Waterfront development is springing up throughout the Mountain Rivers Region and not a moment too soon. Most of the larger cities, like Pittsburgh and Richmond, have realized the rivers that run through them are a resource for revenue and a better quality of life. The taxes generated from new businesses add to revenue, employ people and contribute to the value of what a city has to offer other new businesses that are looking to relocate. Transforming an under-utilized waterway into a family-friendly atmosphere with a more aesthetic appearance will not only instigate economic development but will also improve the quality of life for river city residents.

We are witnessing the emergence of two different types of waterfront developments in the Mountain Rivers Region: park-like waterfronts hosting city and recreational events and waterfronts designed and built for tapping into new revenue. Developing an individual waterfront plan that works for each of the unique river-side cities requires effort and a strong desire to see change. Despite the investment of time and money, river cities across the Mountain Rivers Region are beginning to embrace a resource that can renew states’ economies and put the states’ riverfront locations on a more comparable, competitive level with the likes of successful tourism waterfronts such as Pittsburgh.

The City of Pittsburgh, Pa.

Station Square, positioned along the Monongahela River and mere minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, is the perfect example of what river cities should aspire to be. With a landing and marina providing easy access to the city for tourists, boaters can choose Pittsburgh’s docks as the portal to an all-inclusive, water-land adventure. Station Square offers uniquea shopping opportunities at the Freight House Shops, restored railroad building and any type of cuisine from snacks to five-star restaurants. Tours of the city are available by water, land and air—cruise ships, Segways and the inclines. The Sheraton, the only waterfront hotel, is the perfect location for business meetings and conferences and opportunities for entertainment for guests are nearly limitless with Station Square’s nightclubs and bars.

The City of Richmond, Va.

Richmond is rich in historical value, but the success of city planners in building on the tourism opportunities in this riverfront location makes this city priceless. The historic James River and Kanawha Canal has been rebuilt after years of neglect, providing the Canal Walk and access to the only metropolitan whitewater river in the country. Where else can whitewater enthusiasts leave their office buildings and head toward the river for a quick trip in a kayak or tube? Richmond has an eclectic mix of stunning architecture, dated from the 1700s to 2007 and offers educational opportunities through countless museums, war memorials and exhibits. Dining, shopping and Edgar Allan Poe’s museum are just a hop, skip and jump away from downtown’s hotels and the Old Bell Tower. While the city was fortunate to already have a handful of tourist attractions, incorporation of the river and a vibrant nightlife scene has benefited Richmond’s thriving economy.

The City of Louisville, Ky.

During the 1980s, the waterfront property running along the Ohio River in Louisville was one of the most unattractive parts of the city, comprised of abandoned and underutilized land and buildings. The Louisville Waterfront Development Corporation began plans in 1986 to revive this portion of the city to create a pleasant and safe environment that would include a new park, residential opportunities and more businesses. Today, the park receives an estimated 1.5 million visitors per year to its familyfriendly playground and scenic riverfront which provides a great meeting place for groups, club sand students. Complete with a café plaza and the Brown-Forman Amphitheater, Waterfront Park hosts hundreds of events each year. New docks are provided for boaters and a rowing facility was added for the University of Louisville’s Women’s Rowing team and other community rowing groups. Waterfront Park’s development was achieved in three stages and step by step the city of Louisville has seen the addition of a great asset continue to grow.

The City of Morgantown, W.Va.

Morgantown has simply taken the ball and ran with it when it comes to its Waterfront Wharf area. Perry Petroplus, of Petroplus Associates, had a grand vision and took the risk to develop an area which was considered something of an eye sore. This investment seems to be worth its weight in gold and its value continues to grow. This project incorporates a hotel, restaurants, shopping and business offices and has gone above and beyond original projections. This project has been successful in part due to a strong college atmosphere and reaps the benefits of visitors who come into the city for ballgames and other university-related events. This project is a valuable economic accomplishment without even being visible to interstate traffic. One can only imagine how much more traffic would come into Morgantown if the Waterfront Wharf area were exposed to the interstate. It’s a very impressive effort by Petroplus and the City of Morgantown and they will be continuing the growth for some time to come. You can view information on this project at www. morgantown.com.

Seeing the success of cities like Morgantown and Pittsburgh, other cities with untapped water assets in state border cities are putting together their own plans. Point Pleasant is nearing the completion of its waterfront project, while others are working on conceptual plans to execute changes on the banks of their riverfronts for the betterment of the communities surrounding them.

The City of Point Pleasant, W.Va.

Point Pleasant, located where the Kanawha River joins the Ohio River, has almost completed its waterfront project. Final touches on the floodwall murals depicting the historic battle of Point Pleasant are in the final paint strokes of completion. The city has already completed the construction of an amphitheater for concerts and events, a new picnic area and a boat dock. Now an inviting, park-like location for locals and tourists, the waterfront project is the perfect location for fireworks and other events the city has scheduled throughout the year. You can view information on this project at www. pointpleasantwv.org

The City of Parkersburg, W.Va.

Parkersburg has a conceptual plan in hand and has been working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to create the design, as well as help find funding for the project. Thus far, the city has to come up with its half of the 50/50 shared cost expense. According to Mayor Robert Newell, U.S. Congressman Alan B. Mollohan recently secured the federal funds for the project and work will begin in a matter of months. Parkersburg’s plan will boast a park-like setting for people to picnic and play games, and a venue for events like fireworks during holidays and year-round city events. A boat docking area is also included in the plan so boaters can dock, hop off of their boats and share in the fun on land. This should result in a redirection of river traffic into downtown, bringing in more revenue for local shops and eateries. You can view information on this project at www.parkersburg-wv.com.

Perhaps most surprising are the cities that have so much to gain from riverfront development that are reluctant to make the investments or face changes— whether gradual or drastic. A city that falls into this category is Charleston, West Virginia’s capitol city.

The City of Charleston, W.Va.

Charleston has one of the best locations for a waterfront given its visibility from the Interstate 64 bridge that crosses over the Kanawha River and converges with the Elk River. The phrase “location, location, location” means everything to any type of development project and Charleston certainly has it.

Like Morgantown, the project in Charleston would call for private development to work in conjunction with the city. There are several issues that arise with creating the ideal location for waterfront development in Charleston. These issues include considerations of private ownership of the land and its value combined with the city’s declining population. You can view information on this project at www. CharlestonWaterfrontNow.org.

Development must be viewed as a continual process for the Mountain River Region to continue to succeed. Development creates opportunity, quality of life, jobs, revenue and a thriving community with people moving back to their childhood homes to enjoy the benefits of a growing city. Support of such projects is crucial to their implementation and necessary in order to have thriving state, county and city projects that improve the quality of life.