Located on a compact site at the intersection of Stewartstown Road and West Run, this three-story commercial office building was designed for Glenmark Holdings. The multi-tenant, 15,000-square-foot office building allows for maximum flexibility with a design aesthetic drawn from the surrounding agricultural landscape and neighboring WVU Farm.

Architecture

1399 Stewartstown Road Office Building

This mid-century modern structure was originally constructed in 1961 for the Morgantown office of Hope Gas. Mills Group Holdings purchased the building in 2018 and embarked on a journey of serving as its own architect and construction manager for a total rehabilitation project. The addition of a tower highlights the front façade and adds a new iconic feature to High Street.

The interior updates include the addition of first and second floor design studios, conference rooms, library, lounge space, and a two-story lobby. It has become a landmark on High Street that highlights the Mills Group commitment to revitalized downtowns, the reuse of existing structures, and desire to promote the importance of design as positive change in the public realm.

Interiors

Preservation

Planning

88 High Street

Mills Group rehabilitated the existing AOPII home in Morgantown for its members and house director in 2018. What was originally two separate homes, lacked the spirit and face AOII wanted to present to current members, alumni and recruitment potentials. The main living levels were in need of modern aesthetic updates and life safety upgrades, to which Mills Group provided a refreshed basement level entry that leads upstairs into the main living space. The dining room and kitchen renovation provided the much-needed storage and space for the chef to prepare meals for the entire sorority. The house director’s suite was relocated to provide privacy with updated accommodations and boasts a nearby conference room space for private meetings.

The 3,000-square-foot renovation was executed by contractor Jarrett Construction Services the summer of 2019. Providing conceptual design through construction administration services, Mills Group collaborated with AOII international representatives, MEP and structural engineers of Allegheny Design Services, and Studio Ten 25. The project welcomed AOII members in time for the Fall 2019 semester opening at West Virginia University.

AOII Sorority House Renovation

Mills Group designed a multi-phase renovation project for the Actors Guild Theater of Parkersburg to provide greater accessibility, increased usability of the green room and rehearsal space, and more public restrooms. The first phase of three has been completed and includes new public toilet rooms in the basement, green room, renovated dressing rooms, and preparations for future elevator installation. Phases two and three will include renovations to the main entrance lobby, ticket booth, rehearsal room, general upgrades to the public areas and a new elevator to provide accessibility to all three levels of the building.

Actors Guild

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy hired the Mills Group to help organize their headquarters in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. The existing building serves as office space, visitors center, as well as a gift shop. Mills Group helped ATC to achieve their mission to promote and preserve the Appalachian Trail through the re-imagining of their headquarters. 

The firm provided space planning services to organize the layout of the departments as well as created a refreshed interior. Additionally, the existing foundation was stabilized which resulted in usable subterranean space.

The rear of the building was improved with the addition of a new Appalachian style entry which provides a focal point in the new entrance as well as provides a nod to the Conservancy's architectural aesthetic.

The firm also provided direction for new drainage along the rear of the building, as well as improved parking lot design, and the introduction of accessible parking.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters

A historic former B&O Railroad Station (built in 1884), constructed with brick masonry exterior bearing walls, was completely restored.

The restoration included repointing, cleaning and sealing the brick masonry; the existing partial slate and shingle roofing was removed and a new slate roof with terne-coat stainless flashings was installed; all exterior architectural wood exposed roof rafters and overhang with brackets was stripped of paint and repainted; all wood windows (generally double hung with stained glass upper sash) were stripped of paint, repaired/restored or rebuilt; all wood panel doors were stripped of paint, repaired/restored and rehung with new hardware.

Interior work included stripping, sanding and refinishing wood floors and the repair of the plaster walls and ceilings; the basement was cleared of debris, partially excavated and a new concrete slab poured.

The site development includes demolition of various site amenities including a new stamped asphalt parking area, new brick paved sidewalks and landscape features such as site lighting and furniture were included along with new utilities.

B&O Depot- Oakland

Mills Group aided Bartlett House, Inc. in furthering their mission of serving the needs of the area's increasing homeless population. By balancing staff recommendations with social, economic, and environmental opportunities, Mills Group helped develop a master plan and concept design for a four-story addition and renovation to an existing facility to serve the transitional population after their completed shelter programs. Mills Group additionally completed construction observation of a phased construction schedule that included an accessible parking lot, a natural filtering bio-remediation swale, and twenty accessible living units comprised of one and two-bedrooms.

The project rehabilitated the existing structure to meet Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, which makes the entire building accessible. This 27,000 square foot arrangement allows for natural daylight and ventilation of all major spaces and focuses on a large central gathering space in a planned community room. Additionally, the designers devoted specific attention to the color selection throughout the building that would both reflect and distribute natural light, as well as provide an uplifting color palette to both clients and staff of the building.

Furthermore, the design will allow for future expansion of the facility without a total reconfiguration.

Bartlett House West Run

The Town of Bath hired the firm to design stabilization and rehabilitation plans for the historic Berkeley Springs Depot, an important local architectural landmark.

The rehabilitation included stabilization and restoration of a clay tile roof, exterior envelope restoration, and interior rehabilitation. The end result is a community facility to support the towns ongoing tourism efforts.

