The 93,000+ sq. ft. warehouse located at 1040 Vernon St, in Westmoreland, WV was most recently home to the clothing manufacturer Corbin LLC, and before that, a local stove manufacturer, A.F. Thomson Manufacturing.
Today it is the home of West Edge Factory, a community-centric space with a flexible use venue (accommodations for up to 500), 12,000 + sq. ft. business incubation and satellite office space, gallery and retail space, and home to a fully accredited fine woodworking program. Also the home of Coalfield Development corporation (a nonprofit quality homes, quality jobs, quality lives endeavor, bringing opportunity and education to the coalfields) and several of its programs, from fine wood-working, to agriculture, to QJI, our Quality Jobs Initiative. Reclaim Appalachia, (architectural salvage, and UpCycled hand-made furniture and goods, for a cause) will operate out of a 20,000 + sq. ft. warehouse space.
The West Edge factory has the unique designation of being located in Wayne County, but also in the city limits of Huntington, West Virginia. It is directly across the street from the Westmoreland City Park, one of the beautiful parks of the award-winning Greater Huntington Parks and Recreation District.
In the Past
Constructed in 1930, it was used by A.F. Thompson Mfg. until the mid-60's when it became Corbin's local manufacturing facility. Corbin operated from the building until the late 90's; the building has been unused since.
(Photo Right, early 1930's)
(The factory can be seen on right side, midway up, beside the railroad tracks...)
Today
A community eye-sore, and potential liability, it was slated for destruction in 2014. Plans were to demolish the building, and erect a new shell structure in hopes of attracting business; but even this plan proved too expensive... Coalfield Development Corporation was contacted, and began salvaging materials from the site in order to defray demolition costs. This is when Brandon Dennison and leaders at Coalfield Development saw the solid footers, walls, and the roof in decent shape, despite years of inattention. Potential was seen, discussions were held, and grants were written.
In mid-2014, Coalfield Development secured funds to purchase the property, and a highly competitive ArtPlace grant for $350,000 to go toward the project... and the rest is history! It is a history in the making, one in which you can participate; stay in touch and up to date on our blog, and sign up for email notifications so you'll know about exciting advances, and learn how you can become part of this amazing project!!
In the Past
Constructed in 1930, it was used by A.F. Thompson Mfg. until the mid-60's when it became Corbin's local manufacturing facility. Corbin operated from the building until the late 90's; the building has been unused since.
(Photo Right, early 1930's)
Today
A community eye-sore, and potential liability, it was slated for destruction in 2014. Plans were to demolish the building, and erect a new shell structure in hopes of attracting business; but even this plan proved too expensive... Coalfield Development Corporation was contacted, and began salvaging materials from the site in order to defray demolition costs. This is when Brandon Dennison and leaders at Coalfield Development saw the solid footers, walls, and the roof in decent shape, despite years of inattention. Potential was seen, discussions were held, and grants were written.
In mid-2014, Coalfield Development secured funds to purchase the property, and a highly competitive ArtPlace grant for $350,000 to go toward the project... and the rest is history! It is a history in the making, one in which you can participate; stay in touch and up to date on our blog, and sign up for email notifications so you'll know about exciting advances, and learn how you can become part of this amazing project!!
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