Shinnston, Harrison County

2017 Update: No updates have been made available to PAWV in 2017.

As of the last update provided to PAWV in 2016, the property is now owned by Square One, a nonprofit organization.  Square One has been working to establish the necessary funding to begin the interior restoration of the Mansion’s first floor, so that the building can be reintroduced to the public.  The organization solicited bids for the interior restoration and planned to begin in 2017.

Also, Square One has received estimates to repair water leaks in two small, flat roofs.  On June 10, 2017, a Vendor Fair and Fund Raiser event was held at the Christ Episcopal Church gymnasium and parishioner’s hall in Fairmont.  Local vendors and crafters included: Scensty, Lularoe, Fly Away Daisy Photography, Mountain State Maternity, Paparazzi Jewelry, Perfectly Posh, Legging Army, and Buskins.  The proceeds went to the Abbruzino Mansion Roof Fund and for baby beds for low income families in the community.

https://www.facebook.com/Square1FamilyNetworks/

2013: The Abruzzino Mansion is located in the Shinnston Historic District and sits atop a hillside overlooking the town of Shinnston (Harrison County). The Neoclassical mansion was constructed in 1921 by the prolific builder Charles Ashby Short for Frank Abruzzino, a prosperous West Virginia businessman who was an Italian immigrant. The mansion originally had 28 rooms, 4 bathrooms, and a third-floor ballroom and was converted into apartments in the 1960s. Remarkably, the renovators maintained much of the historic layout and features. Currently, one couple has taken on the task of restoring the mansion, and the project was unfortunately delayed when a fire destroyed the west wing and much of the red-tile roof in 2010. Now PAWV is helping them create a preservation plan in hopes that the building can be secured for a group or groups that can reuse the mansion for nonprofit purposes. 

Clarksburg, Harrison County

2017 Update: No updates have been made available to PAWV in 2017.

As of the site’s last progress update to PAWV in mid-2016, the Waldo was mothballed, awaiting redevelopment. In 2014-2015, the property was under contract for sale, with the potential new owners planning to rehab it as a boutique hotel / condo development. Due to financing issues, however, the sale fell through. Still, part of the deal required immediate repairs, which led to progress – including the hotel’s interior being cleaned out, non-historic additions being removed, and temporary roof repairs being made. The Vandalia Heritage Foundation is now applying for historic tax credits and is searching for a capable development/construction team that can help the foundation renovate the property.

2009: A pivotal structure in downtown Clarksburg’s Historic District, the Waldo Hotel is currently in a stable, “mothballed” condition. A 2007 feasibility study supported redevelopment of the Waldo Hotel to its original use. However, the property is threatened by a demolition order from the City of Clarksburg, which has stated it is a public safety hazard and in violation of city code. The Beaux-Arts style building with Moorish influences, currently owned by the Vandalia Heritage Foundation, was designed by noted architect Harrison Albright of Charleston and completed in 1904. Construction was financed by Nathan Goff, Jr., who left the property to his sons Guy D. and Waldo Goff. It was the official residence of Senator Guy D. Goff during his term (1925- 31) and site of a 1928 meeting of conservative Republican U.S. Senators who supported Goff as the presidential nominee over Herbert Hoover.