Berkeley Springs Depot

As part of a Department of Highways grant, Mills Group designed a master plan for the adaptive reuse of the historic railyard at Berkeley Springs, WV. Utilizing the train depot as a new trailhead for a new rail-trail planned to connect to Berkeley Springs, the master plan includes restrooms and trail amenities along with parking and a spacious public event area. A new covered marketplace pavilion for music performances and events, along with sight and sound screening from the adjacent highway, illustrate the potential of the site as a nexus of community activity. The plan also incorporates a fountain modeled after a railroad water stop, a bioswale, and water retention area, paying homage to the history of water in Berkeley Springs. Mills Group created a promotional simulation video illustrating the future of the site for fundraising and promotional purposes.

Berkeley Springs Depot Master Plan

The Beverly Bank, the former Randolph County Courthouse, the Hill Building, and the Bushrod- Crawford Building form the nucleus of the historic commercial district of Beverly, WV. The complex of buildings has been rehabilitated through phases to serve as a cultural venue and tourism destination. The overall scope of work included the restoration of architectural elements on the interior and exterior, such as plaster and decorative metals, as well as the sensitive integration of modern building systems to bring the facilities up to code and modern-day standards.

Phase one included the exterior restoration of the Beverly Bank and former Randolph County Courthouse. The scope of work included window restoration, masonry restoration and cleaning, and roofing.

Phase two included the interior rehabilitation of the bank and courthouse, as well exterior and interior rehabilitation of the Bushrod-Crawford Building. The scope of work included window restoration, masonry restoration and cleaning, roofing, plaster restoration, historic millwork, and finishes.

Phase three included the complete rehabilitation of the Hill Building and the addition of the enclosed gallery space at the rear of the buildings that allows for an ADA-compliant main entry and for additional exhibit space. The new gallery provides visitor orientation and access to and from the four contiguous buildings. The architecture of the gallery is derived from the many porches within Beverly with tapered columns and deep overhangs.

Beverly Heritage Center

The firm designed a mixed-use building for the new Black Oak Properties development in Cheat Lake. This building is part of a 20-acre master plan completed by Mills Group, which includes 300,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial and retail space.

Black Oak Commercial Building is situated on a 2.5 acre parcel and provides 30,000 square feet of office and retail space on three levels. The contemporary design features brick masonry and curtain wall with two-tone glazing. A multi-purpose outdoor patio space on the third level features expansive views of Cheat Lake. The common area interiors incorporate crisp modern design elements welcoming tenants and visitors to a light, open environment featuring expansive glass.

Black Oak Commercial Building

The firm designed an addition to Blaney House, which serves as the President of WVU’s home in Morgantown. WV. Built in 1949, the home was enlarged in 2002 to provide additional ADA accessible event space and storage facilities. By 2012, the home was in need of additional updates and enlargements to create a permanent, flexible space versatile enough to host a variety of functions.

In order to integrate the existing aesthetics and interior space of the building, Mills Group created a conceptual design and proposed solutions to create a cohesive appearance. The resulting 2,000-square- foot addition has the ability to be subdivided or used as a single expansive event room, and is accented with exquisite finishes, a fireplace, and French doors to allow for seamless integration with the outdoors.

Residential

Blaney House

Constructed in 1834, the Blue Sulphur Springs Pavilion was the centerpiece of a health resort along Kitchen Creek in Greenbrier County, WV. Over the years the ownership of the property traded hands several times and with the outbreak of the Civil War, several structures were destroyed by fire. The Greek Revival-inspired pavilion was the only structure to survive. In 2013, the Greenbrier County Historical Society acquired the property, and with our help outlining its stabilization and reuse, a plan to restore the structure was created. We aided with multiple phases of restoration with the end goal of the restored structure to become a tourism destination.

Blue Sulphur Springs

We worked with Woda Cooper Companies as the architect of record on one of Wheeling’s most transformational projects—the landmark Boury Warehouse. Once the home of a grocery company, wool and ginseng exporters, and coffee roasters, the metamorphosis of this unique wood and brick structure into loft apartments, which utilized state and federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits, contributed to Wheeling’s Central Business District’s rebirth.

The renovated six-story building included 86,000 square feet for renters to enjoy, while retaining its historic character along the Ohio River. Historic elements including interior timbering, window forms, and railroad track artifacts that are still visible beneath the floor in the gym helped give this building its character. The building contained 73 apartments ranging from 1- to 3-bedroom units with amenities including two elevators, a lobby, television lounge, mail room, fitness center, and coffee lounge.

This project is emblematic of our commitment to sustainability by retaining historic structures that serve present needs in a sensitive way.

Boury Lofts

Sitting high above Cheat Lake in Morgantown, WV, we designed this 5,550-square-foot modified French Country-style private residence. Vaulted ceilings and exposed rafters give height to the dwelling while the tongue and groove ceiling provides rich texture and warmth. The central wood-burning stone fireplace creates a cozy lodge-like atmosphere as a central design feature. 

Large overhangs and porches provide shade to the southern facing rear elevation, which has been designed with several large operable openings to capture the magnificent view. The private bedrooms are accessed by an elevated wrought iron walkway on the second floor while the lower level features a full-service bar and entertainment room, workout room, two additional bedrooms, a separate apartment, and a wine cellar with built-in shelving for 1,000 bottles of wine.

