Downtown Huntington bustling with activity

HUNTINGTON -- Downtown and Pullman Square in particular continued to see increased development throughout 2007.

Pullman Square saw the addition of retail and restaurants, and began construction on a new bank.

Deneene Chafin, who first opened Inspired, an accessories store at Pullman, also opened Runway Couture and Heels, selling fashions and shoes. Chico's, another women's retailer, opened in November.

Benny's Cheesesteak opened at Pullman this year, as well as Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries. Uno Chicago Grill reopened this year under new ownership, and Moe's Southwestern Grill closed last January and reopened this month after a new franchise owner and Metropolitan Partners had difficulty coming to a lease agreement.

In addition, construction is ongoing for both a Community Trust Bank at the corner of 3rd Avenue and 10th Street as well as a Franky D's Italian Chop House above Empire Books & News.

The increase in activity spurred growth throughout downtown. Among the new retailers are Pet Palace, Funky Friends, Downtown Depot and Saad's Spirits on the Plaza. Marshall Community and Technical College's Cooking & Culinary Institute opened across 3rd Avenue from Pullman Square.

The city of Huntington is continuing to work on a project along 3rd Avenue designed to improve sidewalks and lighting and add angled parking. The Huntington-Ironton Empowerment Zone has been working with downtown property owners to give them the tools to set up a business improvement district.

Discussions have continued about the Old Main Corridor project on 4th Avenue from the Marshall University campus at Hal Greer Boulevard to 10th Street. Buoyed by a $340,000 grant from the state's Transportation Enhancement Program, designs and more specific plans for the cityscape revitalization project should be forthcoming, thanks to the efforts of The American Institute of Architects' West Virginia Chapter.

After a design is settled, expected improvements include new sidewalks, bike paths and street lamps that illuminate the area better and provide safety to both residents and pedestrians.