Homes for the new era

When financing starts to be feasible again and the wounds of the crash are mostly healing, what will people look for in a mountain residence? Well, much of the same things they will seek in an in-town residence: smarter more practical design, lower energy costs, lower maintenance costs, less focus on luxury and more on quality. Energy in-efficient "mcmansion" style houses have high costs of ownership and many will question the value proposition. Large square footage or super-high-ceiling spaces will become more scarce when buyers are not only considering the cost to buy, but the cost to heat and cool as well. Imagine a buyer that insists on knowing the annual kilowatt hour use they should expect!

This article in the Washington Post previews the changes:
Recession Should Change Tastes
By Elizabeth Razzi
Sunday, December 28, 2008; Page F01

What will change specifically for second home buyers in the mountain recreation towns? In touring many western mountain towns over the past few years I've seen many attractive properties that turn a blind eye to the practical matters of snow handling, passive solar opportunity, maintenance cycles required for various materials, and heating costs. These costs -- after all -- were trivial compared to the high values of the homes themselves. Builders were selling to a public that could afford not to consider these costs.

Can we define values in new mountain home construction that transcend the traditional prestige-based notions of good, better and best? In other words, can a design be so fitting for its environment and its owner that it is not judged by level of luxury but by the quality of life it offers? Can we really design structures that have very low ownership costs? If we could, can these designs become a new ideal for ownership rather than a compromise?

Well I'm convinced that one impact the financial implosion will have on the Valley is to make Davis more popular. To the question of 'what do we do now?' the answer may well lie in the details of home design, siting, systems and materials. In addition to the house itself we should look at the cost of maintaining driveway, yard and land. The Total Annual Costs of ownership (not including purchase costs) can include maintenance, gas, electric, water, snow plowing, homeowner's association, cleaning, and lawn care. Who compares total cost of ownership before they buy in Canaan? Sure, they think about it in concept and ask about the HOA fees, but few actually made purchasing decisions with these costs in mind. If homes were to emerge that had radically lower Total Annual Costs, I think they would now find a ready market.

Town or Village living is consistent with the creation of radically lower Total Annual Costs. Because of its compactness and location, Davis offers the best buy in: power, water, sewer, road maintenance, personal auto useage, lawn care. Compare the village life with the artifical "estate home" arrangement of a typical Canaan development -- home after home on it's 2-acre lot with septic or private sewage treatment, a well, a lawn, a big HOA fee. Mountain town life, on the other hand, puts homeowners in a community setting with the ability to walk to grocery, restaurant, or shop -- or to head out on a hike or mountain biking loop without ever starting the car. What's more, many groups or families wish to ride in one car and then do different things on any given day. Having only one vehicle in the driveway is not a problem when so much can be done on foot.

I envision a vibrant town lifestyle at the doorstep of Canaan Valley.

The offset to Annual Costs is to put the property in the vacation rental market. Sharing their home with renters is each owner's decision and can go even further in lowering the bottom-line annual cost. Because mountain homes are often not used full time, it is important for any development to ensure cost-effective and reliable systems for renting the property.

In the conceptual master planning process, we had always thought it important that the Riverwalk structures be cost-effective. What the real estate crash and economic meltdown does is accelerate a shift toward properties designed for energy and cost efficiency, designed to suit a new ethos in mountain home ownership.

What the meltdown will do to the future Riverwalk residence amounts to a big push further in the direction of design and construction for lower total costs of ownership. It is exciting to think that we have the opportunity to define a mountain town lifestyle with Davis Riverwalk, while at the same time offering a solution for the new era in Canaan Valley real estate development.

Blackwater Overlook floorplan - tentative

Designing for our next tenant

I am playing with layouts, materials and systems to finish out the other two suites within the Blackwater Overlook building of Davis Riverwalk. Hypno Coffee is doing well in Suite 1, primarily due to the fact that they are well-conceived and well-run business. Additionally, the attractive and high visibility location has helped them add new customers and keep growing right on through the relocation.

For the remaining space in BW Overlook I'm thinking of one small suite, maybe 325-400sft, and one large space of about 1,100sft. Down the road I think Riverwalk would benefit from having its sales and management office in the smaller space, but we can put a starter business in that space for 2009+.

Financing is a major issue in the market we are living with, and will always be a sanity check on future phases of the project.

"Someone" once said something to the effect of, "what does it matter what the tenant business does as long as they pay rent?" Well, it matters bigtime for Riverwalk because the businesses need to attract residents, weekenders and vacation visitors alike. For example, an appliance repair store may be of interest to residents but is of little interest to weekenders here for some fishing. Conversely, a touristy "made in WV" gift shop may be of interest to a tourist but does not interest the weekender, never mind the local. Granted, each business may lean toward one of these demographic spheres, but I want to make sure Riverwalk has a relevant lineup of tenants so that Davis continues to position as a relevant town to all three groups: residents, second home owner/weekenders, and tourists.

Does the business offer something that will be desirable to the present and future population of Davis and the Valley? Does it attract the people who actually spend money on the goods or services it offers? Does the business take a positive step toward defining what downtown Davis is and will become over the next decade?

What a tuneup

Davis may not be a far drive from Washington but its weather is a world away. Thursday in Davis I was fresh with the memories of riding my mountain bike a day earlier in the fair winter (nightime) weather of DC, but in Davis there was 4" of fresh snow and morning temps in the teens. I drove my bike out on the roof rack to have Blackwater Bikes rebuild the drive train while I was here on other business. I arrived in town Thursday but my bike was frozen to the rack. Got a lighter? Too much wind. Hand warmers from Highland Prospects? Not enough heat. De-icer from Dollar Store? Too little too late. Turned out that a heating pad on an extension cord did the trick. It also pointed out to me by our property manager Mack that the hot water car wash would have done it, if for only the minute necessary to open the rack.