Cheat Lake Residence

The firm led the design to renovate an existing facility in Franklin Park, PA for CHROME Federal Credit Union. Following a merger with Pittsburgh Central Federal Credit Union, CHROME aimed to bring a fresh new look to their branch buildings. Inspired by the metallic glint of chrome, we designed a bright new facility to meet the community’s banking needs.

The multi-phased project included the complete exterior and interior transformation of an existing bank building. An existing façade wall was removed and replaced with a bold new central tower bay incorporating the company’s signature color. A new, geometric awning anchors the central entry doors, and new exterior and interior finishes create an engaging and unique experience for customers.

Chrome Federal Credit Union

This 2,400-square-foot bank in Buckhannon accommodates three teller stations, three private offices, a lobby, and a conference room. There is also a drive-thru and exterior ATM machine for easy customer access. Material and finish selections reflect the client’s request for timeless and classic design, including metal and wood elements. 

Citizens Bank

Dave Thomas, the President & CEO of Clear Mountain Bank called on our firm to create a design for a new bank branch that had the potential to become a billboard for the institution. The site's location in the Evansdale/Suncrest area is on the corner of one of the most active four-way intersections in Morgantown. 

The new 2,300-square-foot facility provides many new amenities including the bank’s video teller service that will enable customers to bank during extended hours with a live video teller from the comfort of their car. The new branch also offers secure, self-serve safe deposit boxes, a tech/coffee bar, three banking offices, a meeting room, and three drive-thru lanes. The main spatial components of the bank were designed to reflect the customer hierarchy as the main focus as well as the supporting spatial components focusing on the staff.

The building boasts very contemporary exterior design aesthetics with clean lines and bold colors, while the interior reflects Clear Mountain Bank's established modern layout. The glass front offers great views of the area and features a prominently displayed LED mountain light feature representing the bank’s logo, through the interior and exterior of the building.

Clear Mountain Bank 705

The firm partnered with Baskervill, Allegheny Design Services, and Arrow Engineering on the renovation of Clear Mountain Bank’s existing Pierpont branch in Morgantown, WV. At approximately 4,000 square feet, the project reconstructed the drive-thru, the branch bank, and two-story main building lobby and mezzanine.

One of the goals was to renovate the existing drive-thru to have greater visibility and the introduction of three new ITMs. The total interior renovation opens sight lines with the demolition of former walls and construction of demountable full-glass partitions. Careful interior design and space-planning in tight confines create a total transformation of the existing space and banking operations. Many of the interior lighting designs integrate well with bulk heads and varying ceiling heights to introduce perceived movement and space delineation.

Clear Mountain Bank Pierpont

Sitting perched at the top of a hill within the University Town Center and paralleling the Monongahela River, the 84-room Marriott offers a beautiful vista and many amenities to their guests. The hotel has an indoor pool, a generous public space including a bar, bistro, business center and meeting rooms. Mills Group was integral in the site planning, interior design, execution of architectural scope along with construction observation.

Courtyard by Marriott

Known as “the Freshman Village,” this dynamically programmed area was designed to demonstrate the value of living on campus. The new four level, 100-bed suite-style residence hall will feature a multi-purpose room with supporting kitchen, collaborative study spaces, laundry facility and vending amenities. To aid with accessibility, the residence hall will have an elevator, as well as a second entrance lobby through the building’s lower level.

Davis & Elkins College Freshman Residence Hall

Mills Group’s relationship with Davis & Elkins dates back to 2010, working on extensive interior architectural upgrades to the lower level of the Myles Center for the Arts. These upgrades included the creation of an art department, technology labs, studio space, and a total renovation to the auditorium lobby consisting of new restrooms, office space, and retail center.

In 2019, the firm master-planned the Myles Center for the Arts and the Myles Plaza. The building was increased by approximately 6,000 square feet, nearly doubling the size of The Joni and Buck Smith Arts Forum and creating the Senate Commons, which has become a student and community event center.

The exterior plaza has been completely re-thought with a new organic circulation system that ties in seamlessly with the new building addition. It boasts a custom-built bronze statue inspired by the arts and is accented by exterior gathering spaces and a tiered seating area that can be used as an outdoor classroom.

Davis & Elkins Myles Center

Mills Group was approached by the Elkins-Randolph County Public Library to design an approximately 4,400-square-foot addition to their existing library in Elkins, WV. It was important to the client to create a design that is contextual to the existing architecture and complement the existing functions of the library.

We have completed the predesign and schematic design phases which included existing conditions documentation, development of design alternatives, and master planning. The addition includes an elevator to allow access to all levels. 

Elkins Randolph County Library

Elmhurst, a premier retirement facility, gained a five-story, 19,600 sq.ft. addition to its historic Queen Anne style building. The building program included administrative offices, multi-purpose and support areas, an elevator and stairwell, as well as 8 one-bedroom suites and 4 two-bedroom suites. In addition, the existing dining room received a 520 sq.ft. addition to accommodate the additional visitors to the facility and an existing efficiency apartment was renovated to provide a billiard room for the residents.

The addition was designed to marry the existing structure to create a seamless transition between the old and new, both inside and out; a new porte-cochere allows drive-up access to the new grand entrance to the facility; a new terrace on the south end of the facility leads to formal gardens, a walking path and gazebo for the residents to enjoy.

