The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to about 3.6 percent as policymakers said the economy shows healthier signs but still faces mixed signals on inflation and the labor market. This cut makes the Fed rate the lowest is has been in three years. Cuts can have a positive effect on the economy by lowering borrow rates. Chair Jerome Powell added that, after this cut, they will evaluate the data regarding future rate changes.
This information has been summarized, read AP News’ full coverage on the Federal Reserve interest rate cute.

With the holiday season approaching, we are grateful for our clients and community. Thank you for the trust you place in us to guide you through your important business decisions and real estate goals. Your continued confidence and support inspire everything we do.
From all of us at Black Diamond Realty, we wish you a safe, joyful, and happy Thanksgiving.

Multi-Building Industrial Investment / Land | Sale | 24,900 (+/-) SQ FT | 86 (+/-) Acres

Professional / Medical Class A Office Investment | Sale | 17,330 (+/-) SQ FT

Land / Development | Sale | 12.99 Acres

Industrial Building | Sale | 13,440 (+/-) SQ FT

Office / Warehouse Suite | Lease | 3,100 – 6,656 (+/-) SQ FT

Industrial / Warehouse / Office Space | Lease | 2,520 (+/-) SQ FT

Industrial / Warehouse Space | Lease | 1,640 (+/-) SQ FT

Industrial Bays | Lease | 1,240 – 2,480 (+/-) SQ FT

601 S. Virginia Avenue, Bridgeport, WV
Land / Development | Sale | 0.87 (+/-) Acres

Office / Retail Space | Lease | 2,088 (+/-) SQ FT

Industrial Building | Lease | 4,500 (+/-) SQ FT

Office Suite | Lease | 2,228 (+/-) SQ FT
The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate yesterday by a quarter-point to support a labor market that could be weakening. The Fed will also begin limited Treasury purchases to address liquidity strains in money markets. By lowering borrowing costs and improving liquidity, the move has the potential to stimulate business investment and consumer spending.
This information has been summarized, read Reuters’ full coverage on the Federal Reserve interest rate cute.
We’re excited to announce the grand opening of Chatter & Chalk at 1315 Airport Boulevard in Morgantown!
Principal & Associate Broker David Lorenze, CCIM, SIOR secured the lease earlier this year for the development center and early learning academy. We are thrilled to welcome such a special organization to the Morgantown community.
View photos from the Grand Opening on their Facebook page and visit their website to learn more about Chatter & Chalk.

As the year winds down, Q4 presents unique opportunities in commercial real estate that can set the stage for long-term success. Lease negotiations often become more flexible as landlords and tenants look to finalize agreements before year-end. Strategic decisions made in Q4 can also deliver valuable tax advantages that impact your 2025 and 2026 planning. This season often brings increased availability, as businesses reassess their space needs and new opportunities enter the market. With fresh market data and forward-looking insights released at year-end, investors and business owners gain a clearer picture for smart, data-driven decisions. Most importantly, acting now positions you to start 2026 strong — with the right property, the right terms, and the right strategy in place. At Black Diamond Realty, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process so you can take full advantage of this prime time in the market
Thinking about making a move in commercial real estate? Q4 is one of the BEST times to do it — and here’s why:
1️⃣ Year-End Motivation (eager sellers/landlords) – Year-end is a time when both buyers and sellers are motivated. It creates determined negotiations, quicker decisions, and opportunities for everyone to achieve their goals.
2️⃣ Tax Advantages – Smart real estate moves in Q4 can deliver financial benefits that positively impact your year-end tax strategy.
3️⃣ Availability – As companies reassess their needs, new spaces and investment opportunities enter the market giving you more options to choose from.
4️⃣ Market Insights – Q4 is when fresh market/economic data and year-end reports are released, helping buyers, sellers, and investors make smarter, data-driven decisions.
5️⃣ Start 2026 Strong – Secure your space now and hit the ground running in January.
At Black Diamond Realty, we help clients make the most of every opportunity. Let’s talk about how Q4 can set your business up for success in the new year. Give us a call!

