Black Diamond Explores CliftonStrengths
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Earlier this year, we had a special Tuesday team meeting at Black Diamond where we had our Clifton Strengths explained to us. CliftonStrengths is a personality assessment tool that identifies natural talents and strengths by ranking them across 34 talent themes. The session was hosted by Sarah Rotruck Glenn, Director for the Center for Career Development at WVU’s John Chambers College of Business and Economics. Sarah is a certified CliftonStrengths coach. She explained our individual test results, how the results combined as an overview of our strengths as a workplace, and offered tips for how to further harness the themes that we excel in.
Our strengths influence our day-to-day life, our work and communication styles with team members, and can guide us in ways to improve on what we are already best at. The CliftonStrengths assessment also identifies blindspots to look out for while harnessing our strongest themes and identifies weaknesses. The assessment considers the bottom themes from the 34 to be weaknesses that we can learn from. Both as a group and individually, we found the assessment incredibly worthwhile. We loved how the assessment helped us learn about ourselves and our team members and wanted to share a little bit about our individual themes. We’ll be profiling the BDR team and how our Clifton Strengths play out in our life and how we’re using the assessment and coaching advice we received to harness them.
You can learn more about CliftonStrengths and take the assessment at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx.
Learn how WVU uses the assessment and schedule an individual or workplace coaching session at https://purpose.wvu.edu/explore-your-strengths.
Mark’s top strengths were formed throughout his life. They’re indicative of how he was raised and make him uniquely suited to be Black Diamond’s broker. “My top 5 themes reflect my upbringing and roles and backgrounds as a Broker, CRE business owner, lawyer, former student-athlete, and family man,” he notes. Mark’s strengths of Competition and Discipline have served him well throughout his life, using work ethic and detailed logic to succeed as a student-athlete, lawyer, and real estate professional. The Deliberative strength is important as a business owner and broker. Both roles rely on analysis and critical thinking to make informed decisions. As a Relator, his top strength, he prioritizes family and fosters a culture of teamwork and proficiency at Black Diamond.
As Black Diamond’s Social Media Coordinator and Office Manager, Rachael Miller uses her top strengths in both roles. Her Ideation and Intellection strengths make her a natural content creator. She can find connections between seemingly disparate topics, tailor messaging to reach specific audiences, and translate complex information to be accessible and interesting. Rachael uses her strengths of Developer, Maximizer, and Relator in team settings. She notices and encourages potential and improvement in others and recognizes situations where she can learn from those around her. She notes, “I found my results to be pretty accurate. I’ve always been creative and full of ideas – sometimes too many. Luckily, I get to collaborate with team members who complement my Ideation strength and help find realistic ways to turn ideas into action.”
For Black Diamond Associate Aaron Poling, the results of his CliftonStrengths assessment confirmed what he already knew to be his strengths: “I am a natural relationship builder! I love meeting new people and helping connect people together.” His ability to make instant connections with new people (part of his Woo strength) and easily present information (Communication) make him perfectly suited for sales. Aaron’s other top strengths of Positivity and Individualization combine to make him an ideal team member and motivator. He uses his Communication and Positivity to get others excited about ideas, while his Individualization strength leads him to always find the best in people. Aaron plans to continue harnessing his strengths, adding that his biggest takeaway from the CliftonStrengths session was to continue “placing myself in social settings where I can meet new people and build deep connections”.
Drew is Black Diamond’s newest Associate. He has hit the ground running, using his top strengths of Woo, Communication, and Relator to network and form relationships in commercial real estate. His openness, hard work, and communication skills are an asset to our firm and to his clients, and his enthusiasm to learn new things has made him a quick study in a new industry. True to form as a Relator, he enjoys working with others to solve a problem or achieve a goal and fits right in with Black Diamond’s team atmosphere.
Drew will be incorporating what he learned from his CliftonStrengths assessment, adding, “Confirming what you think are your strengths adds to your confidence and exposing and learning from your weaknesses helps your overall growth. Self-analysis is an underrated tool.”
Andrea’s top strengths of Woo, Includer, and Communication make her an ideal ambassador for Black Diamond, a role often required for her as Graphic Designer and Office Manager for our Martinsburg and Hagerstown offices. Always ready to help onboard a new team member, her strengths of Positivity and Empathy shine through in these instances. She not only conveys messages and teaches new things in a fun and positive way but considers how others may best receive information. Andrea’s mix of communication and people skills combine to make her a perfect fit for her Black Diamond role. In her own words, “Whether I’m greeting clients at the front desk, supporting our team, or collaborating on creative projects, I thrive on making people feel welcome and seen”.
As Black Diamond’s Marketing Coordinator, Janelle’s position requires a high level of organization, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills. Her excellence in these areas align with her Top 5 Clifton Strengths of Maximizer, Strategic, Achiever, Consistency, and Relator. Achievers thrive on being busy and productive. Maximizers seek to transform something strong into something superb. This Maximizer effect is evidenced in the way Janelle uses her design skill and industry experience to elevate Black Diamond’s marketing materials. Notes Janelle of her CliftonStrengths, “I was impressed by how accurate the results were. I’ve always been a believer that it’s not right until it’s perfect, and that aligns with my number one strength, Maximizer.”