Roger Lilly, the owner and main tech at Blackwater Bikes, ended up replacing the cassette, two chain rings and the chain to bring the Salsa Dos 9er back to whole. The drive train was just worn down and causing chain suck, chain breaks and chunky hesitations that foretell more of the former.

Now Davis is a small town and people therefore feel "familiar" with you enough to call you on it when they see you riding down the street for the 3rd time in the snow. Basically, the message is: "Pete, shouldn't you be skiing instead of timidly riding a bike on snowy sidewalks?" I took some heat but hey the bike was put in full form again by Blackwater Bikes, allowing me to ride back in DC two days later. For some reason I rode like a winded and wounded wildebeast, but the bike was tiptop.

While in the bike shop a few visitors wandered in and one said, "this would be a great place to come to in the summer," touching on a significant business issue for Blackwater Bikes. When it is snowing and honking wind chill down to minus whatever, going biking is not on most people's minds. So what to do in winter? Well the stalwart BW Bikes stands open all winter. No diversification into winter gear or winter sports aside from the obscure but interesting segment of winter mountain biking. Yes this segment exists. That is some serious dedication.

Keep on Planting

When I built a house in Canaan Valley in 1999 I wanted to plant native trees strategically around the property. Plenty of other residents in Timberline subdivision had planted trees on their lots: norwegian spruce, white pine, colorado spruce, you name it. But none of these grew historically in is area and elevation. I inquired at many nurseries only to find that no, red spruce simply aren't available. So, I ended up paying a guy to go get small red spruce and quaking aspen for me. The aspen came from a private land owner and the spruce came from a special pass the power company has in order to maintain power line swaths through the Monongehela National Forest. Surprise, I had about a 20% survival rate at best, and a particularly low survival rate on the reds.

Seven years later, my subdivision, which often discusses native plants and topics such as what landscaping will survive the deer, announced that we could buy boxes of seedlings via a partnership involving the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy and the Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge. Quite a few Timberline residents took advantage of this. Many of us also volunteered to plug hundreds of them into the Wildlife Refuge. The seedlings have a much higher survival rate even though the start out only a foot tall.

This past Fall, the Friends of Blackwater and Davis Riverwalk got together to purchase several hundred more and volunteers planted them in the Town of Davis' Riverfront Park and along the Blackwater Falls State Park's Town Trail leading to Blackwater Falls. I also bought 100 more for Riverwalk and planted them in a nursery of my own on the slope in front of Hypno Coffee. In the 1880's as Davis was clearcut and its buildings constructed, the town became known as "stump town," for the size and number of red spruce stumps. Supposedly one could hop from stump to stump all the way across town.

Davis Riverwalk and the Riverfront Park will be one of the few areas of downtown Davis with enough green space to support small plantations of spruce. Some non-natives are located in the park today, but we are fortunate to now have a source of native spruce for its future.

Enjoy listening to this recorded broadcast from WV Public Radio!

Restoring forests in West Virginia's high country

By Emily Corio

Our Town

This is a birdseye view of Davis this Autumn taken from the southeast. The new WV32 bridge and the Shop-n-Save grocery is in the foreground. William Avenue is Davis' main street, named after one of its founder's sons. The large stone building at the left is Davis' most prominent old structure -- originally the National Bank of Davis. At the turn of the century the train station would have been visible just short of the bank building, where you see the low roofs of the abandoned motel. North of William is Thomas, also named after a son. The small houses along Thomas are mostly built in the early 1900's through 1920's, replacing the federal-style box-shaped and often adjoined buildings that originally lined Thomas. The photo was taken by Ludovic Moore.

Sunset in Timberline after Thanksgiving

This scene unfolded Sunday evening and lingered for about 5 minutes total. I was reminded why it is better to be here as much as possible. There is simply too much to miss. But in case you weren't this photo is for you.

Hypno blizzard

Some shots of Thanksgiving 'eve' and the arrival of the new roaster...

ready, set, order a latte

Ok mongol hordes, vandals, visigoths, telefarians, natives and colonists: you may descend upon Hypno Coffee for a shot. They started serving today.
This a picture of a frustrated Dave the Plumber getting that last P-trap to hold...so now it's tight. Hypno Coffee is there for you now.

Hypno Monday (I think)

Thank you Larry and Dave for working today to get counters and plumbing installed at the new location for Hypno Coffee, in our Blackwater Overlook building. Looks like the business will be open Monday and shaking out the kinks for the next few days...so Thanksgiving week is looking great. If you'll be in the Valley for the holiday, please come in and visit Hypno Coffee..

The address is 737 William Avenue. As you approach Davis on WV219 from the north you will pass Grant County Bank on the right and Sawmill Restaurant on the left. Then watch for it on the right in the red brick building.

This winter we're planning this one

While financial planning is underway for this project I am seeking the three retail tenants. Possible categories include handcrafted foods, children's toys or clothing, hobbies such as model trains or puzzles, mountain sports, wildlife and environment-related hobbies, art or photograghy gallery, and community-focused non-profit. I seek businesses that will be of interest to working residents, retirees, weekenders, and tourists. Riverwalk Spa is designed but construction will not start until the 3 retail tenants are moved in and open.

Classic Victorian Done and for rent

This beautiful 5 bedroom house has 3 new baths and a new kitchen. Great light, high ceilings, ample common areas and a sunroom with southern exposure. Master with ensuite bath and nice mountain view from high up in Davis. Scope it out at www.damaps.com/wv/2001

Rent the whole house for Dec-Mar for ~2,000/month (short term rate) furnished with cable, internet and all utilities. Plan B is to rent individual bedrooms (furnished or no) with shared common spaces with a 6 month+ lease, $400-575.