Elmhurst, The House of Friendship

Formerly Stenger's Car Wash, the firm was tasked with designing a renovation of the existing 1970's building in order to bring it in line with the Expressway brand. The plans included the reuse of the existing automatic wash lane along with the repurposing of four individual detailing bays into a second automatic wash lane. The design solution incorporated the company's brand identity allowing the use of the prominent east face of the building as eye-catching signage and nighttime lighting effects in the company's signature blue.

Expressway Car Wash

The firm led the design and construction effort for the Ohio County Development Authority to develop a new hotel, retail, and conference center in the Highlands Town Center Development just east of downtown Wheeling, WV. The Fairfield Inn & Suites offers 105 suites with varying guest room types. We led a team of consultants that included structural engineers, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil engineers, aquatic, and information technology consultants.

Fairfield Inn and Suites

Inspired by the dense forest floor of Old Timberline in Canaan Valley, this contemporary mountain lodge rises organically from a fern-covered bank on the hillside above the expansive Dolly Sods wilderness.

Situated within a 6-acre lot, the 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 2,400-square-foot residence provides maximum privacy from the road. The owner envisioned a modest entry façade opening to unveil a spacious central entertaining core with kitchen, living, and dining room. Once inside, expansive glass doors and windows surrounding a central fireplace highlight the view toward the Blackwater River.

Separate owner and guest wings flank the core, which opens directly onto an outdoor living area with a fireplace and hot tub that appear to float above the forest floor. Along with a 200-square-foot remote studio, the residence provides for single-level living and entertaining in a form which integrates harmoniously with the natural features of the site.

Fern Bank Residence

Jerry and Marsha Fletcher are long-time residents of Morgantown. They built their dream retirement home on three adjacent lots with a breathtaking view of the Monongahela River and downtown Morgantown. The Fletchers had certain living requirements in mind for their new home but lacked a direction to make everything come together.

This Morgantown, WV home, perched upon the crest of Highland Avenue, has a breathtaking view of the Monongahela River and downtown. The contemporary four-story design was intended to maintain a sharp, modern aesthetic, while overcoming major topographical hurdles and allowing for multiple garage spaces, tiered porches, and an interior elevator, among many other modern amenities. This residence is a landmark on the Morgantown skyline overlooking the Sunnyside neighborhood.

Fletcher Residence

The Gibson Library located at 105 East Main Street in Buckhannon, WV was built in 1942 as the main city Library. The building is in the Art Deco style and is a product of the WPA program. The building has retained its original character with minor updates to the exterior with a new roof membrane being the most significant update and the interior only have been updated with HVAC systems and built-ins since the doors opened.

The proposed project is a modernization of the existing structure with minor spatial reconfiguration and complete infrastructure upgrades along with an addition of approximately 1500 square feet. The new addition shall house restrooms, multipurpose room, staff office, children’s reading room, and space for book shelving. The exterior scope shall include ADA ramp at the existing front entrance and dedicated ramp and stair for the rear entrance to allow for off hours use. 

Gibson Library

The Town of Grantsville, MD contracted a team including Mills Group to develop a revitalization plan for the National Road section of the community. The plan had to respect the city's historic resources and make allowance for sustainable development to drive new investment. The firm went to work with a project that would develop in keeping with Grantsville's agricultural past and present.

Grantsville, MD

The Greater Parkersburg Convention & Visitors Bureau (GPCVB) selected Mills Group to design and prepare construction documents for interior renovations to their existing building located in Parkersburg, WV.

The approximately 6,000-square-foot renovation project includes a new complementary Visitors Welcome Center design, board room, expanded and upgraded public restrooms, administrative offices and storage space for their marketing team, and tenant spaces. Our design features a small café/sandwich counter utilizing the existing bar along with updated paint, finishes, and signage. New monitors will be installed to play “about the area” and local attraction videos.

Mills Group has teamed with Harper Engineering to complete the MEP scope of work which includes HVAC, power, lighting, plumbing and sanitary.

Greater Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau 

The firm designed a pool house to compliment an existing home in Morgantown. The pool house has a stucco exterior and a clay tile roof which overhangs an outdoor kitchen and dining area. The building also contains a dressing/bathroom combination and a utility equipment room. Travertine tiles tie the pool area with the cabana and create a clean, smooth surface.

Halleck Road Pool House

The Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED) hired the firm to study proposed sites in downtown Wheeling for the development of a new headquarters for The Health Plan, a non-profit community health organization. The 51,000-square-foot state-of-the-art building is comprised of four stories and occupies 1.3 acres of land with parking, greenspace, and an amphitheater. Sustainable design principles were integrated in the structural envelope, building systems, storm water retention through bioswales and landscaping elements that filter pollutants from surface runoff.

A major downtown development, The Health Plan structure infilled nearly a whole city block between Main and Market Streets and 11th and 12th Streets providing hundreds of jobs. This new construction represented a renewal of Wheeling’s downtown. It was the first new building to be built downtown in over 30 years.

Sustainability

Health Plan

The firm collaborated with Mike and Audy Perry of Heritage Farms to develop a playground centered on the six simple machines—lever, wheel and axle, inclined plane, wedge, pulley, and screw. The firm thoughtfully designed several playful pieces of equipment that incorporated interactive agriculture elements that also educated children on how the six simple machines helped foster Appalachian ingenuity. The result of this project has been a central amenity within the historic interpretive village.