Kate is one of our newest Black Diamond team members. She joined last month and works out of our Morgantown office as Executive Assistant to David Lorenze and Client Services Coordinator. Kate’s top five Clifton Strengths were Arranger, Achiever, Learner, Responsibility, and Individualization. Of the CliftonStrengths assessment she says, “Learning my Clifton Strengths helped me understand why I thrive on creating order out of chaos. I love being the person who can pull all the moving parts together and make them work—not just efficiently, but meaningfully.” Kate has been an incredible addition to our team and uses her strengths as an “Arranger” to help us all be more productive.
BDR Monthly Newsletter – May 2025
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David and Kim Conquer Everest Base Camp
In April, we got to experience the excitement and adventure vicariously as our team members, David and Kim, undertook the trip of a lifetime hiking to Everest Base Camp. We loved getting to see Nepal through their eyes and amazing photos. Their adventuring spirit personifies the qualities we value at Black Diamond. They were bold, persevering, and fearless in pursuit of their goal. David and Kim even took a little bit of Black Diamond with them to Everest Base Camp, which means our logo has now been flown around 17,423 feet above sea level. That will be hard to top!
The 2025 Spring Promo Brochure is Live!
Each spring and fall, we refresh our Promo Brochure, showcasing our latest High Profile Developments, Offerings, and Closings. Explore Black Diamond Realty’s latest endeavors by clicking on the image above or button below to browse through our online digital brochure.
View the Spring Promo Brochure
New Offerings
130 Roush Circle, Fairmont, WV
Industrial Suite | Lease | 4,170 (+/-) SQ FT
1383 Earl L. Core Road, Morgantown, WV
Retail / Restaurant | Lease | 1,389 (+/-) SQ FT
224 Spruce Street, Morgantown, WV
Office Investment | Sale | 9,280 (+/-) SQ FT
McHenry Heights, McHenry, MD
Commercial Retail / Restaurant Suites | Lease | 2,456 – 3,726 (+/-) SQ FT
874 Fairmont Road, Suite D, Morgantown, WV
Retail Suite | Lease | 7,200 (+/-) SQ FT
474 Oakland Street, Suite 101, Morgantown, WV
Retail Suite | Lease | 630 (+/-) SQ FT
5 Public Square, Hagerstown, MD
Office Suites | Lease | 176 – 2,259 (+/-) SQ FT
2101 – 2105 Pleasant Valley Road, Pleasant Valley, WV
Industrial Property | Sale/Lease | 30,039 (+/-) SQ FT
WVU Medicine announces more than $460M in new capital projects to expand healthcare access across West Virginia
Comments Off on WVU Medicine announces more than $460M in new capital projects to expand healthcare access across West VirginiaThe West Virginia University (WVU) Health System is furthering their commitment to the health and well-being of West Virginians. They have announced more than $460 million in new capital projects to expand healthcare across West Virginia. This new round of projects will expend access to critical healthcare in West Virginia and create hundreds of jobs. The projects, which are subject to regulatory approvals, will be in Berkeley, Ohio, Harrison, and Nicholas counties. Albert L. Wright, Jr., president and CEO of the WVU Health System confirms, “This investment in our mission and infrastructure allows us to better meet the growing needs of the communities we serve, bring more services closer to home, and continue building a system of care that is truly worthy of West Virginians.”
This information has been summarized, read the full press release on WVU Medicine’s new capital projects.
Interstate-79 Corridor and North Central West Virginia to see continued growth, expert says
Comments Off on Interstate-79 Corridor and North Central West Virginia to see continued growth, expert saysWest Virginia University chief economist John Deskins has a positive five-year forecast for the Interstate 79 Corridor and North Central West Virginia. He points out that the region, stretching from Harrison County to Monongalia County along I-79, is uniquely equipped to withstand economic uncertainty and could likely even experience growth over the next five years. He cites the region’s higher population density as compared to the rest of WV, a diversified industrial sector, and proximity to Pittsburgh as factors behind the area’s growth and stability. Deskins also cites West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle as a standout region for economic growth.
This information has been summarized, read the full WVNews article on continued growth in North Central West Virginia.
Collaborative art studio opens in Cheat Lake
Comments Off on Collaborative art studio opens in Cheat LakeA new collaborative art studio, with a focus on showcasing Appalachian art, has opened its doors at 969 Canyon Road in Cheat Lake, WV. The three owners of Creative Collective, Eliza Cole, a nail technician and hairstylist, Corinne Martin, a tattoo artist, and Abby Pletcher, a nail technician, plan to have a rotating gallery wall and host events like farmers markets in the large garage space. The group hopes to spotlight aspiring local artists in an accessible and affordable way.
Follow Creative Collective at https://www.instagram.com/creative.collective_wv/.
This information has been summarized, read the full Daily Anthenaeum article on Creative Collective art studio in Cheat Lake.
