginia — WV Living's Best of West Virginia - 2025 Gold Award Winner
The Berkeley County Sports Complex cleared a major milestone last week when West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey signed legislation authorizing a 275-acre Economic Opportunity Development District.
With this designation, sales tax generated within the district will be reinvested locally to fund infrastructure and site improvements.
The special tax district is located west of Interstate 81 at Exit 8, south of Tabler Station Road. Site preparation and construction of the initial sports facility will represent a $186 million investment, according to Jennifer Smith, executive director of the Berkeley County Development Authority.
As part of the project, FirstEnergy will build a new substation on-site, and the Berkeley County Public Service Water District will construct a two-million-gallon water tank to support both the complex and future development.
The sports center is planned as a regional destination featuring:
The Development Authority expects the facility will attract tournaments and competitions, as well as trade shows, conferences, and other large-scale events. The Development Authority also plans to recruit restaurants and retail businesses to support the district.
The Development Authority’s next step is to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to identify a developer to build and operate the facility.
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Charles Town Notes
The big topic on the agenda for the March 16 Charles Town City Council meeting was economic development, specifically looking at downtown Charles Town. Liz Cook, the Economic Development Coordinator for the city, presented a market analysis prepared by consultants Place + Main. Some highlights of the study.
The downtown economy is driven primarily by local residents (not tourists)
The downtown has an average of 1,400 visitors per day, concentrated around lunchtime and late afternoon
Local consumers value small businesses (versus chain shops)
There is interest in downtown housing
Adding dining options and expanding dining hours are key to improving the overall vitality of the downtown district
Continuing Support For The City’s Water Utility
The Council also spent time discussing the Charles Town Utility Board (CTUB), the city-owned water and sewer utility. The utility has been battling WV American Water over service area encroachment and the council members expressed their support that CTUB should defend its service area claims. At the end of the discussion, the Council directed the city staff to draft a statement of support for CTUB. Later in the meeting the Council went into executive session to discuss a potential “cease and desist” letter to be sent to WV American Water, but announced no action when they returned to the regular meeting.
Progress On Trail & Pool
Assistant City Manager Alissa Meeks provided an update on the Augustine Avenue trail project. The WV Division of Highways (DOH) expects to begin construction on the second phase of the project later this spring.
The parks and recreation report contained some disappointing news — due to the severe cold earlier this winter, the schedule for opening the reconstructed Jefferson Memorial Pool has slipped into July. Despite the delay, the City is proceeding with hiring for a pool manager, lifeguards, and concession workers (click here for employment information).
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New Traffic Signal at Shenandoah Springs subdivision — The WV Division of Highways is installing a new traffic signal at the intersection of Flowing Springs Road, Mountain Laurel Blvd and the northbound Route 9 exit/entrance ramp (image above). The poles are installed and the crews are wiring the controls this week. The Division of Highways has not shared an exact date of the signal activation, but they will be set to flashing a week or so before the signal becomes fully operational.
Tablescapes to commemorate the USA’s 250th birthday — The Shepherdstown Community Club is organizing a planning meeting for a tablescape project on March 20 at noon at the club (102 East German St, Shepherdstown). A tablescape display is a creatively designed tabletop arrangement built around a specific theme or story. The displays will be on exhibit at the War Memorial Building from late June through July 4, and the organizers (Marianne Kehoe, Pat Stine, and Ginny Singeldahlson) are looking for creative minds to help bring this vision to life — from concept to fabulous finished tablescapes for all to enjoy. Details and contact information here.
Data Center Town Hall on March 20— Berkeley County Commissioners Eddie Gochenour and John Hardy will be hosting a public meeting on March 20 to hear residents’ concerns about the data center project planned for Bedington. The meeting will be held at the Spring Mills High School auditorium (499 Campus Drive, Martinsburg). The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm and is scheduled to run until 8:00 pm. Both commissioners are expected to speak briefly at the beginning of the meeting and the remainder of the time will be available for attendees to ask questions of the commissioners.
Data Center Panel Discussion on March 31 — The Stubblefield Institute at Shepherd University and The Observer will be hosting a panel discussion about how data centers will affect jobs, infrastructure and the local community. The panelists will be Jefferson County Commissioner Cara Keys, Amy Margolies from Tucker United, Chris Morris from the WV Data Economy Office, and Dada Slezak from QTS. The in-person registration for this event is full, but it will be streamed live via WVMetroNews.com. All community members are encouraged to submit questions for the panelists (click here to send a question).
MEETINGS
Mar 20 (Fri, 9:00 am): Jefferson County Commission — special budget workshop. Location: County Government Building meeting room (393 North Lawrence St, Charles Town — entrance is on the right side of the building). Agenda details: Presentation on revenues, department budget requests, deliberation by County Commission and possible adoption of fiscal year 2027 county budget. The meeting will be broadcast via Zoom (see agenda for details).