Heritage Farms Discovery Zone

The firm teamed with Moody Nolan of Columbus, OH to design a new Sports Complex at The Highlands Development in Triadelphia, WV. The teaming merged Moody Nolan’s expertise of sports facilities with our history of completed work at The Highlands to provide OCDA with a team of architects and engineers ready to advance the project from paper to reality.

Situated on a 15-acre site, the Highlands Sports Complex, developed by the Ohio County Development Authority, is a massive state-of-the-art sports facility that includes two large pre-engineered metal buildings connected by a conventionally built two-story structure. The 180,000-square-foot complex houses a full-size indoor soccer field, six basketball/volleyball courts, a second-floor mezzanine viewing area, a fitness center, arcade, and an indoor play climb area. Additionally, it includes a synthetic full-size soccer field and other site amenities such as benches, bike racks, and a future zip line. This facility is not only a game-changer for the community, but for the entire state as well.

Highlands Sports Complex

Mills Group served as the historic preservation consultant for the Hill Top Hotel Redevelopment project in Harpers Ferry, WV. The Hill Top House Hotel was constructed on an overlook at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in 1888 by Thomas and Lavinia Lovett, who continued operation of the hotel through two fires until they sold the property in 1926. 

In preparation for the redevelopment of the historic property, the team conducted thorough investigations of the Hill Top Hotel, a c. 1919 Lodge building, and six Armory Houses located on the property. Using 3D point cloud scanning technology and on-the-ground survey, the team developed as-built drawings of the Lodge and Armory Houses. The final historic resources plan included an overview of past survey work, new survey of the existing grounds and landscaping, an assessment of historic integrity and identification of significant historic resources, and recommendations for rehabilitation work for all structures in the project area. These recommendations allowed for the sensitive reuse of the historic property as a world-class hotel while adhering to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. Mills Group also served as a consultant for the property’s application for Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits at the State and Federal levels.

Hilltop Hotel 

The Iconic Ruffner Mansion preexists the entire capital complex in Charleston. Constructed in 1815, It is arguably the oldest surviving home in the city and today stands adjacent to West Virginia’s Governor’s Mansion. This historic home has been selected to house the State Historic Preservation Office team. Mills Group is working with SHPO to bring this building up to the requirements of its new residents. It began with the documentation of the existing conditions. Again, laser-scanning and photography were utilized in creating a digital 3D model set to create accurate existing conditions drawings. Triaging the mansion’s character-defining elements and any maintenance and structural issues, The firm has developed a preservation approach and is working on developing a strategy to bring the historic home up to code as a public office.

Holly Grove Mansion

Mountain Partners in Community Development hired the firm to survey the Hotel Delmonte on Railroad Avenue in Elkins, WV in order to provide a concept design for the adaptive reuse of the structure. Built-in 1899, and modified in 1906, the Delmonte was central to the Elkins railroad industry. Our building assessment and redevelopment concept plan provided a master plan for the multi-use rehabilitation of the building that today is fully occupied after several years of phased upgrades and construction.


When Mountain Partners purchased the building in 1998, it had suffered from years of neglect, making it unsafe and at risk for major deterioration. The building assessment and redevelopment concept plan utilized the first floor of the building as a restaurant and the upper levels as office space.

Retaining Delmonte's historic integrity was a key motivator in this design. The sensitive use of space and architectural elements such as door hardware, wood windows, and moldings maintained a sense of place in history while adapting it to modern use.

The firm has additionally executed construction documents for the building's current owner, the Randolph County Housing Authority. The scope involved complete interior rehabilitation, exterior restoration, including masonry, wood windows, exterior doors, millwork, and universal access.

Hotel Delmonte 

The firm designed a multi-story office and warehouse facility for the headquarters of Howard Concrete in Houston, PA. The contemporary building features a modern brick and glass façade and soaring double-height entry vestibule with a dramatic open staircase.

In addition to a storage warehouse, the complex is outfitted with an inviting reception area, private offices, conference rooms, and an employee break room. The interiors of the building incorporate materials reminiscent of the company’s legacy of concrete, including modern wallcoverings and tile, balanced with the application of warm natural materials and finishes. 

Howard Concrete

The firm designed an addition and complete interior fit-out of the existing Jefferson County Welcome Center, home to the Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The building serves as an important gateway to the state of West Virginia and the town of Harpers Ferry.

The welcome center was in need of exterior improvements and an additional 1,250 square feet of interior to continue to draw the attention of visitors to the area. Based on the welcome center’s proximity to the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, the firm approached the project with a holistic design for the building’s exterior envelope to help the center blend into the park-like surroundings. Local precedents led to the use of exterior materials such as stone, board and batten siding and horizontal beveled siding to accomplish a natural look.

The revitalized interior includes a cathedral ceiling main hall and has been enlarged to house the exhibit space that highlights the county’s rich history, recreational amenities, and tourism destinations. The firm was additionally contracted upon completion of the addition to design the final interior vinyl graphics and informative signage that depict the landmark historic events and destinations within Jefferson County in a colorful and engaging format.

Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau

The firm is excited to share in the completion of the Jefferson County Courthouse Third Floor Courtroom Renovation, located in Steubenville, Ohio.

The Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners hired Mills Group to lead the renovation of the 1,325 sq.ft. courtroom. New interior finishes included carpeting, luxury vinyl tile, acoustical ceiling and lighting. The existing walls, which had been clad in a stained oak veneer paneling, were modified by removing the paneling to a wainscot height and capping it with a new chair rail. The existing plaster behind the paneling was repaired and then painted.

The Jury Box and Witness Stand where modified to comply with current ADA standards; as well as the judge’s bench, court reporter and court clerk spaces. Existing furnishings throughout the courtroom including tables, chairs, lectern, and fixed bench seating were refinished. A new wood paneled back drop and decorative moldings were added behind the judge’s bench to accentuate the front of the courtroom.

Jefferson County Courthouse

The former Riley Law Building was renovated to become the Kaley Center.

Since tenants occupied the building during the renovation, the project was completed in multiple phases.The first phase included an exterior restoration where the façade brick and limestone accents were cleaned and restored.New insulated double-hung windows and trim matching the size, scale and color of the originals replaced the 1970s bronze aluminum single glazed windows.Once the new windows were installed, the architect’s original design intent expressing the strong contrast between the brick veneer and fenestration once again became prominent.

The second phase of the rehabilitation included the installation of new mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems along with a generator which brought the building into code and energy compliance.New equipment and cab finishes improved the existing elevators while the interior was completely renovated with new finishes complementing the existing conditions.

The final phase of the project included improving site conditions with new landscaping, paving and parking lot control. Though the building serves multiple tenants, the building primarily functions as the corporate headquarters for a national roofing company that employs nearly 80 personnel.

Kaley Center

Mills Group designed the Maple Drive Commercial Building as a mixed use facility located in the West Run district of Morgantown. This project overcame a challenging location due to its topography which allowed for two distinct parking areas accessed at different levels. The first and second levels of the building cater to retail while the third level is dedicated to professional office space. The project improved an underutilized piece of land in close proximity to Mon General, the Suncrest neighborhood and Ruby Memorial Hospital and will provide necessary commercial and retail space for the region.

Maple Drive Commercial Building

The City of Wheeling approached Mills Group to design a 290-space, fully automated parking garage with 10,000 square feet of street level commercial tenant spaces. The structure will also include multiple electric vehicle charging stations, emergency call safety buttons, bicycle racks, and fully glazed elevator and stairwells for visual interest and extra safety.

The façade design is contextual to the historic vernacular architecture and there will be a direct pedestrian electronic access to an adjacent multi-story apartment building (within an adaptive reuse and potential historic tax credit building to the south).

Click here to view the live construction progress!

Market Street Garage

Through sustainable design and building techniques, we crafted this single-family home in Morgantown’s South Park neighborhood using attractive exposed Douglas fir timber framing, strategically placed windows for maximum sunlight, rain harvesting storage, heat-recovery ventilation, radiant floor heating, grassed driveway installation, and exterior storage hidden beneath the front roof structure.

Marlington Avenue Residence

The historic Metropolitan Theatre first opened as “America’s Most Beautiful Playhouse” and remains that way today thanks to the hard work of the Morgantown citizens and the city who owns the building. For years the theatre sat empty and decaying, becoming an eyesore for downtown Morgantown, WV. The Mills Group collaborated with David Kemnitzer, an architect from Shepherdstown, WV, to complete over 10 distinct scopes of services, ranging from backstage improvements to plaster restoration and decorative painting with the end result being a completely revitalized facility that the community has enjoyed ever since. In 2011 the project was awarded WV AIA Merit Award for Achievement in Architecture in Preservation.

Met Theatre

Mills Group partnered with Pray Construction on the two-story Miners and Merchants Bank Headquarters. The 7,966-square-foot bank is located in Thomas, WV and pulls its design inspiration from the local architecture and community. The exterior architecture includes brick and stone walls with glu-lam columns and a timber-framed entrance canopy. The interior architecture consists of wood-frame construction, a large open lobby, four teller stations, administration offices, and a large board room located on the second floor with a pass-through to the kitchenette.

Miners and Merchants Bank 

The proposed improvements to the year-round Morgantown Ice Arena include mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, chiller system, existing landscaping as it relates to external building maintenance and expansion, ADA compliance and accessibility, and the consideration of sustainable features regarding water and energy efficiency.

The site design includes greenspace, landscaping, building entry, parking and location of an additional (studio) ice sheet. The existing building and site are within the R1-A Zoning District of the City of Morgantown. Site specific items include expanding the existing parking lot to the northwest and developing a new parking area across Mississippi Street adjacent to the existing softball fields. A new curbed entrance and pedestrian walkway will be necessary for the enhanced site entrance for vehicles and pedestrians. Additionally, service access surrounding the building and a Zamboni dump area are critical to the site layout. Items particular to MEP scope include, but aren’t limited to a new chiller, dehumidification system and HVAC for both ice surfaces, HVAC, electric, and plumbing for locker rooms, private and public area, etc., electrical components, new lighting in existing arena, and tie-in to new sanitary lateral.

The design team has addressed concerns with moisture intrusion on the exterior envelope of the existing building as it relates to planned renovations, planning for integration of structural elements specific to balconies and other spectator seating areas, new openings consisting of skylights, windows and doors and stair tower exteriors, etc.

