Tygart Hotel Project on Track to Begin Reconstruction in Early 2022

Key partners and investors meet at Tygart property to discuss plans for the iconic and historic Elkins property.

[09.29.2021] A group of local business owners, nonprofit organization leaders, and government officials gathered at the Tygart Hotel Wednesday to discuss ideas, hopes, and the current status of the rehabilitation of Elkins’ largest residential building. Driven by loans and investment from the state and dedicated local banks like Davis Trust Company, Freedom Bank, and Pendleton Community Bank, and led by Woodlands Development and Lending the $16-million-dollar project will result in the historic building once again becoming a boutique hotel serving the families, institutions, and burgeoning recreational tourism economy of the region.

The Tygart Hotel building was built in 1907 and hosted many famous visitors over its years as the Hotel Gassaway, later renamed the Hotel Tygart. The proposed redesign hopes to capture the beauty and character of both the old building and the Elkins region today, as well as preserve stories and mementos from its long history.

Project architect, Mills Group, of Morgantown was on hand to present current plans and ideas for the interior design of the new Tygart Hotel. The team is actively immersed in designing plans for the rooms and lobby at this time and are soliciting community feedback and insights.

Taylor Hospitality, a leading regional hospitality management company based out of Lexington, VA is preparing to take over operations of the hotel once the rehabilitation is completed. CEO Sean Taylor told the group at the Tygart that his team, “won’t market the hotel, they will market the town.” Taylor Hospitality sees the Tygart project as crucial catalyst for the growing popularity of Randolph County and the surrounding region and an opportunity to raise the profile of the entire community, and all the surrounding businesses.

Woodlands Development & Lending’s Executive Director Dave Clark announced that financing for the project will be completed in early 2022, with the anticipated 18-month construction period beginning in the spring. Preparations for construction are already underway inside as crews remove fittings, furniture, and debris remaining from the building’s recent use as an apartment building.