Join X of the Potomac with Mister Mae to welcome spring with some live music and dancing at the Shepherdstown Opera House on March 28. Doors open at 6:30. Details and advance ticket purchase at OperaHouseLive.com.
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Hedda Gabler — Roving Peregrine Theater Company presents Henrik Ibsen’s drama about autonomy and societal expectations. Black Box Arts Center, 113 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Mar 20 – Sunday, Mar 22, various times. $ Tickets & Info…
USA 250th Tablescape Planning Meeting — Planning meeting for community participation in upcoming USA 250th anniversary display of creative tabletop arrangements. Shepherdstown Community Club, 102 East German Street, Shepherdstown. Friday, Mar 20, noon. Free. Info…
Paint Your Pet Fundraiser for Animal Welfare Society — Guided painting event where participants create portraits of their pets to benefit the Animal Welfare Society. Prismatic Art Studio, 119 East Washington St, Charles Town. Friday, Mar 20, 5 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Maryland State Boychoir Concert — Performance by the Maryland State Boychoir, an ensemble of young male singers known for performing major choral works and touring internationally. Grace UMC, 712 West Church Street, Hagerstown. Friday, Mar 20, 7:30 pm. Free. Info…
Hedda Gabler — Stage production of Henrik Ibsen’s classic drama presented by Roving Peregrine Theater Company. Black Box Arts Center, 113 South Princess St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Mar 20–Sunday, Mar 22, multiple times. $ Tickets & Info…
Women of a Certain Age — Comedy play exploring friendship and midlife experiences presented by the Old Opera House Theatre Company. Old Opera House, 204 North George St, Charles Town. Friday, Mar 20–Sunday, Mar 29, multiple times. $ Tickets & Info…
Shepherdstown Palestine Film Festival — Three films focused on Palestinian stories and perspectives are featured in this two-day event that includes optional post-film discussion and pre-film dinner on Saturday organized by Eastern Panhandle T.E.A.M. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Mar 20–Saturday, Mar 21, multiple times. $ Tickets & Info…
Peter Pan, by Turning Pointe Dance Company — Dance performance of the classic Peter Pan story presented by Turning Pointe Dance Company. Frank Arts Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Friday, Mar 20, 7 pm and Saturday, Mar 21, 2 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Shepherdstown Chess Club Tournament — Chess tournament open to players of varying skill levels hosted by the Shepherdstown Chess Club. Shepherd University Student Center (Cumberland Room), 210 North King St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Mar 21, 10 am - 5 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Workshop: The Beginners Guide to Dahlia Growing — Introductory workshop covering basics of growing and caring for dahlias. Ranson Community Gardens, 408 South Mildred St, Ranson. Saturday, Mar 21, 10 am. Free. Info…
Pollinator-Friendly Design: The Art and Science of Resilient Gardens — Educational talk on designing gardens that support pollinators and ecological resilience. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Mar 21, 10:30 am - noon. Presented by the Back Alley Garden Tour & Tea. Free. Info…
Book Launch: Charles Washington's Town & Millwrights and Entrepreneurs — Book launch event celebrating two new publications on the history of Charles Town and its early builders. Charles Washington Hall, 100 West Washington St, Charles Town. Saturday, Mar 21, 2 pm. Free. Info…
Harpers Ferry Film Festival — Third annual event screening more than 15 short films, many by local filmmakers. Mather Training Center, 51 Mather Pl, Harpers Ferry. Saturday, Mar 21, 5 - 9 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Songs From Slavery to Civil Rights — Musical program exploring the arc of Black history from slavery to the Civil Rights era. Barns of Rose Hill, 95 Chalmers Ct, Berryville, VA. Sunday, Mar 22, 2 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
"That's All She Wrote" — A Celebration of Women Composers — Concert featuring works by women composers performed by the Sylvan Waters Duo. Frank Arts Center (Shipley Recital Hall), 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, Mar 24, 7:30 pm. Free. Info…
Ongoing
Art Exhibit: The Audacity of the Mundane — Photography by Charlee Brodsky. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Exhibit runs until Mar 31. Free. Info…
St. Isidore Market — Community market offering locally produced food and goods. St. James Church, 49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town. Thursdays, 5:00 - 6:30 pm. Free. Info…
The Study Hall Sports Pub is a new name on the sign, but the two-level restaurant space at 123 East German Street will be familiar to long-time residents of Shepherdstown who remember Tony’s Pizza and Stonewall’s Underground Pub.
Heather Niedermeier says that she and her husband Kevin Smith have fond memories of the times they spent at Tony’s when they were dating. When the owner of the building finally decided to sell the long-shuttered restaurant last year, the two decided it would be their time to bring this community space back to life.
The upstairs restaurant opened this week for a soft-opening and the couple has plans for a grand opening on March 25 once their liquor license is approved. Niedermeier says the plans for the downstairs space and garden include trivia nights, karaoke, and local music jams.
The restaurant offers dine-in and take-out options. You can find them online at StudyHallSportsPub.com or call 304-870-4040.
Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free.