Morgantown Ice Arena

This past year the firm worked to utilize the grassy hillside to craft a one-of-a-kind, 60' long winding stream with multiple waterfall focal points, large scale stone bridge and steps, retaining wall, boulders, planting beds, and seating area perched at the top of the hill complete with a fire ring.

The transformative design was expertly installed this fall by Halterman Landscape and has completely changed how the Client enjoys their home's exterior space. Exiting their back doors, they are greeted with the soft white noise of falling water, low-voltage lighting trailing the pathway, and lush landscape huddled against hand-placed natural boulders speckled across the hillside.

Morgantown Landscape Design

Mills Group collaborated with the City of Morgantown, Morgantown Parking Authority, and Main Street Morgantown to design a structure that would serve as an outdoor market as well as sheltered parking for employees and patrons of the city’s downtown business district. The steel structure has a low solar reflectant indexed metal roof that mitigates urban heat island effects and allows for rainwater collection. Energy systems included solar panels along the roof and an electric car charging station.

Morgantown Market Place

The firm was hired by Our Lady of Peace Church to design the two-story Peace Center Addition in Wheeling, WV. The 5,058-square-foot two story building is an addition to the existing elementary school. The first level features a gathering hall for parish and school events, a new preschool classroom and an ADA accessible restroom. The second level consists of a large multi-purpose classroom and restroom. A limited use limited application (LULA) elevator was added to access the second level.

Our Lady of Peace Church Peace Center Addition

Mills Group is working with the owner of the building and Downtown PKB on the master planning and conceptual design for adaptive reuse of an existing historic building for a new Children’s Museum in downtown Parkersburg, WV. Design services included an initial building survey and code analysis, master planning, and conceptual design.

The master plan includes the addition of an accessible entrance, new restrooms, and a new elevator to provide access to all levels of the building, and upgrades to building systems as necessary to bring the building up to current standards for use as a children’s museum. Interior renovations are planned take advantage of the buildings large open interior spaces and showcase the existing materials and detailing as much as possible, while transforming the spaces into fun and engaging learning spaces for children.

As the project continues, Mills Group will coordinate with structural, mechanical, electrical, and museum design consultants to create construction documents to complete the multi-phase project.

Parkersburg Children's Museum

Mills Group was hired by the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation and CSL Management to update the kitchen, dining area and bathrooms for the Pi Beta Phi Sorority House in Morgantown, WV. The WVU Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi has resided in the house since 1938. The building was originally the family home of Carroll and Ruth Price until the sorority took ownership.

The new dining room layout is complete with wall enhancements, new LVT Flooring, updated lighting, dining and banquette seating, wood blinds, and new cabinets. The addition of a separate serving area was designed into the new space as well. The kitchen was completely renovated with all new kitchen equipment, exhaust system, quarry tile floors and janitor’s closet.

The renovation of the public and private bathrooms for the 40 residents were completed in two phases. The renovated bathrooms have white tiles walls, quartz countertops, frosted glass showers, ceramic tile walls, backlit, anti-fog mirrors and custom toilet partitions that have frosted acrylic that bears the sororities Greek letters etched into the panels. The only public toilet in the house was reconfigured with the adjacent The House Directors’ Suite private bath and both of these areas were constructed to be ADA Compliant.

Pi Beta Phi Sorority House Renovations

Mills Group designed the new Preston County 911/Office of Emergency Management Center to be a secure location to provide county residents with consistent and exemplary service and response.

Planned with an eye towards both security and environmentally sound construction, the resulting structure balances tested methods with an interesting and aesthetically pleasing design. The 6,200 square foot single story structure makes abundant use of precast concrete sandwich panels. Such implementation provided savings to the client in the form of reduced construction costs and energy bills. Designs called for a mix of fixed and operable windows that benefit occupants with natural ventilation and sufficient day lighting to all parts of the facility allowing a professional finish that also avoids 'sick' building syndrome.

This is the first project completed on the Preston County Farm redevelopment. It serves as an example of thoughtful design and as a catalyst for further development of Preston County. Additionally, this was the first new building that the county constructed since the courthouse in 1934.

Being greenfield development, the building was designed to meet LEED Silver standards, with careful consideration for siting, material selection, and construction waste management. Pre-cast concrete panels allowed for expedient construction that provided accommodations for Preston County 911/OEM.

Preston County 911/OEM Center

Mills Group helped the Preston County Commission prepare for smart growth in the community's future. The project space adjoins Preston County High School. The clients envisioned creating a dynamic economy, diverse neighborhoods and an efficient transportation center. As part of this study Mills Group designed lot standards, landscape and building guidelines, road outlines and public standards to provide a cohesive appearance to the development.

Preston County Poor Farm Master Plan

Mills Group is working with FEOH Realty and Commercial Builders to design and construct a 13,500 square foot commercial and retail space in Morgantown. Situated on underutilized land between Maple Drive and WV-705, the building will serve six tenants including Mattress Firm and Starbucks. Architectural features include a modern facade of glass storefront with individualized entrances of cast concrete that emphasize strength and longevity.

Research Park Shoppes

Mills Group met with the client to understand important architectural features of this nearly 100-year-old iconic home and how an updated lighting design and schedule could boost the site's presence at night. Working in tandem with LaFace & McGovern Associates to select low-voltage fixtures and Halterman Landscaping Design to understand installation and technical guidance, Mills Group was able to lay out an effective plan that worked within the clients budget and gave them a new facelift for nighttime appeal. The new lighting design helps enhance the existing aspects that were being hidden in shadow, gives subtle nuance to new details and landscape, and aides in safety for any pedestrian travel.