Each spring and fall, we refresh our Promo Brochure. View our latest High Profile Developments, Offerings, Closings, and more.
Explore the Fall Promo Brochure

Multi-Building Industrial Investment / Land | Sale | 24,900 (+/-) SQ FT | 86 (+/-) Acres

Professional / Medical Class A Office Investment | Sale | 17,330 (+/-) SQ FT

Land / Development | Sale | 12.99 Acres

Industrial Building | Sale | 13,440 (+/-) SQ FT

Office / Warehouse Suite | Lease | 3,100 – 6,656 (+/-) SQ FT

Industrial / Warehouse / Office Space | Lease | 2,520 (+/-) SQ FT

Industrial / Warehouse Space | Lease | 1,640 (+/-) SQ FT

Industrial Bays | Lease | 1,240 – 2,480 (+/-) SQ FT

601 S. Virginia Avenue, Bridgeport, WV
Land / Development | Sale | 0.87 (+/-) Acres

Office / Retail Space | Lease | 2,088 (+/-) SQ FT

Industrial Building | Lease | 4,500 (+/-) SQ FT

Office Suite | Lease | 2,228 (+/-) SQ FT
The U.S. Federal Reserve announced its first interest rate cut since December 2024. The move is expected to ease borrowing costs, giving commercial real estate a much-needed boost by making acquisitions, refinancing, and development projects more feasible. While challenges like inflation remain, the cut has the potential to improve investor sentiment and provide an overall lift to the industry.
This information has been summarized, read CoStar’s full article on the Fed’s latest interest cut.

As summer comes to a close, our team is reflecting on the sunshine-filled days that brought just the right mix of work and play. Between client meetings and property showings, our crew made time for family vacations, backyard barbecues, ball games, and a few extra scoops of ice cream (because summer calories don’t count, right?). We’re proud of how our team balanced professional commitments while still making space for those special seasonal memories that matter most. From beach trips to concerts, we proved that success isn’t just measured in deals closed, but also in moments shared. Now, as we trade flip-flops for fall shoes, we’re bringing that same energy and balance into the months ahead. Here’s to wrapping up a great summer and stepping into a productive, exciting fall together!
Summer updates from some of our team members:
Aaron
We took a cruise out of Miami to Jamaica, Cayman Islands and Bahamas, and a trip to Virginia Beach!

Andrea
This summer has been extra special for the Icenhower family with the arrival of baby Mason in June! July brought sweet moments as we welcomed visiting family, introducing Mason to his grandparents and cousins. We enjoyed some backyard grilling, but mostly, we’ve cherished the simple joy of staying home and soaking up every precious moment together as a new family of three. Baby Mason did get to see the WVU football stadium already—and he’s definitely excited for fall!

Anna
This was such a wonderful summer! The kids and I really enjoyed watching Ryan Trahan’s 50 States in 50 Days every night while snacking on his candy line, Joyride. We also loved attending Picklesburg in Pittsburgh for the first time, where we tried pickle lemonade and a pickle pepperoni roll. We went on family trips to Ohiopyle, The Biltmore in Asheville, NC, and our annual trip to Hilton Head Island. And, of course, we hung out at Lefty’s with our besties!

David
We started out summer with a trip to Cacapon area in the eastern panhandle. We visited a cat café, roasted s’mores at our cozy cabin in the woods, and hiked through an old train tunnel. Later in the summer we stayed at Valley View Cabins and enjoyed Blackwater Falls, a river float, and music at the Purple Fiddle. Lastly, we spent some time at Bethany Beach in Delaware. It was a relaxing summer with a lot of wild and wonderful WV memories!

Drew
Our summer was filled with all the traditional fun. Every year our kids make a summer bucket list and I think we checked off almost everything this year with the exception of “kids make dinner”. One of our favorites was a trip to Kennywood. There were many weekends of baseball with my son’s travel team, lots of pool days, deck nights with friends, s’mores in the backyard, and two annual family reunions. We closed out the summer with the Savannah Bananas at PNC Labor Day weekend and it couldn’t have been more perfect. A great summer of 2025!

Janelle
The Zeoli family packed plenty of adventure into their summer with trips to the Chesapeake Bay, the beaches and boardwalk of Wildwood, NJ, and to visit family-friends in West Virginia. Back at home, the garden thrived—producing an abundance of cherry tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and cucumbers, along with a new “chaos garden” bursting with 10–15 varieties of colorful flowers. The backyard brought its own surprises too, from spotting a turtle to discovering a nest of three baby bunnies who now live under the shed and come out to play each day. Hours of fun were spent on our newest backyard addition—a giant inflatable water slide. We ended the summer on a high note, celebrating our youngest daughter’s 3rd birthday and our oldest daughter’s exciting first day of kindergarten!

Kate
This summer was awesome for the Kimm Family! 🌞
We sold our Pennsylvania home and made the move to “wild and wonderful” West Virginia, where we’re now living the lake life daily on beautiful Cheat Lake. When we weren’t in the throes of moving, we spent plenty of time at PNC Park cheering on the Buccos! My son Nash was invited to walk the warning track and run the bases (big sis and I got to tag along!)! I met my favorite pierogi (a true summer highlight!)!
On top of that, my husband, Marshall, took the stage in Anything Goes at the State Theatre in Uniontown, PA, and I had the joy of meeting the incredibly talented Corduroy Brown (from Huntington, WV) at the Ruby Hazel McQuain Amphitheater during a free concert at the park.
A season full of big changes and memories we’ll always treasure. Here’s to whatever comes next!