Black Diamond Explores CliftonStrengths
Comments Off on Black Diamond Explores CliftonStrengthsOur CliftonStrengths
Earlier this year, we had a special Tuesday team meeting at Black Diamond where we had our Clifton Strengths explained to us. CliftonStrengths is a personality assessment tool that identifies natural talents and strengths by ranking them across 34 talent themes. The session was hosted by Sarah Rotruck Glenn, Director for the Center for Career Development at WVU’s John Chambers College of Business and Economics. Sarah is a certified CliftonStrengths coach. She explained our individual test results, how the results combined as an overview of our strengths as a workplace, and offered tips for how to further harness the themes that we excel in.
Our strengths influence our day-to-day life, our work and communication styles with team members, and can guide us in ways to improve on what we are already best at. The CliftonStrengths assessment also identifies blindspots to look out for while harnessing our strongest themes and identifies weaknesses. The assessment considers the bottom themes from the 34 to be weaknesses that we can learn from. Both as a group and individually, we found the assessment incredibly worthwhile. We loved how the assessment helped us learn about ourselves and our team members and wanted to share a little bit about our individual themes. We’ll be profiling the BDR team and how our Clifton Strengths play out in our life and how we’re using the assessment and coaching advice we received to harness them.
You can learn more about CliftonStrengths and take the assessment at https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx.
Learn how WVU uses the assessment and schedule an individual or workplace coaching session at https://purpose.wvu.edu/explore-your-strengths.
Kate is one of our newest Black Diamond team members. She joined last month and works out of our Morgantown office as Executive Assistant to David Lorenze and Client Services Coordinator. Kate’s top five Clifton Strengths were Arranger, Achiever, Learner, Responsibility, and Individualization. Of the CliftonStrengths assessment she says, “Learning my Clifton Strengths helped me understand why I thrive on creating order out of chaos. I love being the person who can pull all the moving parts together and make them work—not just efficiently, but meaningfully.” Kate has been an incredible addition to our team and uses her strengths as an “Arranger” to help us all be more productive.
As Black Diamond’s Marketing Coordinator, Janelle’s position requires a high level of organization, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills. Her excellence in these areas align with her Top 5 Clifton Strengths of Maximizer, Strategic, Achiever, Consistency, and Relator. Achievers thrive on being busy and productive. Maximizers seek to transform something strong into something superb. This Maximizer effect is evidenced in the way Janelle uses her design skill and industry experience to elevate Black Diamond’s marketing materials. Notes Janelle of her CliftonStrengths, “I was impressed by how accurate the results were. I’ve always been a believer that it’s not right until it’s perfect, and that aligns with my number one strength, Maximizer.”
Andrea’s top strengths of Woo, Includer, and Communication make her an ideal ambassador for Black Diamond, a role often required for her as Graphic Designer and Office Manager for our Martinsburg and Hagerstown offices. Always ready to help onboard a new team member, her strengths of Positivity and Empathy shine through in these instances. She not only conveys messages and teaches new things in a fun and positive way but considers how others may best receive information. Andrea’s mix of communication and people skills combine to make her a perfect fit for her Black Diamond role. In her own words, “Whether I’m greeting clients at the front desk, supporting our team, or collaborating on creative projects, I thrive on making people feel welcome and seen”.
Drew is Black Diamond’s newest Associate. He has hit the ground running, using his top strengths of Woo, Communication, and Relator to network and form relationships in commercial real estate. His openness, hard work, and communication skills are an asset to our firm and to his clients, and his enthusiasm to learn new things has made him a quick study in a new industry. True to form as a Relator, he enjoys working with others to solve a problem or achieve a goal and fits right in with Black Diamond’s team atmosphere.
Drew will be incorporating what he learned from his CliftonStrengths assessment, adding, “Confirming what you think are your strengths adds to your confidence and exposing and learning from your weaknesses helps your overall growth. Self-analysis is an underrated tool.”
SkyWest puts Morgantown on track to meet important benchmarks for the first time in more than a decade
Comments Off on SkyWest puts Morgantown on track to meet important benchmarks for the first time in more than a decadeFor the first time in more than a decade, the Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW) is on track to meet the needed benchmarks to secure Essential Air Status and qualify for the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program. Factors helping MGW meet this important benchmark include a Southern Airways flight connecting Pittsburgh to Washington, D. C. and adding SkyWest jet service with connections to Chicago and Washington, D. C. The Southern Airways flight and SkyWest addition has helped bring about 8,000 passengers through the airport turnstiles already this year and invigorated activity at the airport. When the airport reaches the 10,000 enplanement mark, it automatically qualifies for $1 million in capital improvements funds from the FAA.
This information has been summarized, read the full WAJR article on Morgantown Municipal Airport benchmarks.
BDR Monthly Newsletter – April 2025
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2025 WVU Medicine Children’s Eastern Panhandle Gala
The Black Diamond Realty team in the Eastern Panhandle enjoyed a fantastic evening at the 2025 WVU Medicine Children’s Gala, embracing the lively “Into the Jungle” theme while supporting a great cause. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with community members, celebrate the incredible work of WVU Medicine Children’s, and support its mission of providing exceptional care to young patients.
Welcome to the Black Diamond team, Drew and Kate!
We are welcoming two new team members to Black Diamond. We’re so happy to have Drew and Kate join us in their respective roles and look forward to the uniques skills and passion they’ll bring to our team!
