Latest News
At Black Diamond Realty, we work to provide continual resources, tips, articles and education for your commercial real estate needs. Our news page is dedicated to providing our clients and customers with an online resource center to find helpful and relevant information throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, but also local and state-wide trends throughout West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio. Check out our monthly newsletters plus visit some pertinent economic news affecting real estate markets serviced by Black Diamond Realty.
Mon Power and Potomac Edison seek approval for $2.84 billion gas and solar project in West Virginia
Monongahela Power Co. and The Potomac Edison Co. have asked the Public Service Commission of West Virginia for approval to build a $2.84 billion, 1,200-megawatt natural gas plant and three solar facilities at the existing Fort Martin Power Station. If approved, the plant would begin operating in late 2031. [...]
Closed Transactions – Q1, 2026
Black Diamond Realty assists sellers, buyers, landlords, and tenants to achieve their goals across all types of commercial properties. Through a diligent, proactive approach, we expertly navigate complexities and deliver successful commercial real estate transactions. Quarter 1 resulted in 14 closed transactions (8 lease, 6 sale) with industrial being the leading sector amongst all completed [...]
Winning the Backyard Brawl: A tax cut that puts West Virginians first
West Virginia’s focus on fiscal discipline, smaller government, and free-market policies has strengthened the state’s finances and driven major private-sector investment and job growth. With a strong surplus and responsible budgeting, the state is now positioned to return money to taxpayers through a 10% across-the-board income tax cut. Half [...]
Reflecting & Projecting – Observations from 2025, Projecting BDR’s Best Year in 2026
Commercial Real Estate Outlook: From Soft Growth to Renewed Momentum in 2026 Economic growth in the United States remained relatively soft throughout 2025, with uneven GDP performance and constrained job expansion contributing to cautious investor sentiment. Despite this, leading indicators suggest that a combination of lower interest rates and [...]
Federal Reserve cuts key rate, sees healthier economy next year
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. [...]
At Long Last, Feds Green Light I-79 Harmony Grove Interchange
Big Morgantown infrastructure news! The federal government approved the new I‑79 Harmony Grove Interchange, which will give the Morgantown Industrial Park direct interstate access. Once built, the interchange (and access bridge over the Monongahela River) will dramatically improve truck access and logistics. This development is ideal for future tenants of [...]
BDR Monthly Newsletter – December 2025
Annual Holiday Party Join us as we network with business professionals while enjoying good food and drinks. The BDR team is grateful for its relationships and blessings. We want to continue to recognize and thank you – our trusted clients, vendors and supporters! Please RSVP via the button below [...]
BDR Monthly Newsletter – November 2025
A Season of Thanks 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. [...]
Federal Reserve Lowers Rates
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 [...]
Chatter & Chalk Grand Opening
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 [...]
BDR Monthly Newsletter – October 2025
5 Reasons Q4 is Prime Time for Commercial Real Estate Decisions 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 [...]
Fed rate reduction could boost commercial real estate
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 [...]
Anytime Fitness Opens at University Park
Black Diamond Realty and Glenmark Holding LLC are proud to announce the newest tenant of University Park on the Evansdale campus has opened its doors. Anytime Fitness opened its newest health club facility on Monday, May 9th on the ground floor of the mixed-use residence hall. Anytime Fitness is the [...]
Smoothie King Coming to University Park
Black Diamond Realty is proud to share that it has brokered a transaction for another great addition to to WVU's University Park development in Evansdale. Smoothie King, which originated the smoothie bar concept in 1973, will open its first Morgantown location in early spring in University Park. University Park is [...]
UNIVERSITY PARK IHOP® RESTAURANT HOSTS GRAND OPENING BENEFITING WVU MEDICINE CHILDREN’S
University Park - IHOP Grand Opening Celebration Pancake Eating Competition to Follow Formal Ribbon Cutting Ceremony WHAT: IHOP® Restaurants will celebrate the Grand Opening of its University Park location on January 29, with 10 percent of the day’s sales benefitting WVU Medicine Children’s from 7am – 10pm. The fun filled [...]
Morgantown Board of Realtors Holiday Luncheon
The Black Diamond Realty team had a great time celebrating the holiday season at the Morgantown Board of Realtors Holiday Luncheon on December 10, 2015. The BDR team spent the afternoon mingling with fellow realtors, enjoying a fabulous meal, and congratulating their peers who were recognized by MBOR. Proceeds of [...]
Black Diamond Cheers on the Mountaineers
It was a great day to be a Mountaineer, wherever you may be! The Black Diamond Realty team took in West Virginia University’s upset of the #1 ranked Kansas Jayhawks on January 12. With a final score of 74-63, it was the first time WVU’s men’s basketball team had upset [...]
Rosenbaum Family House
Black Diamond Team Serves Dinner to the Guests of Rosenbaum Family House On October 15, 2015, the Black Diamond Realty team was honored to once again be able to visit the Rosenbaum Family House to prepare and serve dinner for approximately 30 house guests. The menu included two types of [...]
Black Diamond Participates in The Mountain Mama 8K
Black Diamond team members David Lorenze and Ryan Smyth were proud to take part in the inaugural Mountain Mama 8K race that was held September 19, 2015 as a kick off to the Morgantown Marathon Weekend. Proceeds of the race go to Operation Welcome Home, which provides veterans with employment [...]