First business to choose Riverwalk

Hypno Coffee will roll up its tent in Thomas and set up shop right here in Riverwalk, as the first tenant in the Blackwater Overlook building, formerly the BW Auto Care gas station. We are working for a November move-in but will definitely be in for the start of ski season. The left side of the building was the office for the gas station. We have refinished it inside, added a sidewalk, cut in a large sliding door for that morning sunshine, and built on a 160sft deck for kicking it any time of day. We also expanded one its two bathrooms and fitted it with ADA fixtures and clearances. The floors and one wall are done in rough poplar. Now Hypno is designing its layout and finishing touches, perhaps adding a bean roaster...all for you to start enjoying by December.

Post-Leaf Peepers

The hurricane rains tried to blot out our weekend but Saturday, after a wet 5K race, was partly sunny enough that I can say even mother nature was a good host.

The RunForIt 5K fund raiser race was a great success for the town's Riverfront Park. The Riverfront Ramblers team succeeded in raising double my corporate sponsoring match, and won the Tucker Community Endowment Foundation's award for 'most money raised.' A second team called Trail Mix contributed additional funds to the Riverfront Park. It looks like the park got at least $22,000 Saturday. More pics below:

Looking good Friday Morning

I have to admit...last night was really feeling dejected as the barrages of rain hit the sides of the house here in Timberline (near Davis). I was so upside down that I found myself thinking about bailing and doing the Revenge of the Rattlesnake all day instead of being on hand for the concert and festivities. But the next thought was a more positive idea -- if it were to really come in torrents we could move into the old shopnsave. It is a warehouse afterall.

BUT it turns out that storm last night was a good purge of sorts; this morning the sun is out and the turning maples are using the sunhit to give us a fine display of fall colors. It is 60 degrees and spectacular. The wind is blustering and will dry this place out in no time.

The Oktoberfest tent is up, the carnival rides are set. The Davisson Bros will get here around 9am for setup tomorrow/Saturday. What I learned last night (in a glass of gin) was that we will have a great time no matter what the weather is!

Been busy getting ready for Leaf Peepers!

Davis has been dry and the trails are buff, drinking up what little rain comes every few days. For our guests we just need those clouds to hold off one last weekend...you wouldn't want to see my anti-rain dance. Friday evening the events begin with the traditional Cake Walk, a country fund raiser for the PTO -- I think it is like musical chairs but standing up, and homemade cakes are the prize?

Saturday morning we will meet the fall chill in our running gear. Over 300 runners are registered so we can expect double that to run or walk the course. With two teams raising $ for the Riverfront Park, I am betting we will really have a big summer of improvements for the park in '09. The 10am race will end with the beginning of Oktoberfest, food, rides, live music from the Davisson Bros, and locally crafted brews starting at noon.

We've really scrambled this year to build on this popular festival. We've installed power supplies for the band, vendors and carnival coming from the old shopnsave building (future Riverwalk Shops and Spa). Phil Ferguson cleared a canoe ramp area and brush-hogged the entire tract. And I think the Volunteer Fire Dept is going to help out by spraying off the parking lot. We've got parking, a welcome center, and two restrooms in the old Blackwater Overlook building (the old gas station) at the other end of Riverwalk. We'll have several new poster-sized renderings of the future site and buildings. We have been getting ready for a new tenant to take the first commercial space in Blackwater Overlook: New deck, new doors, upgraded electrical, new lighting, rustic poplar siding and flooring...practical, rugged and pure Davis. Stop by and glimpse the future!

Sunday there are more events, but the one I'm participating in is the Friends of Blackwater tree planting. We have 300 red spruce saplings between us, and will plant some along Riverwalk, then the town's Riverfront Park, and all along the Town Trail to Blackwater Falls.

The updated schedule is found at http://www.canaanvalley.org/leafpeepers/events.html

2nd team to support Riverfront Park

Trail Mix is a second team aiming to raise money for the town park in the TCEF 5K RunforIt race on September 27th in Davis. Each team in this 700+ person race may designate its own cause. The teams raise money for their cause and can earn matching amounts from TCEF. In the name of Davis Riverwalk I am pledging up to $5K in matching for amounts directed to the riverfront park.

Trail Mix will be a new retail business in Canaan Valley offering such things as organic trail mix and smoothies.

2008 Leaf Peeper Schedule

Friday, September 26th
10am – 4:30pm
Fall Foliage Horseback Ride. Mt. Trail Rides, Canaan Valley.
Enjoy the area’s fall foliage from horseback, Don’t forget your cameras!
Identify yourself as a “Leaf Peeper” and receive a 10% discount.
Reservations a MUST! Call 304-866-4652
5:30 pm
DTEMS PTO Cake Walk. Davis Fire Fall, Davis.
Come enjoy old family fashion fun. Many cakes to be won.
If inclement weather, Cake walk will be moved inside.
8:30 pm
Music, Purple Fiddle, Thomas.
The Purple Fiddle is proud to host Trent Wagler and the Steel Wheels.
$12 cover charge. Kids Free. For information 304-463-4040.