Kim
Sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and the rhythm of island life filled our cup all summer long. Wishing these days would never end. . .

Mark
The highlight of the Nesselroad summer was a trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. Mark and his wife, son, daughter, and parents thoroughly enjoyed America’s 1st and 20th National Parks. The magnificent landscapes, thermal features, and wildlife (bison, wolves, black bears, grizzlies, elk, pronghorns, sheep, coyotes, foxes, & bald eagles) are remarkable. Before the trip, Logan trained as a member of Florida’s ODP state soccer team and, afterward, Elle competed at the Florida Swimming Summer FLAGS Championship. As August turns into September, school is in full swing, and we look forward to weekends at the soccer field or pool and the activities that accompany fall.

Rachael
Over the summer I celebrated my birthday, the birthdays of friends, my dad’s birthday, and my parents’ 50th (!) wedding anniversary. I went to the WV State Fair for the first time in several years – every West Virginian should go at least once. The rest of the summer was rounded out with lots of concerts and TBT basketball in Charleston!


Student Housing Portfolio | Sale | 34 Units

Student Housing Investment | Sale | 12 Units

Student Housing Investment | Sale | 6 Units

Student Housing / Commercial Investment | Sale | 6 Student Housing Units + 3 Commercial Units

Student Housing Investment | Sale | 10 Units

Office Building | Sale | 5,746 (+/-) SQ FT

Land / Development | Sale | 1.42 (+/-) AC

Industrial Building | Sale | 7,800 (+/-) SQ FT

Land / Development | Sale | 1.27 (+/-) Acres

Restaurant Investment | Sale | 1,000 (+/-) SQ FT
A major $135 million infrastructure project will overhaul I-79 Exit 155 and Chaplin Hill Road through a public-private partnership. The plan includes reconfiguring the interchange, building a new two-lane flyover, and upgrading Chaplin Hill Road into a multilane boulevard to ease congestion and improve safety. This transformation will significantly enhance access to Morgantown, Mylan Park, and surrounding developments.
This information has been summarized, read the full press release on Governor Morrisey’s Announcement on repairs to I-79, Exit 155 in Morgantown.

The BDR team kicked off a team bonding weekend with a focus on connection, collaboration, and, of course, a little friendly competition. Friday began with an escape room adventure, where our team’s problem-solving skills were put to the test. We’re proud to say, teamwork prevailed, and we escaped! A group dinner at Fishbowl followed, offering a great chance to unwind and enjoy each other’s company.
On Saturday, we continued the fun with our annual team pool party, featuring this year’s newest addition: a dunk tank. The laughs, yard games, and great company made for an unforgettable afternoon. We can’t wait for next year!

Big things are happening at the Morgantown Industrial Park!
Morgantown Industrial Park (MIP) is in the process of receiving accessibility upgrades which include a new $60 million bridge connecting Grafton Road and I-68, Exit 1 to Phase II of the park as well as a new interchange just south of I-79, Exit 152.
MIP is one of the most highly visible business/industrial developments in the region. Currently available within Phase I of the Park are three pads of land ranging in size from 1.8 – 8 (+/-) acres with the option to subdivide. Phase II offers five pads ranging in size from 3.6 – 25 (+/-) acres.
Watch the updated Morgantown Industrial Park video
More on the available offerings in MIP

Student Housing / Investment Property | Sale | 11,492 (+/-) SQ FT

Industrial Building | Sale/Lease | 5,556 (+/-) SQ FT

Industrial Building | Lease | 4,500 – 18,000 (+/-) SQ FT

Investment Property | Sale | 100% Leased by Dollar General

Retail / Industrial Building | Sale | 35,000 (+/-) SQ FT

Office / Mixed Use Building | Sale | 7,000 (+/-) SQ FT

Land / Development | Sale | 27 (+/-) AC

Land / Development | Sale | 23.7 (+/-) AC
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.


True to form as an Achiever, her top Clifton Strength, Associate Crystal Pheulpin is at her best when she is working hard with many irons in the fire. And, reflective of her Positivity strength, she does it all with an upbeat and encouraging outlook. Notes Crystal, “I’m a go-getter who thrives on building connections, sparking energy, and turning ideas into action. Whether I’m inspiring a room or closing a deal, I show up with purpose, momentum, and always with a smile”. One of the newer team members to Black Diamond, Crystal uses her Communication and Woo strengths to make connections and friendships everywhere she goes. As an Activator, she’s able to turn her positive thoughts into realities, getting things done, rather than just talking about them.