Drew Paton is the newest Associate to be joining Black Diamond and will be operating out of our Morgantown, WV office.
A graduate of Fairmont State University, Drew has immense experience in both the mortgage and insurance industries. He owned a successful insurance agency for over 17 years before retiring from that industry and pursuing real estate.
Drew, his wife Allison, and their three children live in Fairmont where he is a very active member of his community. When he is not coaching and supporting his children’s teams and activities, you can find Drew cheering on Fairmont State. He serves on the Fairmont State University Board of Governors, the Marion County Chamber board, and the Financial Council at St. Anthony Church.
Throughout his career, Drew has found success by combining a passion for helping clients with industry knowhow – and we’re excited to have him on our team!
Kate Kimm is the Executive Assistant to Black Diamond Principal David Lorenze and Client Services Coordinator operating out of our Morgantown, WV headquarters. Kate has a Bachelor’s of Business and a Master’s of Business from California University of Pennsylvania. She will be using her real estate knowledge and a strong background in client relations and strategic growth to ensure seamless client relations and support the firm’s executive leadership.
Kate is heavily involved in the local community of the surrounding area she calls home. Passionate about health and wellness, she holds a Level One CrossFit certification and serves as a CrossFit coach and instructor. Kate brings dedication, commitment, and focus to all aspects of her life, from her personal endeavors to the workplace. We look forward to the experience and passion she brings to Black Diamond!
Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce Mixer
Last month, we hosted the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce Mixer at our Martinsburg, WV office. A fun time was had by all as our neighbors, community members, and colleagues mixed, mingled, and networked. Thank you to everyone who came out for the event, it was great to connect with members of our Berkeley County community!
New Offerings
1400 Charles Street / 1312 Cherry Lane, Morgantown, WV
Multifamily Investment | Sale | 18,175 (+/-) SQ FT
825 E. Park Avenue, Fairmont, WV
Office / Retail | Sale | 1,150 (+/-) SQ FT
11001 Anthony Highway, Waynesboro, PA
Office / Storage | Lease | 722 – 7,087 (+/-) SQ FT
127 E. King Street, Martinsburg, WV
Office Suites | Lease | 1,104 – 5,304 (+/-) SQ FT
Spruce & Price Street / Fife Ave, Morgantown, WV
Student Housing Investment | Sale | 7 Buildings
197, 243 Halltown Road, Harpers Ferry, WV
Industrial / Storage Units / Land / Development | Sale | 40,000 (+/-) SQ FT
Barnetts Run Road, Bridgeport, WV
Land / Development | Sale | 48.58 (+/-) AC
3381 N. Preston Hwy, Albright, WV
Industrial | Sale | 4,080 (+/-) SQ FT
15126 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Reedsville, WV
Industrial | Lease | 3,000 (+/-) SQ FT
Corbin Branch Road, Bridgeport, WV
Land / Development | Sale | 129.06 (+/-) AC
BDR Newsletter – Price Reductions March 2025
Comments Off on BDR Newsletter – Price Reductions March 2025Featured Offerings
164 Eyster Road, Halltown, WV
Industrial Paper Mill | Sale | 201,380 (+/-) SQ FT
- 201,380 (+/-) gross square foot industrial manufacturing facility
- 198,523 (+/-) square feet of industrial space
- 46.57 (+/-) acres
- Historic paper mill that has been in continuous operation since 1869
- Recent price reduction to $3,000,000
Merchant Street Portfolio, Fairmont, WV
Industrial / Retail Building | Sale and Lease | 2,800 – 10,000 (+/-) SQ FT
- 303 – 305 Merchant Street offers 10,000 (+/-) square feet of space available for lease and is available for sale in the portfolio
- 307 Merchant Street includes a 2,800 (+/-) square foot building occupied by BFS Liquor
- Excellent access and visibility with 265′ of road frontage
- Recent lease rate reduction to $5.00 SQ FT/YR
70 Hatchery Road, Inwood, WV
Land | Sale | 2.92 (+/-) Acre
- 2.92 (+/-) acres of relatively flat land
- Easily accessible location off U.S. Highway 11
- Ideal development opportunity for commercial users
- Recent price reduction to $389,000
6 Oliver Road, Suite 110 (Mark C’s Diner)
Uniontown, PA
Business Sale Only
- Real estate is not included in this sale, only trade name, goodwill, transfer of lease, inventory, and FF&E are offered for purchase
- Located within Oliver Plaza Square in North Union Township, Fayette County, PA
- Recent price reduction to $375,000
123 Turkey Run, Salem, WV
Industrial Property | Sale and Lease | 7,800 (+/-) SQ FT
- Industrial/office property consisting of two buildings totaling 7,800 (+/-) square feet on 5.5 (+/-) acres
- Larger building is 5,600 (+/-) square feet and is a combination of office/retail/storage/industrial space
- Smaller building is 2,200 (+/-) square feet and built out as an office
- Two flat, fenced areas for outdoor storage
- Two covered outdoor storage buildings
- Additional 2.5 (+/-) acres that can be developed
- Overhead doors and loading dock
- Recent sale price reduction to $395,000
Stoney Road (0.86 Acre), Fairmont, WV
Land | Sale | 0.86 (+/-) Acre
- 0.86 (+/-) acre of graded land ready to develop
- Located along the Gateway Connector in Fairmont, WV
- Commercial grade utilities
- High visibility, high density location
- Quick access to I-79
- Recent price reduction to $199,000
West Virginia sees surge in new Marcellus, Utica shale drilling permits, with more planned with Antero’s expansion
Comments Off on West Virginia sees surge in new Marcellus, Utica shale drilling permits, with more planned with Antero’s expansionWest Virginia’s role as a hub for natural gas has been bolstered as Antero, the state’s largest driller, recently announced plans to ramp up production in 2025. Shale industry officials have reported a surge in Marcellus and Utica shale drilling permits issued in the state, a positive marker of continued growth in the region. In 2025, Antero plans to drill 50 to 55 new wells and complete 60 to 65 wells with a capital budget between $650 million and $700 Million. The company also plans to invest between $75 million and $100 Million in additional leasehold acquisitions. Antero’s financial investment in West Virginia signifies a commitment to long-term growth in West Virginia’s shale industry and confidence in the future of shale drilling.
