New Boutique Hotel 'Hill Hall' Planned for West Virginia

- The project is an adaptive reuse of a historic 1923 stone school building, originally constructed by skilled Italian stone masons, that formerly housed Fayetteville High School and later a middle school. The development aims to preserve the architectural character of the old campus, including its tall original windows and wide hallways. - The developer, Mountain Shore Properties, is led by CEO Stephen Wendell and his father, Chairman Charlie Wendell, who is a Fayetteville native and attended the schools on the campus being redeveloped. The project is deeply personal, inspired by Stephen's grandmother's commitment to preserving the town's heritage. - The hotel is situated to capitalize on the significant growth in tourism following the designation of the New River Gorge as a National Park and Preserve. In 2024, the park and its surrounding areas attracted over two million visitors, who spent more than $108 million in the local communities. - This development is part of a larger trend in luxury hospitality catering to travelers visiting national parks. Discerning guests are increasingly seeking high-end, design-focused accommodations with amenities like fine-dining restaurants and spas, moving beyond traditional rustic lodges. - Mountain Shore Properties has a diverse portfolio across 13 states, including 25 hotels developed to date, with a focus on select-service brands like Hyatt and Marriott, as well as other boutique hotels such as Hotel Genevieve in Louisville, KY, and Camptown in Leeds, NY. - The hotel will feature an on-site restaurant and bar called Patsy's, offering home-cooked food. - Tourism is a significant economic driver for the region, with visitor spending in Fayette County totaling $164.44 million in 2022, supporting 1,658 jobs. The new hotel is expected to add 30 construction jobs and 25 permanent positions.