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.

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!

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

Industrial Suite | Lease | 4,170 (+/-) SQ FT

Retail / Restaurant | Lease | 1,389 (+/-) SQ FT

Office Investment | Sale | 9,280 (+/-) SQ FT

Commercial Retail / Restaurant Suites | Lease | 2,456 – 3,726 (+/-) SQ FT

Retail Suite | Lease | 7,200 (+/-) SQ FT

Retail Suite | Lease | 630 (+/-) SQ FT

Office Suites | Lease | 176 – 2,259 (+/-) SQ FT

Industrial Property | Sale/Lease | 30,039 (+/-) SQ FT
The 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.
West 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.
A 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.
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.”
For 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.

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.

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!

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!

Multifamily Investment | Sale | 18,175 (+/-) SQ FT

Office / Retail | Sale | 1,150 (+/-) SQ FT

Office / Storage | Lease | 722 – 7,087 (+/-) SQ FT

Office Suites | Lease | 1,104 – 5,304 (+/-) SQ FT

Student Housing Investment | Sale | 7 Buildings

Industrial / Storage Units / Land / Development | Sale | 40,000 (+/-) SQ FT

Land / Development | Sale | 48.58 (+/-) AC

Industrial | Sale | 4,080 (+/-) SQ FT

Industrial | Lease | 3,000 (+/-) SQ FT

Land / Development | Sale | 129.06 (+/-) AC

Industrial Paper Mill | Sale | 201,380 (+/-) SQ FT

Industrial / Retail Building | Sale and Lease | 2,800 – 10,000 (+/-) SQ FT

Land | Sale | 2.92 (+/-) Acre

Business Sale Only

Industrial Property | Sale and Lease | 7,800 (+/-) SQ FT

Land | Sale | 0.86 (+/-) Acre
West 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.

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 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!

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!

Industrial | Sale / Lease | 30,039 (+/-) SQ FT
Mixed-Use Investment | Sale | 3,578 (+/-) SQ FT

Land / Development | Sale | 2.9 (+/-) Acre

Industrial | Lease | 64,729 (+/-) SQ FT

Industrial | Lease | 24,000 (+/-) SQ FT

Multifamily Investment | Sale | 15,680 (+/-) SQ FT

Office Suites | Lease | 392 – 6,142 (+/-) SQ FT

Retail / Restaurant | Sale | 1,500 (+/-) SQ FT

Office / Retail Suite | Lease | 3,824 (+/-) SQ FT

Retail / Office Suites | Lease | 2,000 – 4,800 (+/-) SQ FT

Industrial | Sale | 5,192 (+/-) SQ FT

Retail Suite | Lease | 1,846 (+/-) SQ FT

Industrial Suite | Lease | 3,400 (+/-) SQ FT
After 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.

Office Suites | For Lease | 8,100 (+/-) SF
View Marketing Flyer for 430 Drummond Street

Office Suite | For Lease | 5,814 (+/-) SF
View Marketing Flyer for 11 Chenoweth Drive

Land / Development | Sale | 0.57 (+/-) Acre
View Marketing Flyer for 2 Highland Park Drive

Office Space | For Sale / Lease | 2,096 – 2,900 (+/-) SF
View Marketing Flyer for 1114 Speedway

Office / Retail Building | For Sale | 2,250 (+/-) SF
View Marketing Flyer for 1639 Sabraton Avenue

Office Suites | For Lease | 1,090 to 4,888 (+/-) square feet
View Marketing Flyer for 1000 Technology Way

Office Building | For Sale / Lease | 29,090 (+/-) square feet
View Marketing Flyer for 347 W. Main Street

Office / Retail Building | For Sale | 2,383 (+/-) Gross SF
WVU 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.

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.

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.

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
Land / Development | Sale | 0.158 (+/-) Acre
Land / Development | Sale | 5.2 (+/-) Acres
Land / Development | Sale | 0.57 (+/-) Acre
Land / Development | Sale | 2.78 (+/-) Acres
A 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”.
This article has been summarized, view the full article.
A 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.
This article has been summarized, view the full article.
To 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.
This article has been summarized, view the full article.
The 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.
This article has been summarized, view the full article.
West 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.
This article has been summarized, view the full article.
1111 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.
This article has been summarized, view the full article.
WVU 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.
This article has been summarized, view the full article.
The 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.
This article has been summarized, view the full article.
The 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.
This article has been summarized, view the full article.
The 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.
This article has been summarized, view the full article.
Prime 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.
This article has been summarized, view the full article.
Earlier 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”.
This article has been summarized, view the full article here.
We 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!
Improvements 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”.
This article has been summarized, view the full article here.