CREATE BUCKHANNON
What do you think is possible for Buckhannon, West Virginia? When you think of Buckhannon's future, and your future, what do you see?Over the last few years a small group of volunteers have collaborated with citizens and groups throughout the Buckhannon/Upshur community to create a new future vision. This vision was outlined in a new comprehensive plan for the City of Buckhannon titled "Buckhannon 2015". The Create Buckhannon was formed to help this vision become a reality. Create Buckhannon is associated with 'Create West Virginia', a grass roots organization affiliated with Vision Shared (www.visionshared.com) whose mission is to empower West Virginians at a local level to place themselves among the most innovative, dynamic, prosperous, creative communities in the world. Creative Communities can be described as those communities that take ownership over their own future. It is a group of people who come together to creatively solve problems and identify unique opportunities. They are action oriented, entrepreneurial and take risks for a better future. The mission of Create Buckhannon is to assist in the implementation and facilitation of initiatives oriented to improve the quality of life in the City of Buckhannon and the County of Upshur. 
One of our first initiatives was to design new street signs that would convey craftsmanship and traditional qualities thus beginning a visual branding of our community through custom signage. The first sign went up at the corner of South Spring Street and Madison Avenue. It was well received and Create Buckhannon in collaboration with West Virginia Wesleyan College and with the assistance of Jerry Arnold of the City of Buckhannon.s Street Department, a total of twenty two new street signs were installed along College Avenue, with two signs at every intersection.In July of 2009 the Create Buckhannon team announced the planned restoration of the 'Latham House' on Madison Avenue in Buckhannon. The team plans to oversee the full restoration of the structure with a goal of long-term benefit to the community. The Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce plans to be the first occupant to enjoy the modern office and conference space when the project is complete. In addition to team members of Create Buckhannon, the Upshur County Development Authority, the Buckhannon Historic Landmark Commission, the Upshur County Historical Society, and a number of local residents continue to provide assistance helping to research the history of the structure and develop a restoration plan for the property. In September 2009 six new parking information signs coupled with twelve historical vignettes have been installed along Main Street in Downtown Buckhannon. Again with the assistance of the Historic Landmark Commission members, the Upshur County Historical Society and with the support of Jerry Arnold and the City's Street Department we have effected a positive change in our community. We would like to welcome those of you that have an interest in the future of the Buckhannon community to let us hear your from you. create.buckhannon@gmail.com |