THE DISTRICT TODAY Charles Town’s historic core has a unique confluence of making and craft and historical legacy. The identity and strategy of the District needs to build upon both.
STRENGTHS
CHALLENGES
Charles Town has many assets that the District should strengthen and build upon, including many historically significant buildings, an intact main street, exposure to incoming/outgoing traffic, and affordability compared to local markets. In addition to this, the region is home to a handful of successful arts-related organizations, including the Fire Hall Gallery and the Old Opera House Arts Center. Emerging restaurants in the area support these existing assets.
The challenges that Charles Town will face includes the fact that the town is not a first day attraction, there is no critical mass of stores or restaurants, and Washington Street is a state highway and not currently pedestrian-scaled. Additionally, owners of vacant properties on Washington Street are holding on until conditions improve, large parking lots separate the main street from the Downtown fabric, and many of the existing businesses are not stable.
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14 | Charles evolveEA
Town, WV Arts & Culture District