Federal downsizing creates real estate opportunity near new national park

MOUNT HOPE, W.Va. — Federal downsizing has created a remarkable commercial real estate opportunity in southern West Virginia near the nation's newest national park—an opportunity that's attracting plenty of attention after a price drop.

Once home to the U.S. Bureau of Mines, a 34,568-square-foot office complex and large maintenance garage offers a rare blend of historic gravitas, rock-solid infrastructure, and a location that puts it in the epicenter of one of the Mountain State’s most dynamic outdoor regions.

Listed for $398,000, the property at 100 Bluestone Road is being marketed by commercial real estate professionals David Sibray and Randy “Riverbend” Burdette and is attracting attention from investors and visionaries who are looking to redefine the region's potential.

“There’s nothing else like it in southern West Virginia,” says David Sibray, who is also the publisher of West Virginia Explorer. “You’re getting almost an acre of land, a massive three-story building that was built to federal specs, and access to one of the fastest-growing tourist regions in the eastern U.S.”

A Building Built to Endure

The structure is more than just office space, Sibray says—it’s a testament to mid-20th-century federal engineering. Set in motion by Congress in 1910 in response to tragic mining disasters, the U.S. Bureau of Mines chose Mount Hope for its regional headquarters, establishing this particular complex in 1958. A third floor was added in 1966, and at its peak, the building housed more than 100 federal employees.

Built of brick and reinforced concrete, it was designed for resilience—an important feature given the bureau’s mission and the rugged terrain of the coalfields it served. The design features 65 offices and meeting rooms, as well as industrial-grade heating and electrical systems, and an operational elevator. Restrooms are located on each floor, along with ADA-compliant features, making them practical for modern use.

“It’s like walking into a Cold War-era command center,” Sibray says with a chuckle. “But in the best way possible. The bones are strong, and it’s incredibly well maintained. You could walk in tomorrow and begin work on almost any kind of redevelopment.”

Central to a Booming Region

If commercial real estate is all about location, this property is sitting on gold. Literally one and a half miles from the US-19 expressway and under 10 minutes from both I-64 and I-77, the building is only 15 minutes from the New River Gorge Bridge and within reach of more than 1.7 million tourists who visit the region annually.

“It’s at a crossroads—between the national park, the Summit Bechtel Reserve, and the city of Beckley, which is the retail and healthcare hub for a huge swath of the state,” says Sibray. “You’re central to everything that matters in this part of West Virginia.”

Indeed, Mount Hope is a small town with a big footprint. At the doorstep of the central New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, it shares its economy with whitewater rafting outfitters, climbing guides, outdoor resorts, and the 14,000-acre scouting reserve, home to the Boy Scouts of America’s national high-adventure base. The reserve has hosted world jamborees with over 45,000 visitors and is situated just a few miles away from the property.

“This isn’t just a building,” Sibray says. “It’s a basecamp for someone who wants to be a part of the story unfolding in southern West Virginia.”

The potential of this commercial real estate

The possibilities for the structure are as varied as the region it serves, Sibray says. With high-speed internet options from providers like Optimum and Frontier, and a layout that includes classrooms, labs, and a garage annex, it could be transformed into:

• A startup incubator for tech or outdoor gear

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• A government services annex or training center

• A mixed-use facility combining office, co-working, and lodging

• A veterans’ resource hub

  

• A conference and retreat facility for outdoor and educational groups

Mount Hope’s growing interest in downtown revitalization could also support public-private partnerships to fund such efforts, especially given that the building has been deemed eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Listing would open the door to valuable state and federal tax credits.

“We’re not just pitching it as a commercial real estate investment,” Sibray notes. “We’re inviting people to join a movement to reimagine what these towns can become in the 21st century. The groundwork is already laid—in infrastructure, in location, and in history.”

Tourism tax credits may also be available through the West Virginia Department of Economic Development for tourism-based projects, especially given the building's proximity to the national park.

Strength in the Details

Municipal services—including city water and sewer—are already in place, along with excellent cellphone coverage and a diverse utility infrastructure. The building is zoned for commercial use, although prospective buyers are encouraged to consult with local zoning and building code officials for specific details. A survey is on record, and the property is being sold by the boundary rather than by the acre.

“You rarely find this much infrastructure in one place at this price,” Sibray says. “Especially not with this level of accessibility.”

A gateway to West Virginia’s southern playground

Step outside the building, and scenic West Virginia wilderness stretches in all directions. Within a 15-minute drive, you’ll find more than half a dozen adventure resorts offering everything from guided whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley rivers to zip-line canopy tours, ATV excursions, and rock-climbing clinics.

Two state wildlife management areas and more than 65,000 acres of huntable land within the national park provide access to deer, turkey, squirrels, and even black bears. For anglers and paddlers, the nearby 202-acre Plum Orchard Lake is a serene destination.

“It’s not just a place of business. This could be a gateway to the outdoor economy,” Sibray adds. “We’re seeing more and more entrepreneurs relocate here for the lifestyle. They seek a work-life balance and a sense of community. Mount Hope gives them both.”

Education, Healthcare & Connectivity

The area isn’t just about adventure—it’s about sustainability. The property is near strong public schools and multiple private education options. Higher education institutions, including WVU Tech and New River Community & Technical College, are minutes away. The nearby Irma Byrd Higher Education Center also offers classes from Concord University and Bluefield State University.

Healthcare access includes three hospitals within a 20-minute drive and a VA Medical Center in Beckley. The region is well-connected by air, with Yeager Airport in Charleston less than an hour away, and Amtrak stations in Thurmond and Prince, only 15 minutes from the site.

“People often don’t realize how central we really are,” Sibray says. “From here, you’re within a six-hour drive of nearly every major metro in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.”

A call to visionaries in the New River Gorge region

As Mount Hope and the surrounding New River Gorge region continue to evolve into a national destination, 100 Bluestone Road represents a rare and inspiring commercial real estate opportunity. Whether it becomes a tech hub, a cultural center, a government annex, or a launchpad for a nonprofit tackling rural development, it’s ready for its next chapter.

“This building helped power the industrial revolution in West Virginia,” Sibray says. “Now it’s ready to serve a new one. All we need is the right person with the right vision to imagine what’s possible.”

For more information or to schedule a viewing, contact David Sibray at 304-575-7390 or Randy "Riverbend" Burdette at 304-667-2897. See the full listing here: 100 Bluestone Road, Mount Hope, West Virginia.

Commercial Real Estate at 100 Bluestone Road, Mount Hope, WV