Charleston’s West Side, between the Kanawha and Elk Rivers, is a neighborhood steeped in history, resilience, and transformation. Once a bustling hub of industry and entertainment, this area has weathered economic shifts, urban decay, and revitalization efforts. This blog post delves into its storied past, focusing on three key landmarks. These are: the industrial site of Patrick Street Plaza, the whimsical Luna Park, and the rise and fall of the Hills Department Store chain.
The West Side: From Industrial Powerhouse to Rust Belt Struggles
The West Side emerged in the early 20th century as a vital part of Charleston’s industrial landscape. Bordered by railroads and rivers, it became a magnet for factories and working-class communities. By the mid-20th century, however, the area faced decline as industries shuttered, which led to widespread urban decay. Today, 31% of its buildings remain vacant, and over 40% of children live in poverty—a stark contrast to its vibrant past. Despite these challenges, grassroots efforts aim to revive the area’s economic and cultural vitality. Notably, there is the Elk City sub-neighborhood’s gentrification and the Kanawha Trestle Rail Trail Project.
Luna Park: Charleston’s Forgotten Playground
Long before urban renewal, the West Side was home to Luna Park, an amusement park that epitomized early 20th-century leisure. Opened in 1912, the park featured a wooden roller coaster (the Royal Giant Dips) and a massive swimming pool constructed from lumber and tin. There was also a dance pavilion. Admission cost 15 cents, with rides priced at a dime, drawing crowds of up to 16,000 visitors nightly via trolleys and steamboats. Tragically, a fire destroyed the park in 1923, and attempts to rebuild failed. The site now houses the Luna Park Historic District, a residential area preserving remnants of this bygone era.
Patrick Street Plaza: From Factory to Retail Hub
The current Patrick Street Plaza, home to a Big Lots store and other retailers, sits on land that once hosted industrial operations. These were emblematic of the West Side’s manufacturing heyday. While specific details about the factory are scarce, the area’s history as part of the Rust Belt underscores its transition from production to retail. Big Lots, a discount retailer founded in 1967, now occupies a space reflective of the region’s shift toward service-oriented economies. The plaza’s proximity to major highways like I-64 and U.S. Route 60 highlights its continued role as a commercial corridor.
Hills Department Store: A Retail Legacy
The Hills Department Store chain, founded in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1957, became a regional retail powerhouse. It had a notable presence in West Virginia, including Charleston’s West Side. While Hills’ stores in Huntington and Ashland, Kentucky, are well-documented, its logistical operations in Charleston also played a critical role. A key component of this infrastructure was a distribution center located near the Patrick Street Bridge, which supported the company’s retail network in Appalachia.
Distribution Center and Logistics
Though specific details about the Patrick Street Bridge facility are sparse in public records, Hills’ operational strategy relied on subsidiaries. These included HDS Transport and Hills Distributing Company. They managed warehousing and logistics, ensuring a steady supply of merchandise to stores across West Virginia, Ohio, and neighboring states. The Patrick Street Bridge site, strategically positioned near major highways like I-64 and U.S. Route 60, would have facilitated efficient transportation of goods to retail locations. This included the Hills store in Charleston’s West Side. This logistical efficiency was vital for maintaining the chain’s reputation for affordability. It also supported year-round toy sales, which accounted for over 10% of its revenue.
Decline and Legacy
By 1999, Hills’ acquisition by Ames Department Stores led to the closure or rebranding of most locations. This included those in West Virginia. The distribution center’s fate likely mirrored the broader corporate collapse, as Ames itself filed for bankruptcy in 2002 due to unsustainable debt. Today, former Hills sites in the region often house discount retailers like Big Lots—a fitting successor in an area historically shaped by shifting retail trends.
While the Patrick Street Bridge facility is no longer operational, its role underscores how Hills’ logistical prowess once anchored the retail economy. Specifically, it supported Charleston’s West Side, leaving an indelible mark on the community’s commercial history.
Revitalization and Hope for the Future
Despite its challenges, the West Side is experiencing a cultural renaissance. The Charleston Light Opera Guild and local eateries like The Smokehouse and The Grill anchor its creative and culinary scenes. Annual events, such as FestivALL’s wiener dog races, inject whimsy into the community. Meanwhile, the Magic Island park offers riverside recreation. These efforts, coupled with historic preservation projects, suggest a neighborhood poised for renewal.
Bibliography
- “West Side (Charleston), West Virginia.” Wikipedia. Last modified January 13, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Side_(Charleston),_West_Virginia.
This comprehensive entry details the West Side’s demographics, geographic boundaries, and socioeconomic challenges. It highlights key landmarks like Luna Park and Elk City. This offers critical context for understanding the area’s historical and contemporary significance. - “Hills (store).” Wikipedia. Accessed May 14, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hills_(store).
This article traces the rise and fall of the Hills Department Store chain, emphasizing its regional impact and eventual acquisition by Ames. It provides insights into retail trends affecting Appalachian communities. - “Luna Park, Charleston.” Wikipedia. Accessed May 14, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luna_Park,_Charleston.
A detailed history of Luna Park, this source chronicles its attractions, operational years, and legacy. The inclusion of primary sources, such as newspaper reports, enhances its reliability. - “Charleston West Side Main Street.” West Virginia Tourism. Published August 10, 2020. https://wvtourism.com/company/charleston-west-side-main-street/.
This tourism-focused piece highlights current revitalization efforts, local businesses, and cultural events. It offers an optimistic counterpoint to narratives of decline. - “Big Lots in Patrick Street Plaza, Charleston, Store Hours.” LocalMint. Accessed May 14, 2025. https://www.localmint.com/us/big-lots-patrick-street-plaza-hours-376945.
While primarily listing store hours, this source indirectly underscores Patrick Street Plaza’s role as a modern retail hub. This is reflecting broader economic shifts. - Carballo, Rebecca. “Long awaited West Side development draft plan released, public input wanted.” Charleston Gazette-Mail. Accessed January 21, 2020.
This news article discusses urban planning initiatives aimed at addressing vacancy and poverty, providing context for ongoing revitalization strategies.
As always, thank you for riding with me!
https://youtu.be/1zgq3ls5lBw
/run/media/bangy/Video/OLD/5-9-2025/aRideWithMe5-14-2025.mkv
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)
Southridge (37:00)
Charleston (46:30)
US119/Corridor G
I64 (51:30)
Big Chimney (59:00)
I64/I77 (1:20:00)
Alum Creek (1:47:00)
Creekstone Ridge (1:49:00)
Patrick Street Bridge (2:25:30)
Elk City/West Side (2:26:00-2:50:00)
Thomas Hospital (3:16:30)
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
