Rebuilding Artworks at 601 S. Virginia Avenue

The BDR team continues to be inspired and encouraged by its clients and the ways in which they grow, support, and thrive in our communities.  Recently, one of BDR’s client’s, Lotus Averil MacDowell, persevered through a traumatic event and she has shown us just how powerful positivity can be.

Early in October, The Shoppes of Averil Place in Bridgeport, WV, experienced a total loss as a result of a devastating fire.  Lotus MacDowell is the owner of The Shoppes of Averil Place and also operates Artworks, a business formerly located at The Shoppes on S. Virginia Avenue in Bridgeport.  Artworks was established in 1986 as an art gallery, selling Lotus MacDowell’s artwork, and custom framing business.  Since it’s opening, Artworks has expanded to include retail of prints and works by national, regional and local artists as well as a variety of other gifts for all ages.

Black Diamond Realty had been working with Lotus to secure a purchaser for the property and the property was under contract at the time of the fire.  Although Lotus planned on continuing to operate Artworks for quite some time, she was ready to sell the building.  She has maintained an incredibly positive attitude as she navigates this turn of events and is currently working on her short- and long-term plans for the business and property.

In the meantime, Lotus is dedicated to Artworks, its staff, and its clients.  By early November, customers will be able to visit Lotus and the Artworks team at their new, temporary location, 410 East Main Street in Bridgeport, WV.  Please CLICK HERE to view the Connect-Bridgeport article to learn more about Lotus and her journey as a West Virginia business owner and artist.  Thank you, Lotus, for showing us such resilient leadership.