Dunbar, West Virginia, a small city along the Kanawha River, has evolved from its agricultural and industrial roots into a community defined by suburban charm and commercial vitality. Two key landmarks—Fletcher Square and Dunbar Plaza, with Dunbar Village Plaza being a notable inclusion, exemplify this transformation. Below is a detailed exploration of their historical development and significance.
Fletcher Square: From Industrial Legacy to Retail Hub
Development History
Fletcher Square, a strip shopping center located at 1-9 Fletcher Square, was constructed in 1990 and spans 55,651 square feet of leasable space. Its strategic location near Interstate 64 positioned it as a commercial hub connecting Charleston and Huntington markets. The site’s development reflects Dunbar’s mid-20th-century shift from heavy industry (e.g., glass and bottling plants) to a service-oriented economy.
Historical Context
Prior to its commercial development, the area likely mirrored Dunbar’s broader industrial past. In the early 20th century, Dunbar transitioned from farming to hosting factories like Gravely Tractor and Dunbar Flint Glass. By the late 20th century, as industries declined, Fletcher Square emerged to serve the growing suburban population, echoing Dunbar Village Plaza’s important role.
Tenant Evolution
The center has housed national and regional tenants, including Joann Fabrics, which operated West Virginia’s last remaining store here until its closure in May 2025 due to corporate bankruptcy. Other notable tenants have included City National Bank, BDI Express, and National Tire & Battery. The center’s mix of retail, office, and industrial spaces reflects Dunbar’s adaptive economic landscape.
Dunbar Plaza: A Community Anchor
Origins and Growth
Dunbar Plaza, another key commercial node, developed as part of Dunbar’s post-industrial revitalization. Anchored by national retailers like Kroger, Family Dollar, and Advanced Auto, it serves as a daily resource for residents. The plaza’s establishment aligns with the city’s mid-20th-century urbanization, driven by proximity to Charleston and infrastructure projects like the Dunbar-South Charleston Bridge (1953).
Land Use Legacy
The area now occupied by Dunbar Plaza was historically part of Dunbar’s agricultural and industrial fabric. George Washington once owned tracts here, later transferred to Mary Dunbar, for whom the city is named. By the 1910s, glass factories and bottling plants dominated the region, but by the late 20th century, retail and residential needs reshaped the land as seen at the Dunbar Village Plaza.
Significance in Dunbar’s Narrative
Both Fletcher Square and Dunbar Plaza symbolize Dunbar’s resilience. As industries faded, these centers provided economic stability and community gathering spaces. Fletcher Square’s recent challenges, such as Joann Fabrics’ closure, highlight broader retail trends, while Dunbar Plaza’s enduring presence underscores its role as a suburban lifeline. Dunbar Village Plaza continues to be a shining example of this unwavering narrative.
Bibliography
- “Dunbar, West Virginia.” Wikipedia. Accessed May 24, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunbar,_West_Virginia.
- “Dunbar.” e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia. Last modified February 8, 2024. https://www.wvencyclopedia.org/entries/1918.
- LoopNet. “1-9 Fletcher Sq, Dunbar, WV 25064.” Accessed May 24, 2025. https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/1-9-Fletcher-Sq-Dunbar-WV/35137702/.
- WCHS. “West Virginia’s Last Joann Fabrics Store Announces Closing.” Last modified May 22, 2025. https://wchstv.com/news/local/west-virginias-last-joann-fabrics-store-announces-closing-going-out-of-business-sale.
- SERVPRO. “Dunbar, WV.” Accessed May 24, 2025. https://www.servpro.com/locations/wv/dunbar.
- 12 News Now. “Joann Stores Closing: Over 400 Locations Will Shutter May 31.” Accessed May 24, 2025. https://www.12newsnow.com/article/news/nation-world/joann-final-stores-closing/507-7db411ce-bb4e-47a5-8850-e100170c4213.
As always, thank you for riding with me!
https://youtu.be/71JmPjrLmfI
/run/user/1000/gvfs/smb-share:server=192.168.12.154,share=video/Video Workspace/5-18-2025/aRideWithMe5-24-2025.mkv
Visibility: Cloudy
*GPS Coordinate Data Provided on bottom left corner with date and speed*
Destinations in West Virginia by appearance:
South Charleston
Dunbar (29:00)
Cross Lanes
Nitro (38:30)
Saint Albans (46:00)
Spring Hill – South Charleston (1:00:00)
Fletcher Square – Dunbar (1:04:30)
US60/MacCorkle Avenue – South Charleston (1:20:00)
US60/MacCorkle Avenue – Jefferson (1:30:00)
WV25/1st Avenue – Nitro (1:35:00)
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. Dunbar Village Plaza is one of the key commercial centers visited here.