Saturday, September 27th
7:00 am
Migrating Birds Walk, CV NWR.
Hike will last a couple of hours. Hike led by Casey Rucker.
Meet @ the CVW Refuge Visitors Center in Canaan Valley.
For more information 304-866-3858.
9am – 5pm
Appalachian Craft & Food Fair, Davis Fire Hall. Davis.
Crafters & Artists from all over the region display their specialties.
Many items for sale including; painted wood slates, ceramics,
fabric crafts, baked goods and hot food from the kitchen by the
Blackwater Rebekah Lodge ladies. For more information 304-259-5315.
9am – 4 pm
Photo Contest, Davis Fire Hall. Davis.
As you stroll through the Appalachian Craft & Food Fair, stop and cast
your vote for your favorite photo. There will be an adult & junior
category, along with a Black & White, professional and digital category.
All photos must be matted and turned in to the Information Center by
5:00 p.m. Friday September 26th .Public Judging. Voting takes place
from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Winners announced at 4pm. For more information
call 304-259-5315.
10am
Elakala Trail Walk, Blackwater Falls State Park.
Meet the naturalist in the Lodge Lobby for a walk along the Elakala trail.
This trail winds along the canyons rim over a section of a creek waterfall
and by some huge sandstone rock formations. Some steps, one mile,
about one hour. For more information call 304-259-5216.
10am
Tour of Davis Run For It 2K/ 5K or Walk, Davis Fire Hall.
Sponsored by the TCEF. Men, women and youth classes. Prizes and
trophies awarded. 5K is certified and sanctioned by U.S. Track & Field.
Pre register before Sept.15th or register day of race at 8:00a.m. @ the
Davis Fire Hall. Race starts at 10:00 a.m. at the Davis Fire Hall. For more
information 304-478-2930.
10am - ?
Outdoor BBQ. Windwood Fly-In Resort, Canaan Valley.
Outdoor BBQ, pumpkin face painting, candy apples,
baked goods, door prizes, free gifts for kids, plane rides. For
information 304-866-7456
10am – 3pm
Silent Auction, Davis Fire Hall, Davis.
Bid on various items from local businesses. Many items to be won!
Items include; Lodging Packages, Ski Passes, Handcrafted items
and more!! Sponsored by Tucker County COC. For more
information call 304-259-5451.
10am – 4pm
Craft Show, Canaan Valley.
Sponsored by the Canaan Valley Women’s Club. Over 30 tables of quality
handmade crafts by area and out-of-state crafters at the Canaan Valley Fire
Department. For more information 304-621-2537.




10am – 4:30pm
Fall Foliage Horseback Ride. Mt. Trail Rides, Canaan Valley.
Enjoy the area’s fall foliage from horseback, Don’t forget your cameras!
Identify yourself as a “Leaf Peeper” and receive a 10% discount.
Reservations a MUST! Call 304-866-4652
10am – 5pm
Food Tasting, Moutnainmade Country Store, Thomas.
Visit Mountainmade Country store for a taste of Gourmet Foods of WV.
For more information 463-3376.
11am
Revenge of the Rattlesnake Mountainbike Race
The longest running mountainbike race in the world will start at
Timberline Four Seasons Resort and finish in Davis with a lot of roots
and rocks in between! Registration opens at 9:00 AM. More information
contact Blackwater Bikes at 259-5286 or visit www.wvmba.com
11am - ??
Oktoberfest. Across from the Davis Fire Hall, Davis.
Beer, music, dancing & food! A true Oktoberfest atmosphere. Sample
treats from local businesses/organizations. Music to include; The Davisson
Brothers & The Sugar Stompers. Sponsored by the Tucker County COC.
For information 304-259-5451.
11am-4pm
Canoe/Kayak Float Trips, Across from Davis VFD along river.
Come out and experience the Blackwater River up close! Blackwater Outdoor
Adventures will be renting Canoes/Kayaks on the Blackwater River across
from the Davis VFD. For more info call 304-478-3775.
1pm
Blackwater Canyon Bike Ride
Drivers will meet at the USFS Nursery Bottom trail head at Bretz to set up
shuttles at noon. Riders will depart from Purple Fiddle at 1:00 p.m. Helmets
are required. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Sponsored
by Highland Trail Foundation. For more information karen@elkinsbike.com
2pm
Blackwater Falls Memory Log, Blackwater Falls State Park
Meet in the Harold S. Walter Nature Center to create your own memory log.
This craft is completed in two session. Craft fee $4. For more information
call 304-259-5216.
2:30pm
Blackwater Dazzlers Performance, Next to Oktoberfest Tent.
Come out and support this group of girls as they “Strut their stuff”. This
organization is relatively new to the area and features all local girls. If
inclement weather, the performance will be moved to the Davis
Community Center. For more information call 304-614-8125
8:30 pm
Ghost Walk, Davis.
Take a “walk back in time” through the streets of Davis, stopping at different
locations where stories of strange and unusual happenings have occurred.
$5.00 per person. Meet at the Old National Bank of Davis Parking lot.
For information 304-866-4455.
8:30 pm
Music, Purple Fiddle, Thomas.
The Purple Fiddle is proud to host the Jay Ungar & Molly Mason Family Band
$12 cover charge. Kids Free. For information 304-463-4040.

Sunday, September 28th
8am – 1pm
Fireman’s Fall Feed, Davis Fire Hall, Davis
Support our local Fire Department with this glorious breakfast of Pancakes,
Buckwheat Cakes & Sausage Gravy & Biscuits! $7 for adults & $4 for Kids (12 & Under)
8:30pm
Fall Colors Trail Hike, CVNWR.
Join Master Naturalists Bruce and Andy Dalton on this trail hike
on Cabin Mountain trails, looking at fall colors and a nice view of the
valley! Meet @ the CVW Refuge Visitors Center in Canaan Valley.
For more information 304-866-3858.
9:30am-??
11th Annual Fall Colors Golf Tournament, Canaan Valley Resort.
New Format includes open division, Play for cash! Best Ball scramble
w/ two divisions, open & handicap. Lots of great prizes!! For rules
& more information call 304-259-5315.




