Fairmont State’s Redevelopment on Locust Avenue

INVESTING IN FAIRMONT to CONNECT CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY.

Redeveloping Locust Avenue, Strengthening Our Connection to Fairmont

Fairmont State University is working with community partners to support redevelopment along Locust Avenue and improve and beautify the gateway to campus.

In April 2026, Fairmont State, the City of Fairmont, and First Exchange Bank announced a partnership to address properties damaged in the 2025 Father’s Day Flood. The announced agreement outlined plans to acquire, remediate, and demolish buildings at 1120, 1116, 1114, and 1102 Locust Avenue, creating an opportunity for future redevelopment.

Project Highlights Explore the Project View the Timeline

A drone shot of Hardway hall in the fall

A Shared Investment in Our Community

Locust Avenue provides a critical connection between the University and the surrounding community, linking us to downtown Fairmont, and beyond. Redevelopment offers an opportunity to address damaged properties and consider how this area can serve students and residents in the years ahead.

The partnership brings together the University, local government, and the community around a shared interest in Fairmont’s future. Planning and site preparation will help establish the foundation for the next stages of redevelopment.

Project Highlights

Community Partnership

Fairmont State University, the City of Fairmont, and community partners are collaborating to address flood-damaged properties along Locust Avenue.

Campus Connection

The project focuses on nearly 3.5 acres adjacent to the current campus, with an opportunity to improve and beautify the gateway between Fairmont State and its surrounding neighborhoods.

A fenced off lot between 2 buildings on Locust Avenue

Site Preparation

The University has sought professional services to support site assessment, demolition planning, permitting, and procurement of a demolition contractor.

A group of people with umbrellas near a retaining wall

Project Communication

This page will provide a central location for confirmed milestones, project videos, and updates as work progresses.

Explore the Locust Avenue Project

Presiden Davis standing at a podium with a microphone

A Shared Vision for Locust Avenue

Join Fairmont State President Mike Davis and Fairmont City Manager Travis Blosser as they discuss the vision for Locust Avenue redevelopment. Their conversation explores opportunities for housing, dining, and retail near campus, the importance of community input, and how the project could strengthen connections between the University, surrounding neighborhoods, and downtown Fairmont.

A Look at the Locust Avenue Redevelopment Site

View drone footage of the Locust Avenue redevelopment site and its location across from Fairmont State’s campus. This aerial perspective shows the project area within the surrounding neighborhood.

Locust Avenue Redevelopment Timeline

Follow the milestones shaping the Locust Avenue redevelopment. Additional updates and dates will be added as project decisions are confirmed.

June 2025: Father’s Day Flood

The Father’s Day Flood damaged properties along Locust Avenue, including the buildings at 1120, 1116, 1114, and 1102 Locust Avenue later identified in the community partnership.

April 2026: Community Partnership Announced

Fairmont State University, the City of Fairmont, and First Exchange Bank announced an agreement outlining plans to acquire, remediate, and demolish the damaged properties to support future redevelopment.

Spring 2026: Professional Services Solicitation

Fairmont State sought architectural and engineering services to support site assessment, demolition planning, permitting, cost estimating, and assistance procuring a demolition contractor.

Summer 2026: Professional Services Secured

Fairmont State secured professional services to support site assessment and planning.

Fall 2026: Assessment and Planning

Vendors assess materials and environmental conditions to guide remediation and demolition planning.

Winter 2027: Demolition Proposals and Contractor Selection

Fairmont State plans to request demolition proposals and select qualified contractors to complete the work.

Spring 2027: Community Consultation Begins

Fairmont State and its partners plan to gather community input to inform future redevelopment. Opportunities to participate will be shared as planning progresses.

View Bidding Opportunities

For published solicitations and procurement information, visit Fairmont State’s Bidding Opportunities page.