Community Renewal Good Stories - Huntington-Ironton

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EZ Contribution Jump Starts Major Shopping/ Entertainment Complex

Huntington, West Virginia/Ironton, Ohio, EZ

Having overcome the largest impediment-land acquisition-to a $60 million restaurant, retail, and entertainment complex, Pullman Square is no longer a dream. Due to the development's location, the Huntington, West Virginia/Ironton, Ohio, EZ was able to contribute $500,000 to help assemble the 8-acre site, thereby setting the project in motion.

The EZ's partnership with four groups- Huntington Urban Renewal Authority; the Transit Authority; the city of Huntington; and Huntington Metropolitan, the private developer-was key to the successful land purchase and it demonstrated the community's support of and commitment to a major development within downtown Huntington. By backing up its words with action, the partnership effectively made the case that the EZ was a prime location for investment. "I am pleased the development is located within the Empowerment Zone and tenants are eligible for Federal tax incentives," said Tim Rollins, project developer.

Five tenants have already signed on to be a part of Pullman Square. Of those five, three companies are new to West Virginia. In addition to the 16-screen Marquee Cinema and two large parking garages, two restaurants, an ice cream parlor, a coffee shop, and a comedy club will call Pullman Square home. Located near the Marquee Cinema, Cold Stone Creamery will offer made-to-order ice cream creations to each customer by blending mix-ins on a frozen granite stone. This sweet shop will occupy 1,250 square feet and will be the first of its kind in West Virginia.

New to the State is The Funny Bone Comedy Club, which features standup comedians and weekly headliners performing in a two-level, state-of-the-art club. A national leader in comedy club operations, The Funny Bone will occupy 6,700 square feet.

Facing Third Avenue, Moe's Southwest Grill is one of the fastest rising stars in the quick/casual dining category. Moe's makes burritos daily from the freshest ingredients. The 2,300-square-foot location will be its first in West Virginia.

Sharing the building next to the Holiday Inn and Suites is Pizzeria Uno. Originally known for its Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza, the restaurant now features a full lunch and dinner menu in a casual family-style setting. It will offer al fresco dining in this 7,200-squarefoot location.

Situated on a high-profile corner of Pullman Square, overlooking the square and facing Third Avenue, Starbucks will occupy 1,600 square feet and provide both indoor and outdoor, café-style seating. This is the fifth West Virginia location for this retailer of whole bean coffees, espresso beverages, premium teas, pastries, and confections.

For more information on the progress of Pullman Square and on the programs of the EZ, contact Executive Director Cathy Burns of the Huntington/Ironton EZ, at (304) 399-5454.