10am – 3pm
Tree Planting, Friends of Blackwater-Davis Park & BWFSP.
As part of National Public Lands Day (NPLD) we will be planting red spruce
trees at Davis City Park and Blackwater Falls State Park on the
new “River Trail” across the bridge from Davis. Volunteer any time from
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Tools provided. Meet at the canoe landing behind the
old Shop-n-Save (across from Sirianni's). Call Brandae Mullins at (304)
345-7663 to register. Get a free T-Shirt, good exercise and celebrate the
75th anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps by continuing their
legacy.
12pm
Inaugural Downhill Mountainbike Race. Timberline Resort
We've worked on the course all summer and it's time to GO! Registration is
At 9am and racing starts at noon! For more information contact Timberline
at 1-800-SNOWING or jrnolan@comcast.net
12pm- 4pm
Canoe/Kayak Float Trips, Across from Davis VFD along river.
Come out and experience the Blackwater River up close! Blackwater Outdoor
Adventures will be renting Canoes/Kayaks on the Blackwater River across
from the Davis VFD. For more info call 304-478-3775.
1pm
Duck Race, Beaver Creek Bridge, Davis.
Over 700 ducks are released into Beaver Creek. First, Second, Third & Last duck
to cross finish line wins $$. Duck Tickets are $2.00 each & can be purchased at the
Information Center. Tickets must be purchased before 12:00 p.m. on Sunday.
2pm
13th Annual Dog Show, Parking lot across from DVFD, Davis.
Your dog could win a prize for Best Trick, Best Dressed or Best of Show and
many more categories. Show will take place rain or shine (if inclement weather,
will be held under the tent) Sponsored by the Mountaineer Humane society.
8pm
Music, Purple Fiddle, Thomas.
The Purple Fiddle is proud to host Johnny Possum's Good Time Hootin' Band
$8.00 cover charge. Kids Free For more information 304-463-4040.

Thanks for attending & we hope to see you next year
September 25th – 27th, 2009

Plant a red spruce for Natl Pub Lands Day!

Leaf Peepers Weekend -- The Friends of Blackwater are organizing a tree planting session for Sunday September 28th, 9am, starting at the Riverwalk canoe put-in (behind the old shopnsave) in Davis.

The purpose of the event is to promote the enhancement and use of public lands as part of the celebration of National Public Lands Day. This year the focus is on celebrating the 75th anniversary of the formation of the Civilian Conservation Corps. They have historically taken on reforestation projects in the Blackwater Area. Planting will start in the Davis Riverfront Park and will continue across the river, and all the way to the Gentle Trail overlooking Blackwater Falls (approx 1.5 miles).

The Riverfront Park team will advise on a couple of good locations for spruce plantations. It is exciting to consider that red spruce will once again grow where the initial town surveyor set about clear cutting "stump town." The Red or Black Spruce does not grow as fast as the non-native Norway Spruce, and is not as ornamental, but it is native and conveys its own inspiration. The Red Spruce is really the signature tree of the high Alleghenies. Amazingly, you could not even get Red Spruce saplings until a few years ago, so the planting of sapling plantations is a recent phenonenom. Unfortunately, I think this led many over the years to resort to planting Norways or pines simply because there was no source for natives.

They may also get some balsam firs for the planting effort. The fir is less prevalent in the Valley, and tends to be visible in wet understory areas such as on Canaan Mountain.

To get involved: Call Friends of Blackwater Canyon at 877-WVA-LAND (877-982-5263) or email outreach@saveblackwater.org

Breaking the silence

Leaf Peepers Festival is amazingly unpublized in area web sites and publications. We're trying to change that a bit with this web site and this billboard, installed yesterday at the Riverwalk site.

Canoeing at Riverwalk for Leaf Peepers

I and a few others here in Davis have imagined canoes ending flatwater trips at the take-out just behind the old shopnsave (future Riverwalk Shops). And having boats racked there would make it convenient to rent for just a 30 minute paddle up to the new road bridge and around the little islands...perhaps do some trout fishing, or just see the town from a new perspective.

For Leaf Peepers we're going to make it reality. Blackwater Outdoor Adventures will have a few boats of various types at the water for festival goers to take out for a spin. You probably can't go downstream due to shallow rapids but there is plenty of slightly deeper still water backing up to the vicinity of the bridge.

If this dream has legs, then one day there'll be tubing, canoeing, and kayaking from Camp 70 and Beaver Creek start points, taking out at Davis Riverwalk. The goal is to offer families an easy adventure on flat water that ends right downtown.

Nearby on Davis Riverwalk is a USGS Gauging Station that has tracked volume since 1921 and depth since 1991. It is considered one of the most important gauging stations in WV for predicting floods downstream. Check out this data!

Still logs running the Blackwater

This week we are clearing and grading what will be one day be the main promenade to a viewing deck and canoe takeout. During the job our own Mayor Drenning stopped in and noticed a clean cut and notched spruce log. The shot above shows the log with a view from Riverwalk's riverfront. Clearly very old red spruce, protected for a century underwater before being washed up here, this log is well on its way to becoming mulch. In the old BW photo you can see the roof line of the "old bank building" at left, with the structures, rails and stacks of the Babcock Boom & Lumber Co along the north banks of the Blackwater. The photographer was across the water from today's Riverwalk's site and the view is angled upstream toward what is today's Davis Riverfront Park. Seeing this old log and various chunks of century-old foundation in the mix, we felt like the boom days were just a little closer in history. Other huge spruce logs with similar notching rest nearby in the water. I am guessing that these logs are from the log bridge that spanned the Blackwater near this location. They are from the lumber days, no doubt. Phil, our excavator, told me that in the 'old days' (I'll guess the 50's) they would just burn the shores of the Blackwater along here, to keep back the brush that they feared would bring a fire from across the river (today the Blackwater Falls State Park) I daresay that most fires in these moist woods probably came and continue to come from man's hand, but ok, I can imagine these banks burned off and grassed, before the decades of decline had made themselves felt. Imagine the 1920's and 30's here...a time when the mills were silent, gone or being disassembled. A thousand or more citizens watched the economic engine wind down. One property after another would be neglected, abandoned, and town pride would find a smaller bastion, walk a narrower path, and subsist on a sparser income from nearby mining and the slowing momentum of a lumber boom's legacy.

