Historic Buildings throughout Randolph County are worth preserving, according to State Historic Preservation Office Assistant Director Chris Knorr. During the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce quarterly meeting Wednesday Knorr told members restoration can lead to future economic viability for the county.

Communities in the United States without historical areas are trying to duplicate what already exists in Randolph County, Knorr explained. Facades of new buildings and "box" stores are designed to simulate the "sense of place" that cities with historical buildings have, he said.

"Why are they trying to be historic ... they're jealous," Knorr said. "They want the real thing and you all have the real thing."

To capitalize on the historical market, communities must determine assets, Knorr explained. Some cities choose geography or other interesting trivial facts, Knorr said.

"Some have historic features like street lights," Knorr said referring to the traffic lights along Davis Avenue scheduled for replacement.

When the communities choose the assets they're being economically and environmentally responsible, Knorr said. Keeping buildings decreases landfill waste, because restoration is a lot like recycling, Knorr explained.

According to figures Knorr presented, new construction is typically 50 percent labor and 50 percent materials. Restoration is economically responsible because 60 percent to 70 percent is labor, which creates jobs and more money is spent at local businesses by project workers. Twenty more jobs are created with $1 million of restoration work than $1 million of coal mined, according to Knorr.

A large package of historical buildings to draw tourists brings money to communities through spending at restaurants, hotels and stores, Knorr said. The creation of by-ways and the marketing of the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike will help make Elkins major lodging stop for the eastern part of the state, Knorr said studies have indicated.

Historical restoration should be a central strategy of every community, he said.

Beverly and Elkins are being established as Heritage Tourism cities, explained Phyllis Baxter, program director for the Appalachian Forest Heritage Area AmeriCorps Team. Graceland, the Randolph County Community Arts Center, the Darden Mill and Beverly Heritage Center are some of the great resources to attract tourists to the area, Baxter said.

Buildings restored to their original "glory" are often "overwhelming" to tourists, Baxter said. There is value to retaining the integrity, she added.

Interim Director of the Kump House Heather Biola said the restoration of the historic home will create an attractive entrance to the city. In addition to a welcome, the Kump House will add jobs and contribute to the economic viability of Elkins as Knorr discussed, Biola said.

Also during the ERCCC meeting, President Kathy Leombruno welcomed American Red Cross, attorney William T. Nestor, Bella's River Grill, C-HOPE in Randolph County, Dave Denton Massage, Gene Cowgill, Helianthus LLC, Youth Health Services Inc., Cardinal Creations and Meemeez Cafe-N-Cakes as new ERCCC members.