Along the bustling MacCorkle Avenue access point to Interstate 64 in South Charleston, West Virginia, Riverwalk Plaza and the emerging Park Place development symbolize a transformative era for the region. These two projects—one a longstanding commercial hub and the other a modern mixed-use complex—highlight the city’s ambitious vision for economic growth, community engagement, and infrastructure modernization. This blog post explores the history, current status, and future potential of these landmarks. The post sheds light on their significance to the Kanawha Valley.
Riverwalk Plaza: A Pillar of South Charleston’s Commercial Landscape
Location and Historical Context
Riverwalk Plaza has long served as a cornerstone of South Charleston’s retail and service sector. It is flanked by government offices, fitness centers like Anytime Fitness, and cultural landmarks such as the Criel Mound. This commercial area bridges the city’s past and present.
The Criel Mound, a prehistoric Native American burial site located just 1.25 km east of Riverwalk Plaza, adds historical depth to the area. Dating back to the Woodland period (circa 500 B.C.), this archaeological treasure underscores the region’s rich heritage. It attracts both locals and tourists.
Current Tenants and Community Role
Today, Riverwalk Plaza hosts a mix of retail stores, health clubs, and essential services. Its proximity to Jefferson Park and the Little Creek Park sports facilities further cements its role as a community gathering space. However, the plaza’s significance is now amplified by the rapid development unfolding directly across the street at Park Place. This project is poised to redefine South Charleston’s economic trajectory.
Park Place: A Vision for Modern Commerce and Recreation
Project Overview
Spanning 42 acres and over 400,000 square feet of space, Park Place is South Charleston’s most ambitious development to date. Located at 90 MacCorkle Avenue, the site—formerly an FMC fly ash pond—is being transformed into a vibrant hub for retail, dining, and entertainment. Mayor Frank Mullens has emphasized its potential to generate jobs and attract tourism. It will elevate the city’s profile regionally.
Key Tenants and Economic Impact
Park Place has already secured commitments from over two dozen businesses, with 80–85% representing brands new to West Virginia. Notable tenants include:
- Kroger Marketplace: A full-service grocery store slated to break ground in mid-April 2025.
- Mission BBQ: A popular barbecue chain set to open in late 2025.
- Chick-fil-A and Starbucks: Anchoring the dining sector.
- Menards, Chipotle, and Skechers Outlet: Recently announced additions, reflecting diverse consumer demand.
Once completed, the development will house 20–26 businesses, creating a one-stop destination for shopping, dining, and leisure.
Infrastructure and Construction Progress
As of May 2025, crews are laying 200,000 tons of stone to stabilize the site. Wick drains are being installed to manage water runoff—a critical step given the area’s history of flooding. Concurrently, Jefferson Road is undergoing expansion to five lanes, including a roundabout to improve traffic flow. A new connector road will link the development to the Trace Fork shopping district. This enhances accessibility to neighboring hubs like Target and the South Charleston Ice Arena.
Synergy with Regional Development: The $80 Million Sports and Wellness Complex
A Complementary Vision
Adjacent to Park Place, the City of South Charleston is advancing an $80 million sports and wellness facility designed by ZMM Architects. This is funded through a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district encompassing Park Place. This project aims to address regional needs for recreational and competitive spaces.
Features and Community Benefits
- Aquatic Facilities: A 25-meter competition pool and therapy pool for rehabilitation services.
- Fitness Center: Cardio equipment, weight rooms, and group exercise studios.
- Sports Coliseum: A 3,000–4,000-seat arena convertible into multiple basketball courts.
Mayor Mullens highlighted the economic rationale behind the TIF model. This model redirects sales tax revenue from Park Place tenants to fund the complex without burdening the city’s general funds. Projections estimate $400–500 million in revenue over 30 years, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Riverwalk Plaza and Park Place: A Symbiotic Relationship
The proximity of Riverwalk Plaza and Park Place creates a dynamic commercial corridor. While Riverwalk offers established services and historical charm, Park Place introduces cutting-edge retail and dining options. Together, they cater to diverse demographics—from families seeking weekend entertainment to athletes participating in regional tournaments.
Mayor Mullens encapsulated this synergy: “Full hotels and restaurants during tournaments at Little Creek Park show what’s possible. Park Place and the sports complex will amplify that success”.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Addressing Flood Risks
South Charleston’s history of flooding, exemplified by the Jefferson Road community center’s nine inundations since 1982, underscores the need for resilient infrastructure. Park Place’s elevation and drainage improvements aim to mitigate these risks, ensuring long-term viability.
Adapting to Market Shifts
While Park Place has attracted significant interest, Mayor Mullens acknowledged the need for flexibility: “If businesses change their plans, we may scale back, but we’re confident in our projections”.
Conclusion: South Charleston’s Renaissance
Riverwalk Plaza and Park Place epitomize South Charleston’s evolution from an industrial hub to a modern commercial and recreational destination. With strategic investments in infrastructure, retail, and community spaces, the city is poised to become a regional magnet for business and tourism. As construction progresses, residents and visitors alike can anticipate a revitalized skyline. It will honor the past while embracing the future.
Bibliography
- “Park Place.” IRA Realty. Accessed May 16, 2025. https://www.ira-realty.com/featured-development/park-place/.
- “Two More Businesses Announced for South Charleston Shopping Center.” WSAZ. February 5, 2025. https://www.wsaz.com/2025/02/05/two-more-businesses-announced-south-charleston-shopping-center/.
- Marling, Sierra. “South Charleston May See Sports Facilities, Event Coliseum in $80 Million Development.” Charleston Gazette-Mail, December 3, 2024. Republished by ZMM Architects. https://zmm.com/news/zmm-selected-to-design-new-sports-and-wellness-facility-for-south-charleston.
- “South Charleston Shopping Plaza Project Making Progress.” WCHS/WVAH. May 16, 2025. https://wchstv.com/news/local/south-charleston-shopping-plaza-project-making-progress-nearly-30-businesses-interested.
- “More Businesses Announced for South Charleston Shopping Center.” WSAZ. March 11, 2025. https://www.wsaz.com/2025/03/11/more-businesses-announced-south-charleston-shopping-center/.
- “Riverwalk Plaza Map.” Mapcarta. Accessed May 16, 2025. https://mapcarta.com/W379038096.
- “Mission BBQ Slated for Park Place.” WCHS/WVAH. May 15, 2025. https://wchstv.com/news/local/mission-bbq-slated-for-park-place-in-south-charleston.
As always, thank you for riding with me!
https://youtu.be/RGs_IHOUS-E
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Visibility: Sunny
*GPS Coordinate Data Provided on bottom left corner with date and speed*
Destinations in West Virginia by appearance:
South Charleston
Dunbar
Institute
Cross Lanes
Nitro (12:00)
Saint Albans (18:00)
Jefferson
Spring Hill (South Charleston) (27:00)
MacCorkle Avenue/US60
Fletcher Square (Dunbar) (39:00)
Riverwalk Plaza (South Charleston (50:30)
WV25/1st Avenue (Nitro) (1:22:00)
US119/Corridor G
Southridge (1:46:00)
Kenna Apartments (2:03:30)
Listen while you ride: My Spotify Playlists
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5FI2WfzKqFIz5dD0BOA1iw?si=4f12084e12b247ec – Mix
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5IWoDtlir7k6eww0PNVdGh?si=dca253ebf4e94ac1 – Chill
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4TNiUuJHvogwtk7ZxWoOpl?si=d4594c2bf5ff4328 – Upbeat