Carnival rides for Leaf Peepers

Myers Amusements will have rides and concessions Friday evening through Sunday of Leaf Peepers Festival! Riverwalk is providing the site and electrical, and Myers Amusements will set up and sell tickets to ride. The Sizzler (shown) will probably be the only 'big' ride and the others will be intermediate rides for all ages. Other rides include the Big Swing (all ages classic), Dinosaur (shown), and the Airplane (kiddies). Myers has silent generators allowing them to operate without the racket typically heard at carnivals. The rides will be located along William Avenue on the historic location of the Western Maryland Railroad, where it approached the Davis Train Station.

Tuscan Ridge Video

Never knew this existed, but here it is
At this time, there are over 100 lots sold and no construction. It would appear that many people bought as investors without knowing anything about Canaan Valley. Often making buys in blocks, investors receive concessions that eliminate any outlay for downpayment. They often then secured financing that provided for no payments for periods up to a couple of years. All this presumably to be positioned to flip the lot(s). Well, now Tuscan Ridge lots are not selling in the secondary market for even 60% of their original prices. How a company was able to get so many lots sold in the 90K range when comps did not support them, I just don't understand.

The proportions of this pump and dump project aside, I think it is ultimately good for Canaan to have another professionally executed development. Unfortunately, that good effect will unfold on the backs of the original buyers. Not until houses are constructed will Tuscan be more than a motionless wake behind a large land developer. My take is that average lots in Tuscan Ridge are worth (ie would actually sell for) about $45K.

Now guess what...comps have developed over the past year or two in Davis that support in-town corner lots in the low $40's. Tuscan's 90-100K price point for 1/2 acre was not sustainable and is now heading for $40's or $50's by the time some actually resell. Canaan has been falling a bit but not 40%, so I suspect that Tuscan's original closing prices reflected seller concessions, side agreements, and/or clever financing. Davis lots are up to mid $20s for 40ft lots and low $40s for a corner (if you can even get one). These are lots that were selling in the 'teens 3 and 4 years ago.

Tuscan market values are headed for the $40s. Downtown Davis will converge on perhaps a few $K less for smaller lots right in town. It could be argued that Tuscan has already been good for Davis downtown. Over the coming years leading into Corridor H completion to Davis, any progress in Tuscan will be good for Davis, and vice versa.

Advocate is the new beta source for the Valley

The Parson's Advocate has been steadily becoming more informative in all things Canaan over the past few years, delving into stories concerning all of Tucker County and providing good coverage of business and community news for Canaan Valley, Davis and Thomas. The latest fire, theft or flood is interesting, but the Advocate goes further to provide good information about the latest small business, latest relevant bills passed, latest festivals, the activities of Canaan Valley Institute and Vandalia Heritage Foundation, or the latest controversial power line or windmill. These are frankly very valuable pieces in understanding the progress of Canaan Valley, and hard information to come by if you are not in the middle of it all.

And now you can get all the goods ON LINE!

I predict that as this site gets richer content and more awareness, the Parson's Advocate will effectively capture the second home owner readership of Tucker County.

Davisson Bros for Leaf Peeper's in Downtown Davis

September 27th, 11am. After you run in the fund raising RunForIt 5K foot race, kick back for a concert performance by the Davisson Brothers! The Davisson Brothers Band has a unique style infusing a remarkable blend of country, southern rock, and bluegrass to create a distinctive sound captured in their first single, "Big City Hillbilly." This sound, combined with the band's talent and energy, has gained a loyal fan base all over the Eastern United States. Brothers Chris and Donnie Davisson and cousin Sammy Davisson, along with childhood friend Aaron Regester, are continuing musical pursuits started by the Davisson family long ago. Aaron's reliable drums and Sammy's solid bass groove provide the perfect foundation for Donnie's impassioned, soulful vocals with Sammy's flawless harmonies all driven by Chris's mind-bending blend of bluegrass, country, and blues guitar creating a sound unlike anything you've ever heard. "Music has always been a part of our lives," says Chris, "and now we're living our dad's and uncle's dream—playing music around the country and hearing ourselves on the radio."

Timberline's new Downhills Mapped and Photographed

We love those rocky Canaan single track trails, and now we can love them downhill. Thanks JR for designing and implementing this fantastic new set of trails on the Timberline ski mountain. And thanks to Digital Area Maps you can see the first of the trails and related photos online at:
http://www.damaps.net/wv/bike/trail-1581

Pete

Leaf Peeping

Could it be? We are working on getting a fun band playing for Oktoberfest on September 27th. Would Davisson Brothers Band be a good bet to accompany 600 runners crossing the finish line of Davis' RunForIt race?

Interpretive Trail from Coketon to Thomas

The Allegheny Highlands Trail starts in Elkins and now reaches Hendricks. It is a project resulting from an agreement between WVDOH and the USFS management of the Monongahela National Forest that such a trail is appropriate mitigate the impacts of the Corridor H Project. The popular hiking and biking segment from Hendricks to Thomas has yet to be improved as part of the AHT. From Thomas, the trail will go past the north side of Davis near WV93 and the future Davis-to-Bismark section of Corridor H. In all likelihood, there will be signage and a trailhead allowing travelers to exit into the Blackwater Falls State Park, and reach downtown Davis via the Park's trails.

