HUNTINGTON, WV (WOWK) – A place where problems have persisted in Huntington is expected to become the home of a new strip mall.

The lot along the 600 block of Fifth Avenue in Huntington currently sits empty, but it won’t be for much longer. The property owner, Francis McGuire, says the strip mall project has been a long time coming.

McGuire says they received the final stamp of approval for the shopping plaza on Tuesday during the Huntington Board of Zoning Appeals meeting. The final step of the zoning process as to add green spaces and sufficient parking.

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Breaking News

Now, McGuire says they are good to start construction on the five-unit strip mall.

This property has a long history with Huntington. It was once the site of the YWCA, but when that building fell into disrepair, it began to attract some unwanted visitors.

“We had some drug addicts that actually burned the garage part of the building down, so it’s went through a rough time,” McGuire said. “We tore the building down, leveled the property off, and are ready to build a new building and take on a new life for the project and the community.”

With the new zoning regulations, McGuire says they will have to get new estimates from the construction company, which will happen in the next couple of weeks.

Construction is expected to start at the beginning of 2025.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOWK 13 News.