South Park Lighting Design

A long-time client located in the historic South Park neighborhood asked for Mills Group to develop a wholistic design concept to completely revamp the recreational areas surrounding their home. The initial desires revolved around a brand new, large-scale pool house and pool, upgrades to existing patios and their interconnecting stone walkways, improved exterior yoga space, relocation and redesign of their existing garden area, and enlarging their driveway space.

To incorporate these desires, Mills Group partook in extensive site visits to capture 3D point cloud scans of the terrain and existing landscape as well as drone video and photographic information. Moving into the design phase, two core guidelines of the concept were to incorporate specific aesthetic elements from the current residence's appeal into the new design (color palette, stone facades, etc.) and maintain the organic nature of pedestrian flow around existing landscape elements that were to be protected.

As the concept design progressed and renderings were shared with the client, newly desired elements became woven into the design such as an exterior shower nook attached to the pool house, a zero-edge hot tub bookended along the pool's edge, a pizza oven/fireplace, relocated trash storage, garden area screening from the parking lot, and other small features throughout the entire property.

Construction/installation is set to begin in the Spring of 2021.

South Park Poolhouse & Garden

This residence is located in the historic South Park neighborhood of Morgantown, WV. The original dwelling was a small, Cape Cod-style home with a stone exterior, a full width front porch, and an incompatible addition. The owners asked us to create a context sensitive addition to their home to provide updated amenities, which included a modern kitchen, a master bedroom and bathroom, screened-in porch, and a family room. To incorporate these desires, we designed a new addition that complemented the existing structure’s exterior aesthetic and allowed for a compatible flow.

The two-story addition was clad in stone with a new slate roof. Inside, the new kitchen was outfitted with light grey cabinetry and coordinating marble countertops. Open shelving provided an airy display for the family’s prized cookware. The family room’s addition was given rustic charm with the grey stained oak floors, Shaker-style raised panel walls, and multi-light windows. The integrated screened-in porch and rear patio complete the sensitive renovation.

South Park Remodel

The firm was commissioned to design an updated entry vestibule and upgraded interior for the historic St. John Parish located on WVU’s downtown campus in Morgantown. Originally constructed in 1961 as a temporary base for on-campus missionary work, the building became home to a large congregation over its fifty-year history. The conceptual design for upgrades to the church involved an expansion to the existing balcony, a redesign of the altar and tabernacle area, and the addition of a contemporary new glass entry vestibule. An original stained glass window located on the façade is highlighted through the application of a vaulted skylight opening onto the new entry vestibule. The concept respects the original mid-century modern lines and form of the church in both exterior and interior work while providing an expanded gathering space for the growing church congregation.

St. John University Parish

We transformed the existing non-descript concrete plaza into an inviting gathering space that features a large sculpture of bronze cast dancers that sits in front of a contemporary addition punctuated by a stone and brick rotunda crowned by a glass and steel cupola.

Originally constructed in Kessel, WV in 1919, St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church was deconstructed and relocated to Petersburg, WV in the early 1970s. By 2017, the church congregation found itself in need of additional space and the Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston engaged our help.

The project included not only the addition of a new narthex area with kitchenette, sacristy, and two restrooms, but also the complete exterior and interior renovation of the existing church building. The balcony in the historic church building was reconfigured to allow for more seating and safer access, and the altar space was expanded to allow for a larger tabernacle. Interior finishes throughout the existing church were updated to reflect and celebrate the history of the church building and the surrounding region.

Site design allowed for an expanded parking area to accommodate the growing church population. The new addition, while drawing design elements from the historic church, connects to the existing building via a contemporary glass vestibule that clearly delineates new construction from old. The updated church building now serves the needs of the congregation while ensuring that it will continue to function as a center of celebration and community for many years into the future. This project was awarded the 2020 WV AIA Excellence in Architecture Award.

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church

The firm created a site plan and conceptual design for a residential addition and complete landscape overhaul in Morgantown, WV.

This unique and historic Morgantown home built in 1928 was the subject of a design that was meant to enhance the connectivity between a new garage structure, interstitial space (mud room & sun porch), and an existing kitchen and living room. The existing driveway, hillside landscape, and location of the currently disconnected garage were unfortunately not conducive to a smooth or quick entry experience for the homeowners or guests.

We looked at several different locations in the side yard for the new garage and porch structure in an effort to maximize space, offer tight connections between new and old architecture, create and enhance new lawn areas, and promote the verticality of the site with aesthetically pleasing retaining wall structures.

Suncrest Residence

Terrace Heights, once featured in TIME Magazine for its modern design and amenities such as state-of-the-art GE appliances and intercoms, is being upgraded through creative solutions of the Mills Group design team.

These vintage-style apartments are convenient for WVU students and young professionals. Next door to the WVU College of Law along University Avenue, Terrace Heights is conveniently located between the WVU’s Downtown, Evansdale, and Health Sciences Campuses.

Unique floor plans showcase mid-century modern design elements such as floating stair treads, textured brick and block interior walls, exposed beams and sunken floors.

Preservation

Additional Preservation Considerations

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