The segment from Coketon to Thomas passes through ruins of coke ovens (pictured) and related historic buildings, earning the site its eligibility in the National Register of Historic Places. Assuming this plan is implemented (more or less) we can expect much more than just a trail...Thematic areas are planned for construction in downtown Thomas and at the site of the coke ovens. These will include illustrative panels, informational kiosks, thematic seating and surfaces -- all aimed at educating and capturing the imaginations of visitors. I read about this in the USFS plan for the trail, which I am sure has several approvals and budgetary hurdles ahead. Nonetheless, it is exciting to glimpse the future trail systems surrounding Davis and Thomas.

Friends of Blackwater on Mountain Biking

Friends of the Blackwater stands to be a real force in helping to ensure ample mountain biking access to the Blackwater watershed and canyon area. I've been aware that the organization has always promoted mountain biking, particularly since a premier rail trail runs right down the canyon from Hendricks to Thomas. While that is not a surprise to many, it is one thing to be supportive of mountain biking and quite another to: understand that mountain biking trail infrastructure is one of the keys to recreation-based economic development in the area. FoB understands this.

In the July Newsletter of FoB, an article entitled, 'Mountain biking Rules the Canyon and the Highlands," stated FoB's position unequivocally. "Promoting and advancing mountain biking in the region -- in all it's diverse expressions -- is part of the mission of Friends of Blackwater."

Today I was riding in Patapsco Valley State Park near Baltimore, and there were literally dozens and dozens of people on foot, sharing the trail with bike riders. Now this park has been around since 1907 and probably has a good idea of what is the highest and best use for its beautiful woods and streams. Sharing has worked just fine, giving the park more visibility and more visitors.

It is rapidly being realized that hiking, equestrian and mountain biking are relatively non-invasive ways to allow visitors to explore our parks.

The Town of Davis is at the beginning of establishing itself as a hub for exploring its surrounding parks. Stay there, dine there, and head out on your bike, your skis or on foot to many trails, from easy to extreme. FoB is a powerful lobby for parkland conservation. Mountain bikers and area businesses will be major beneficiaries of their work. And the canyon will remain beautifully undisturbed.

Thank you FoB for your efforts to ensure mountain biking in the lands you seek to protect!

Riverfront Ramblers Run for IT! Saturday 9/27

The "Tour of Davis -- Run For It!" event is a 5K run or walk organized by the Tucker Community Endowment Foundation (TCEF) to raise money for various community causes that are represented by teams. TCEF itself is offering various add-on contributions for teams that win various competitive categories. I have been intrigued with the progress and financial growth of the TCEF endowment, and it's management is efficient -- meaning they don't have high expenses and get alot of money to their charitable causes. Last year I was stunned to see no team running to raise money for the Riverfront Park. Cemeteries and Libraries are nice, but they won't drive the economic development of Davis the way a beautiful park would. The small parks in downtown Crested Butte, Durango, Telluride, Jackson, Santa Fe -- you name the mountain jewel -- are important to attracting and retaining visitors.

This year is the year that the Riverfront Park gets on the track to win some support.

The team I would like to introduce is "The Riverfront Ramblers." The team captain is Sandy Schmiedeknecht of Davis and the team's cause is the Town of Davis' Riverfront Park. For those not familiar with this nascent but exciting town park, it is a 5-acre parcel along the Blackwater River behind the old bank building, and the historical site of the Babcock Boom and Lumber Company mills. In the illustrative plan shown in this post, the park comprises the undeveloped green space, trails, gardens and plantations. These past two summers, volunteers and contractors have been clearing trails, grading land, removing hazards, installing benches and defining future amenities for the park. Ultimately, it will have a pavillion, an amphitheater for concerts in the park, a trail head information kiosk, a pedestrian bridge across the river to Blackwater Falls State Park, and other attractions for young and old. The Davis Riverfront Park will be a wonderful green space to enhance your visit to downtown Davis. The Davis Parks & Recreation Commission owns and manages the park, and qualifies for tax deductible contributions.

How can you participate or help?

Enter the event as a Riverfront Rambler for $10 and get a race T-shirt!

Sponsor the team for $100 or any amount you see fit! I have pledged a match of $5,000 as a dollar for dollar match to all contributions made on behalf of the Riverfront Rambler's cause.

For more information:

Tucker Community Endowment Foundation is at www.tuckerfoundation.net
Riverfront Ramblers Team Captain, Sandy Schmiedeknecht, 304-642-9047 or qsandy@mountain.net

New roofing, new windows

Every clear double hung window in the house has been replaced with Jeldwen insulated windows. All exterior doors have been replaced with woodgrained fiberglass doors. The kitchen and sunporch portions of the house are re-roofed with Certainteed 40-year shingles on repaired sheeting and new membrane, ice guard and underlayment.

Kitchen cabinets to be delivered Friday 5/23.

412 Kent in drywall

412 Kent is in drywall mode, having passed electrical, mechanical, plumbing and framing inspections. Since Tucker County does not inspect its construction, I called our own inspection by a licensed WV inspector and found some deficiencies; the builder has quickly made the required changes.

Work going on right now includes a complete restoration of the stained glass windows you see in the rendering and photos. Also, Reliable Roofing is installing new membrane, drip edges and roofing on the kitchen out back, and on the huge sunporch surrounding the street sides of the house.

Soon we will receive the kitchen cabinets and tile. Cabinets will be honey stained oak and floor tile will be oversized earthtone ceramic tile.