Habitat for Humanity Work Day for Black Diamond
Members of the Black Diamond Team, David Lorenze, Murphy Holloway, and Ryan Smyth, didn’t let a little rain stop them from enjoying a great work day volunteering on April 17, 2015 with the work crew for the Mon County Habitat for Humanity. They spent the day helping the crew with [...]
IHOP Coming to University Park at Evansdale
Black Diamond Realty is proud to announce that it has brokered a transaction with Country Road Restaurants, Inc. to bring an IHOP restaurant to WVU’s new University Park development in Evansdale. IHOP will serve as an anchor retail tenant and seat approximately 132 customers in the first floor of the [...]
Team Enjoys Attending Pittsburgh Penguins Game
On March 12, members of the Black Diamond Realty team enjoyed a great evening together in Pittsburgh attending a Pittsburgh Penguins game. This afforded them a great time for team building, and to network and unwind, while enjoying a great game. Black Diamond is active in the western PA real [...]
Black Diamond Serves Dinner At Rosenbaum Family House
Black Diamond Realty was pleased to once again be able to visit the local Rosenbaum Family House on February 17th to prepare and serve dinner for 30-40 house guests. The guests are so appreciative of just a simple dinner when they are going through such a difficult time with a loved [...]
Black Diamond Realty Joins Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce
Black Diamond Realty LLC is proud to be a new member of the Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce. Members of the team, Mark J. Nesselroad, David Lorenze, Ryan Smyth, and Murphy Holloway attended the Annual Chamber dinner held on Friday, January 30, 2015. Black Diamond congratulates the many businesses and [...]
Winning the Backyard Brawl: A tax cut that puts West Virginians first
West Virginia’s focus on fiscal discipline, smaller government, and free-market policies has strengthened the state’s finances and driven major private-sector investment and job growth. With a strong surplus and responsible budgeting, the state is now positioned to return money to taxpayers through a 10% across-the-board income tax cut. Half [...]
Federal Reserve cuts key rate, sees healthier economy next year
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. [...]
Chatter & Chalk Grand Opening
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 [...]
Governor Patrick Morrisey Announces Public-Private Partnership to Repair Primary I-79 Exit (155) in Morgantown
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 [...]
WVU Medicine announces more than $460M in new capital projects to expand healthcare access across West Virginia
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 [...]
Interstate-79 Corridor and North Central West Virginia to see continued growth, expert says
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 [...]
Collaborative art studio opens in Cheat Lake
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 [...]
SkyWest puts Morgantown on track to meet important benchmarks for the first time in more than a decade
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 [...]
West Virginia sees surge in new Marcellus, Utica shale drilling permits, with more planned with Antero’s expansion
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 [...]
Coastal Carolina President Michael Benson will be the next president at WVU
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 [...]
WVU maintains prominent R1 ranking as top U.S. research university
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 [...]
WVU Medicine breaks ground on new $233 million Eye Institute in Morgantown, West Virginia
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 [...]
BDR Monthly Newsletter – April 2025
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, [...]
BDR Newsletter – Price Reductions March 2025
Featured 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 [...]
BDR Monthly Newsletter – March 2025
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 [...]
February Newsletter: Office Featured Offerings
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 [...]
BDR Monthly Newsletter – February 2025
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 [...]
Beginner’s Guide to Passive Income through CRE
“If you don’t find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die.” -Warren Buffett Does the billionaire Berkshire Hathaway CEO have a point? Most things in life require time or money. But what if you could trade money for time? Financial freedom can “buy” [...]
Tax Incentives on Opportunity Zones Sunset in 2026, But There Is Still Time to Invest
Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs) were created by Congress in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to spur investment into distressed communities around the country. Investors are allowed to place capital gains from the sale of stocks, real estate or businesses into OZ funds without having to pay taxes on [...]
Why Choose Black Diamond Realty? Our Customized Process
It’s highly unlikely to win a game of pool just by hitting the break. Likewise, closing a commercial real estate transaction takes planning and careful execution. At Black Diamond Realty, we understand the uniqueness in every property we market, in every deal we secure, and in each client we serve. [...]
Why Choose Black Diamond Realty? We are Proactive
Black Diamond Realty Will Quarterback your Deal Across the Goal Line Every successful football team is led by a quarterback. Quarterbacks think on their feet, capitalize on the strengths of their team, call audibles when necessary and read and anticipate the defensive strategies of the opposing side, all with one [...]
Why Choose Black Diamond Realty? Our Negotiation Skills
Love all, serve all. I started playing tennis with my parents at a very young age. It was a way my family and I spent time together as well as with other friends and neighbors in our community. In the game of tennis, both players begin with a score of [...]
Why Choose Black Diamond Realty? We are Committed
Life is a marathon, not a sprint. In the daily race of my life, I often think about the famous idiom; Life is a marathon, not a sprint. As an active runner, I appreciate the connection to the various cadences it describes. As a commercial real estate professional, I appreciate [...]
Why Choose Black Diamond Realty? Honesty Integrity Teamwork
Building a Winning Strategy: Black Diamond Realty's "HIT" Approach to Commercial Real Estate Success As one of the newest Black Diamond Realty (BDR) members, I am proud to step up to the plate and be part of a team that embodies the core values of Honesty, Integrity, and Teamwork. In the [...]