This information has been summarized, read the full WVNews article on the surge in shale drilling permits in West Virginia.
BDR Monthly Newsletter – March 2025
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Maryland Office Grand Opening
Earlier this week we celebrated the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting of Black Diamond’s new Maryland office in Hagerstown. We owe a big thank you to the City of Hagerstown Department of Community & Economic Development, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, our Black Diamond colleagues, and all the members of our new community who helped make the day great. We are honored to be a part of the Hagerstown and Washington County, MD communities, and we look forward to serving the area with our commercial real estate expertise!
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Black Diamond Realty’s Principal, David Lorenze on earning impressive commercial real estate designations. In addition to earning The CCIM Institute’s accreditation in 2023, David has earned his dual specialist designation from The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR). A dual specialist meets or exceeds SIOR’s performance metrics to qualify for both the industrial and office sectors. There are 2,700 SIOR designees in the United States with 182 classified as dual specialists. This designation is a mark of excellence in commercial real estate and demonstrates David’s experience and expertise in the industrial and office sectors. Congratulations to David on achieving this huge milestone!
WVU Medicine Children’s Annual Gala 2025
Our Black Diamond team gathered for an amazing cause, attending the WVU Medicine Children’s Annual Gala in Morgantown. The event pays tribute to the patients, physicians, researchers, and caregivers of WVU’s groundbreaking medical facility. Funds raised from the Gala help to build healthier futures for the children and families treated at WVU Medicine Children’s. We love this yearly event and the opportunity to support the important work of WVU Medicine Children’s. We think the team looks pretty good in formalwear, too!
New Offerings
2101 – 2015 Pleasant Valley Road, Pleasant Valley, WV
Industrial | Sale / Lease | 30,039 (+/-) SQ FT
309 Keller Avenue, Fayetteville, WV
Mixed-Use Investment | Sale | 3,578 (+/-) SQ FT
2.9 Acre Lot – University Town Centre, Morgantown, WV
Land / Development | Sale | 2.9 (+/-) Acre
714 Braddock View Drive
Lemont Furnace, PA
Industrial | Lease | 64,729 (+/-) SQ FT
225 McRand Court, Hagerstown, MD
Industrial | Lease | 24,000 (+/-) SQ FT
18 Powers Court, Westover, WV
Multifamily Investment | Sale | 15,680 (+/-) SQ FT
700 Market Street, Parkersburg, WV
Office Suites | Lease | 392 – 6,142 (+/-) SQ FT
130 N. Raleigh Street, Martinsburg, WV
Retail / Restaurant | Sale | 1,500 (+/-) SQ FT
7100 Willie G Avenue, Suite 102
Office / Retail Suite | Lease | 3,824 (+/-) SQ FT
Marion Square, Fairmont, WV
Retail / Office Suites | Lease | 2,000 – 4,800 (+/-) SQ FT
40 Jenmar Drive, Reedsville, WV
Industrial | Sale | 5,192 (+/-) SQ FT
925 Foxcroft Avenue, Martinsburg, WV
Retail Suite | Lease | 1,846 (+/-) SQ FT
18 Cleveland Avenue, Westover, WV
Industrial Suite | Lease | 3,400 (+/-) SQ FT
Coastal Carolina President Michael Benson will be the next president at WVU
Comments Off on Coastal Carolina President Michael Benson will be the next president at WVUAfter a Board of Governors vote on February 20, it has been confirmed that West Virginia University’s 27th president will be Michael T. Benson. Benson is the current president of Coastal Carolina University and will bring over 30 years of higher education experience to the position when he begins his appointment on July 1. In his past positions, Benson has been successful in fundraising and accelerating student enrollment – skills WVU’s Board of Governors hopes he will bring to his tenure in Morgantown. WVU’s announcement of Benson’s hiring marks the end of a presidential search that began in May 2024 when current University President Gordon Gee announced his planned retirement would occur this summer.
This information has been summarized, you can learn more about WVU’s incoming President on WVU’s website or at MetroNews.