Here is the floorplan!

Lions Club Presentation March 6, 2008

Great evening with the Thomas-Davis Chapter. Lions host charitable events and undertake community-oriented projects, particularly for the handicapped. I can imagine there are many opportunities to contribute in areas related to our Riverfront Park! Here is most of the presentation that was given by myself and architect Michael Mills. Thank you Lions for an inspiring and informative evening of conversation about the great future of Davis and the Valley!

Read this doc on Scribd: Lions Club Pres old version

Environmental Assessment: "no further remediation recommended"

Today I received a really thick document from Thrasher Engineering with one line in it that really mattered: "Based on the results of the tank closure assessment, no further work or onsite remediation is recommended."

Davis Riverwalk's site has an industrial history that includes railroad tracks, train maintenance, and parts of a lumber mill operation. The town's Riverfront Park next door had the bulk of the lumber mill operations on it. As it turns out, a century later these operations pose no environmental threat. On the other hand, Carmen DiBacco owned a gas station there starting in the mid-1980's, and gas stations of that era are infamous for contaminating soil and water.

Last Spring Thrasher Engineering was retained to perform a Phase One Environmental Site Assessment of the Davis Riverwalk tract. At the same time Tri-State Petroleum was hired to do the removal of Underground Storage Tanks and related waste from the old Blackwater Auto Care site. Thrasher Engineering studied the site surface without taking samples and did an in-depth study of the industrial history of the site. Particularly facinating were the old Sanborn Maps snapshotting Davis at various points throughout the lumber boom.

Thrasher reviewed the site and various reports before and after the removal of gas tanks, providing oversight of the removal and remediation work being done by Tri-State Petroleum Services. In addition, the WV Dept of Environmental Protection oversaw the remediation. After Tri-State completed its work and the WVDEP approved its work, then Thrasher completed its study, and thus the big document on my desk. You would think that with all these entities involved, there would have been some incompetence or belligerence, but it seems to have been a model of professional execution all around.

It was risky buying the land with the storage tanks still in the ground and no definitive "bill of health," but the site history suggested there would be no problem. It is great to be able to to assure the community of downtown Davis and those who care for the Blackwater River that the site has been cleaned up in accordance with WVDEP standards and that it warrants no further environmental review or cleanup.

Tuscan Ridge Pricing

Having Davis annexed with several hundred lots and associated water/sewer taps is on its face a great benefit to Davis. Increased tax revenue to the Town, and eventually more community benefit. I've watched as the first hundred lots sold for approx $100K each, mostly to investors in faraway states. For the small size of the lots I felt all along that the price point was about 30% higher than the comps support. What a phenomenon! Then 8 months went by with only one closing....could this be reality setting in? Well, a couple of weeks ago I received a promo email saying that now Tuscan Ridge was slashing its prices by 25-30%. A week or two later I received another email saying Tuscan Ridge's owner, North American Land Co, had merged with Waterfront Group, who would now be marketing the lots.

But what about the people who just bought? Dozens of these lots are now back out on the market with asking prices from $125-175K! But not a bite occurs....Meanwhile Tuscan Ridge is 'on sale' at up to 30% off. Ouch!

I have little sympathy for "investors" who are basically speculators, ie "flippers." But people who are buying property to use for themselves should have some protection from this hype-and-dump approach. They at least should be offered a guaranty or insurance option that would protect them from the developer's discounting (ie dumping) within a certain time period. And perhaps North American Land Co offered buyers some protection against developer discounting on out-phases. There are several dozen angry people out there who bought to flip in Tuscan Ridge and are now watching the developer incentives and discounts turning their hopes to losses.

My point here is not to bust on North American Land (now Waterfront Group), but to use their example to make a point. Buyers need to be offered protection against subsequent developer discounting. It may be an optional price insurance policy or better yet, a built-in feature of the sale contract. If you are an early buyer in a CV area development, ask what protection you have if developer starts discounting comparable lots or homes in later phases of the same project.

Join Friends as Mollohan Honored as Blackwater Hero

You are invited

to attend a

Reception and Award Ceremony

at the home of

Rafe and Lenore Pomerance

2026 Allen Place, NW, Washington, DC

Wednesday February 13, 2008

5:30 pm to 8:00pm

Part of the reception will be the honoring of Congressman Alan Mollohan for his dedication to preserving and conserving the Blackwater Canyon Trail. Davis Riverwalk will be one of dozens of contributor/hosts for this event.

Suggested Donation:

$75 per person/$125 per couple

Please RSVP as soon as possible:

Phone: 877-WVA-LAND (877-982-5263)

E-mail: info@saveblackwater.org

Assuring the future of an old Vic @ 412 Kent Ave

On 4th and Kent is a house that was built in 1883 that sits on an 80 x132 ft corner lot. When the owner needed to sell it last year I could not resist because of the original quality of this house. Few houses in Davis are straight, because they were built quickly on slipshod foundations, often by the lumber companies or their management. This house was an attorney's we believe, and is straight, solid and perhaps 6,000 sft. It has changed little since it's original construction. In its parlor, living room and foyer, it has extensive oak woodwork, including opposed pocket doors, original balisters and newell posts, massive baseboard and door trims, and 2" thick solid oak doors. Its other unique feature is its stained glass windows, probably added after the initial construction, when the front porch was closed in, complete with maple floors. The attic has a huge finished area done completely in pine beadboard.

Our rework of the house includes 3 all new bathrooms, a new kitchen, all regular windows replaced and the stained glass windows reglazed. The east-facing master bedroom will have refinished maple floors and an en suite bath. We are refinishing the oak floors downstairs, adding a new deck, enhancing the heating system, and removing old fencing, overgrown trees and landscaping.