Groundbreaking Ceremony Planned for Historic Hotel Thelma Redevelopment

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The Bluefield Arts and Revitalization Corporation (BARC) and the Hotel Thelma Project Corporation have announced a groundbreaking ceremony for the ongoing redevelopment of the historic Hotel Thelma in Bluefield, West Virginia. The event will feature remarks from local officials and community leaders, and will be followed by a reception at a nearby cinema.

Why it matters

The restoration of Hotel Thelma, a former Green Book site that served as a beacon for the African American community, is seen as an important step in revitalizing Bluefield's Northside and East End neighborhoods. The project will bring new affordable housing and commercial space to the area, helping to address the city's need for quality housing.

The details

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on February 26, 2026 at 3 p.m. Reverend James Mitchell, Brian Tracey (the Mayor of Bluefield), and a representative from Swope Corporation will participate. Members of the BARC Board and Hotel Thelma Project Corporation Board, as well as city officials, will also attend. After the ceremony, guests will be transported by the City of Bluefield trolley to Raleigh Street Cinemas for a reception with light drinks, refreshments, and dessert.

• The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on February 26, 2026 at 3 p.m.

What’s next

After the groundbreaking ceremony, the Hotel Thelma redevelopment project will continue with ongoing construction and demolition work, with the goal of completing the first phase of the project which includes 10 new affordable apartments and a restaurant space.