February Newsletter: Office Featured Offerings
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Office Featured Offerings
430 Drummond Street, Morgantown, WV
Office Suites | For Lease | 8,100 (+/-) SF
- Two office suites available for lease
- First floor suite: 6,000 (+/-) square feet; 15 private, perimeter offices
- Second floor suite: 2,100 (+/-) square feet; 4 private, perimeter offices
- Located along a major thoroughfare with excellent visibility
- Off-street parking
- Pristine landscaping
View Marketing Flyer for 430 Drummond Street
11 Chenoweth Drive, Bridgeport, WV
Office Suite | For Lease | 5,814 (+/-) SF
- Two-story building comprised of 11,628 (+/-) square feet
- First floor available for lease: 5,814 (+/-) square feet of mostly open space
- Second floor is fully leased
- Large, paved parking lot
- Signage opportunities available
View Marketing Flyer for 11 Chenoweth Drive
2 Highland Park Drive, Uniontown, PA
Land / Development | Sale | 0.57 (+/-) Acre
- Two-story office building
- Second floor suite available for lease: 3,400 (+/-) square feet
- Close proximity to Uniontown Hospital and many other medical office including UPMC Cancer Center
- Private exam rooms
- Two parking lots
- Signage opportunities available
View Marketing Flyer for 2 Highland Park Drive
1114 Speedway Avenue, Fairmont, WV
Office Space | For Sale / Lease | 2,096 – 2,900 (+/-) SF
- 428,873 (+/-) square foot office/warehouse with 4,996 (+/-) square feet of office space available on third floor
- Suite 1: 2,096 (+/-) square feet
- Suite 3: 2,900 (+/-) square feet
- Quick access to I-79, Exit 137
- Excellent visibility and frontage along Speedway Avenue
View Marketing Flyer for 1114 Speedway
1639 Sabraton Avenue, Morgantown, WV
Office / Retail Building | For Sale | 2,250 (+/-) SF
- Single-level office/retail building comprised of 2,250 (+/-) square feet
- Flexible floor plan can be utilized as single space or multiple suites
- 2 miles from Downtown Morgantown and WVU main campus
- Highly Visible
- Off-street paved parking
- Signage opportunities available
View Marketing Flyer for 1639 Sabraton Avenue
1000 Technology Drive, Fairmont, WV
Office Suites | For Lease | 1,090 to 4,888 (+/-) square feet
View Marketing Flyer for 1000 Technology Way
347 W. Main Street, Clarksburg, WV
Office Building | For Sale / Lease | 29,090 (+/-) square feet
View Marketing Flyer for 347 W. Main Street
7 Chaplin Hill Road, Morgantown, WV
Office / Retail Building | For Sale | 2,383 (+/-) Gross SF
WVU maintains prominent R1 ranking as top U.S. research university
Comments Off on WVU maintains prominent R1 ranking as top U.S. research universityWVU has gained an elite distinction for the fourth time in a row. The state’s flagship university was just reaffirmed with R1 status by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. This is the highest possible research ranking an institute of higher education can obtain. WVU is the only R1 institution in West Virginia and one of just 187 colleges nationwide to earn the honor. Two major criteria schools must meet to receive the classification include spending at least $50 million a year on research and development and awarding at least 70 doctorates. In 2023, the year used for the R1 classification, WVU spent more than $246 million on research and granted more than 200 doctoral degrees.
This article has been summarized, view the full article.
BDR Monthly Newsletter – February 2025
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BDR Annual Reward Trip 2025 Recap
Annually, Black Diamond Realty organizes an incentive trip to reward team members who achieve individual and company goals for the previous year. Our 2025 destination was Punta Cana, Dominican Republic! For six memorable days, team members enjoyed plentiful sunshine, competitive beach volleyball, refreshing beverages, team dinners, and even water aerobics! The experience left everyone recharged, motivated, and ready to take on another successful year.
At Black Diamond Realty, we take immense pride in cultivating a family-like, teamwork-oriented culture where each team member is committed to the success of one another. This supportive and collaborative environment fuels our growth and empowers us to deliver exceptional service to our clients. We understand the importance of recharging—both individually and collectively—and believe that moments like these not only rejuvenate our spirits but also strengthen our bonds and sharpen our focus for the road ahead.
A heartfelt thank you to all our clients and referral partners for trusting us with your projects. We couldn’t achieve these milestones without your support. Take a look below at some of our favorite moments from this incredible trip.
Hagerstown Grand Opening
Join us February 26th for the Grand Opening of Black Diamond’s new Hagerstown office! The event will be held at the Black Diamond office at 38 S. Potomac St. Suite 205, Hagerstown, from 9:30am-10:30am with the ribbon cutting ceremony at 10am. Enjoy some snacks and light refreshments with us as we celebrate this exciting new BDR chapter!
You can follow along for updates and more information on the Grand Opening on a new Facebook page dedicated to our Martinsburg and Hagerstown offices. We will be keeping this page updated with all our offerings in the Martinsburg and Hagerstown areas, with a focus on our Associates and the communities they serve in these regions.
