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PROPERTY LEASE OPENS DOOR FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF HISTORIC RESORT
Work to reinvent an historic Monroe County spa will move forward after Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass and resort owner Warren D. Smith signed a long-term lease for 625 acres adjacent to the historical site that will be used to develop recreational attractions.
Plans are for the former Sweet Springs Resort, with its regal Grand Hotel (built around 1839) and assorted historical buildings, to serve as the focal point of a full-service resort. The lease of the state-owned Andrew S. Rowan Memorial Farm through the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) will provide the acreage necessary to construct a PGA-quality golf course, amphitheater, greenhouse, vineyard, shooting range, paintball course, trails, gardens, orchards, equestrian and skiing facilities.
The resort is currently bottling SweetSommer Water from the still-flowing spring and will stock its restaurant with produce and beef grown on the premises, according to Smith. The bottling company will feature natural mountain spring water with no additives and the highly acclaimed mineral water which is naturally carbonated and rich with minerals. Both mountain spring water and mineral water will be marketed and labeled under the name of SweetSommer.
“I think what is happening at Sweet Springs is a tremendous model for West Virginia businesses,” said Commissioner Douglass. “It taps into our state’s rich history and provides visitors with what they want and West Virginia has – a rural atmosphere with numerous recreational opportunities and a delicious, fresh-from-the-farm dinner at the end of the day.”
Smith said he appreciates WVDA’s willingness to work with him in developing the project. “This additional property was essential to our overall plan to develop an attractive resort and state-of-the-art conference center that will become a showcase for historical preservation and economic development,” Smith said.
He added that the famous venue will allow guests to step back into history and walk in the footsteps of six United States Presidents, General Robert E. Lee and many more world famous visitors, while enjoying amenities at a world class resort. He also thanked the local citizens and neighbors of Sweet Springs for their support and credited local legislators, the Monroe County Commission and the Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation (GVEDC) for helping to get the project off the ground.
GVEDC Executive Director Dick Nevi said his organization is thrilled with Smith’s project.
“He’s already invested quite a bit of his own money there,” said Nevi. “It’s a project that will have a major impact in Monroe County and, really, for the entire region down here. Monroe County is blessed with great water resources and it’s good to see someone is going to use that water to help restore the resort.”
Nevi also thanked Commissioner Douglass and GVEDC Board member Marion Shifflet for helping to get the ball rolling on the project. “Without the participation of Commissioner Douglass and Mr. Shiflett in this project, we wouldn’t be as far as we are. The lease of the farm will make possible the types of amenities that attract visitors.”
“If everything works out, this will be one of the best things that has ever happened in Monroe County,” said Jerry Crosier, Delegate for the 26th District. “A lot of people have really helped on this project. If everyone continues to pitch in the way they have, this will draw people from all over the country and will be great for the entire state.”
“The position of the County Commission is that we’re really excited. It’s a big plus to our community and it will bring a lot of jobs. We think Warren Smith will be a great partner,” said current Monroe County Commissioner Shane Ashley.
Craig Mohler, Editor of the Monroe Watchman, served 12 years on the County Commission and saw the beginnings of the project. “This is an historical, beautiful spot – we’ve wanted to get something going there for a really long time,” he said. “I think this is the perfect use for the property; that’s what it was created for originally.” He also noted the value the resort would have as an outlet for local crafters and farmers.
For more information, visit www.oldsweetsprings.com and www.sweetsommer.com.
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.
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