In 2016, the “1,000-year flood” killed 23 people, destroyed 1,500 homes, and damaged many other in West Virginia. Dozens of schools were damaged and bridges were washed out. Water accumulations in White Sulphur Springs reached up to 8.29 inch in 24 hours. But that is not the only thing this 3,000-person “city” is known for. They are known for their resilience, hardworking demeanor, and intense community feel. In 2018, DOF was introduced to White Sulphur Springs as the community needed financial help to recover from the flood. Since then, DOF has been working tirelessly to help the community regain its strength.
In working with a local contractor, DOF has renovated an entire city block on Main Street that started with only a pet groomer. Now, the block has flourished as a bakery, Special Education preschool, dry goods food market, Ace Hardware, and a boutique gift shop have since joined the pet groomer. In addition, we converted a previously hardly used space into a community center for after school programs, a food pantry, and a farmers market, just to name a few. Our last and greatest project in White Sulphur Springs is transforming a desolate high school into a 30- room fully accessible boutique hotel. This will not only drive revenue for the city and create upwards of 50 jobs, but will continue to pay homage to those who went there and have fond memories of the school. This hotel will be first of its kind. With a carefully crafted and strong-minded team, the hotel will accommodate everyone’s’ needs – big or small.