Gravel Cycling Comes to NCWV
Mountaineer Gravel is an ambitious new project from Visit Mountaineer Country Convention and Visitors Bureau (VMC) that seeks to make North Central West Virginia a leader in outdoor tourism. Their goal is to make the region a premier destination for gravel cycling and outdoor adventure by designating numerous world-class mixed surface cycling trails on public property throughout North Central West Virginia. Adds Susan Riddle, president and CEO of VMC, “This project is not just about tourism – it’s about quality of life and creating lasting, positive change for our communities”.
Find out more about Mountaineer Gravel trails
New Offerings
75 Don Knotts Blvd, Morgantown, WV
Land / Development | Sale | 0.158 (+/-) Acre
1085 S. Pike Street, Shinnston, WV
Land / Development | Sale | 5.2 (+/-) Acres
1434 S. Pike Street, Shinnston, WV
Land / Development | Sale | 0.57 (+/-) Acre
2.7 AC – Valley Industrial Park
Pleasant Valley, WV
Land / Development | Sale | 2.78 (+/-) Acres
WVU Medicine breaks ground on new $233 million Eye Institute in Morgantown, West Virginia
Comments Off on WVU Medicine breaks ground on new $233 million Eye Institute in Morgantown, West VirginiaA big advancement for the state’s eye health is on the horizon in Morgantown. On Friday, WVU Medicine broke ground on a new $233 million Eye Institute. The new WVU Eye Institute is being built at the intersection of Van Voorhis Road and Elmer Prince Drive near the entrance to WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital and is expected to take 30 months to complete. This is an exciting project for Morgantown, and the Mountain State as a whole, with the potential to improve the quality of life for West Virginians. Those connected with the project believe the new WVU Eye Institute will “aid in the recruitment of more providers, the expansion of services, a better response to patient needs, the accommodation of more trainees and the expansion of clinical research into new treatments for eye diseases”.
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Visit Mountaineer Country Collaborates to Build Outdoor Tourism Economy
Comments Off on Visit Mountaineer Country Collaborates to Build Outdoor Tourism EconomyA new project undertaken by Visit Mountaineer Country Convention and Visitors Bureau (VMC) seeks to make North Central West Virginia a leader in outdoor tourism. The goal of the project, named Mountaineer Gravel, is to transform the region into a premier destination for gravel cycling and outdoor adventure. The ambitious undertaking is a collaboration between a number of groups, including experts such as David Landis, owner of Village-to-Village Trails (V2V Trails), West Virginia University’s Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC), and numerous local trail and outdoor recreation partners. So far, the project consists of 28 world-class mixed surface cycling trails that span across 1,000 miles of public property in North Central West Virginia. It has been meticulously designed and curated with input from experts in the world of gravel cycling. Some of the impressive features of the Mountaineer Gravel project include GPS mapping through the Ride with GPS platform and seven designated regional hubs to provide lodging, dining, and other tourist attractions. Future initiatives include a bikepacking race in 2025 and sponsorship of the West Virginia Gravel Series.
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The Fed expects to cut rates more slowly in 2025. What that could mean for mortgages, debt and more
Comments Off on The Fed expects to cut rates more slowly in 2025. What that could mean for mortgages, debt and moreTo combat ongoing inflation and concerns of future inflation that could be fueled by incoming President Donald Trump’s policies, the Fed has indicated they will cut rates more slowly in 2025 than initially planned. Fed policymakers now predict two rate cuts to take place in 2025, not the four that they originally suggested would occur. Borrowers may be disappointed with the reduced number of rate cuts, but any rate cut still has potential to reduce mortgage rates. Mortgage rates are driven by market outlook, and a cut by the Fed can put downward pressure on mortgage rates. The Fed is designed to pivot quickly in relation to quick economic upturns or downturns. For now they are taking a wait-and-see approach, and the next rate cut may not occur until March or later.
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Second largest airsoft field in America is coming to Clarksburg
Comments Off on Second largest airsoft field in America is coming to ClarksburgThe second largest airsoft field in America will soon be opening in Clarksburg, thanks to a deal brokered by Black Diamond. Ohio-based airsoft company, MK Airsoft, will be opening a 72,000 square foot facility at 624 Armory Road in Clarksburg. Renovations have already begun on the facility, and the company’s Facebook page says they expect to open in January 2025. You can learn more about airsoft on the company’s website and follow along for updates on the 624 Armory Road Airsoft Field on its Facebook page.
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Gov. Justice announces groundbreaking for Prime 6’s manufacturing facility in Fairmont
Comments Off on Gov. Justice announces groundbreaking for Prime 6’s manufacturing facility in FairmontWest Virginia’s Gov. Justice announced Prime 6 will be locating its new manufacturing facility in Marion County. The project is a $35 million investment and expected to create 75-100 jobs. First garnering attention on Shark Tank, Prime 6 is an innovative, sustainable company that upcycles wood waste into high-quality products. There will be two events in Fairmont on Friday, November 22nd to celebrate the announcement. A groundbreaking will take place at 10:30 a.m. and a Community Town Hall will be at 5. Gov. Justice, Prime 6 leadership and local officials will be attending the groundbreaking, and the Shark Tank film crew will be filming the event. Kevin O’Leary of Shark Tank will be at both events.
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City exploring demolition of former Bartlett House shelter
Comments Off on City exploring demolition of former Bartlett House shelter1111 University Avenue in Morgantown, the building that has housed the Bartlett House emergency shelter for close to four decades, is likely being demolished. The city of Morgantown has taken bids from contractors to demolish the building. The 11,340 square foot property is owned by Bartlett House Inc. and brokered for sale with Black Diamond. In addition to the probable demolition of the Bartlett House, Bartlett Housing Solutions has also relinquished control of its emergency triage shelter and transitional and permanent supportive housing units due to lack of funding. In July, Morgantown City Council and the Monongalia County Commission approved $150,000 to allow Catholic Charities West Virginia to take over operation of the triage shelter. The West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness has taken over responsibility of the Bartlett House’s transitional and supportive housing properties.
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WVU researchers design Zillow-inspired software to turn former mine lands into sites for economic development
Comments Off on WVU researchers design Zillow-inspired software to turn former mine lands into sites for economic developmentWVU researchers have invented a Zillow-like software for developers to find property in southern West Virginia’s coalfields. Over 4,500 former mine lands exist in the southern counties of West Virginia, and the researchers have organized them into a searchable, interactive database similar to Zillow, Airbnb, and VRBO. The goal of the project is to encourage development opportunities on the former mine lands, ultimately repurposing them and creating jobs. The project is a collaboration between WVU, Coalfield Development Corporation, and The Nature Conservancy. It is part of a comprehensive project called “Appalachian Climate Technology Now,” which received funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration as part of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant.
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Commission approves zoning change for McCullough Ave. development
Comments Off on Commission approves zoning change for McCullough Ave. developmentThe Monongalia County Commission has rezoned 659 McCullough Avenue from R-2 (neighborhood density residential) to R-4 (high density residential). This amendment to the West Run Planning District zoning map coincides with Metro Properties’ plan to construct 30 townhomes in the area. For the Metro Properties project to move forward, the Monongalia County Planning Commission has laid out conditions for the developer to meet primarily related to stormwater management and street access.
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St. Albans company low bidder for new Monongahela River bridge for the Morgantown Industrial Park
Comments Off on St. Albans company low bidder for new Monongahela River bridge for the Morgantown Industrial ParkThe DOH expects construction to begin late this year or next spring on a new bridge that will go over the Monongahela River and take traffic to the Morgantown Industrial Park. The contract for the proposed bridge, an interim option while the proposed Harmony Grove interchange off I-79 moves through the approval process, was awarded to the lowest bidder, St. Albans contractor, Triton Construction. The bridge access would come off U.S. 119/Grafton Road in the vicinity between Scott Avenue and the Glotfelty Tire Center, cross the river and connect to Morgantown Industrial Park via Rail Street.
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The Federal Reserve starts cutting interest rates in a big moment for the economy
Comments Off on The Federal Reserve starts cutting interest rates in a big moment for the economyThe Federal Reserve made a big economic move today, cutting interest rates for the first time since 2020. The bank lowered its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point, a move that has the potential to help borrowers and spur economic growth.
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Prime 6 to invest $35 million in Upshur County, WV manufacturing facility
Comments Off on Prime 6 to invest $35 million in Upshur County, WV manufacturing facilityPrime 6, a company that manufactures wood-based charcoal alternatives, is making a big investment in West Virginia. The company plans to invest $35 million in the mountain state by creating a manufacturing facility in Upshur County. The manufacturing facility will bring 75 jobs to the area and is expected to have a positive ripple effect on the local economy.
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LG Electronics to Construct R&D and Engineering Hub in WV
Comments Off on LG Electronics to Construct R&D and Engineering Hub in WVEarlier this year, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced a partnership between the state of WV and LG Electronics to grow business, add jobs and advance technologies related to “renewable energy, health care and industries of the future”. LG is used to these types of public/private partnerships and saw an opportunity in the Mountain State. Over the next five years, the South Korean-based electronics giant plans to provide 275 high-skill jobs in the state through the creation of several businesses, including “construct[ing] both a research and development and an engineering hub within the state that will hire software engineers, architects and developers”.
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Black Diamond Realty Voted Best Commercial Real Estate Agent
Comments Off on Black Diamond Realty Voted Best Commercial Real Estate AgentWe work hard for our clients, and it’s great to be recognized for it! Black Diamond Realty has been voted best Commercial Real Estate Agent in Mountaineer Country 2024. We are honored we get to serve our community and clients with our commercial real estate expertise.
Thank you, Mountaineer Country!
Sen. Capito secures $26M for Morgantown Industrial Park road project; bill heads to full Senate
Comments Off on Sen. Capito secures $26M for Morgantown Industrial Park road project; bill heads to full SenateImprovements may be coming to the Morgantown Industrial Park. The Senate Appropriations Committee has sent forth a bill to the Senate that includes $26 million earmarked for the Morgantown Industrial Park bridge and access road project. The funding, requested by West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito, would be used to design a road, a bridge over the Monongahela River and improve some of the existing infrastructure. Capito sees the project’s completion as vital to the Morgantown community, stating, “. . .this is a major development and a highly encouraging one”.
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