KIMBALL, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A historic lodging property in McDowell County is preparing to welcome visitors again following a year-long renovation project.
The Big Four Lodge, located at 25925 Coal Heritage Road in Kimball, will celebrate its grand reopening on Saturday, November 14, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Owners Sam and Barbara Baker, who operate Big Four Lodge LLC, are inviting the community to attend the celebration and tour the renovated 13-room property.
The event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m., while property tours will be available throughout the day.
At 1:30 p.m., the owners plan to unveil photographs recognizing “Kimball Heros” and make family announcements.
Food, refreshments, games, prizes, drawings and live entertainment will be available during the celebration. Organizers also plan to give away T-shirts every 10 minutes.
The Baker family has longstanding ties to Welch and McDowell County. Sam Baker said those connections played a major role in the family’s decision to purchase, renovate and reopen the lodge.
“It has been our long-held belief that we benefited greatly from a wonderful childhood with a fantastic moral compass from our youth,” Baker said.
“Unquestionably McDowell County has done more for us than we could ever do in return. We are fiercely proud of our McDowell County Heritage, and it will always be considered home. Regional road construction and tourism generated by the lodge will boost the local economy, which is important to us.”
The renovation represents an effort to restore the property while contributing to economic development and tourism in McDowell County.
Baker credited several local officials and community leaders for supporting the project, including Delegate David Green, McDowell County Commissioners Michael Brooks, Cecil Patterson and DeWayne Dotson, County Clerk Donald Hicks, County Administrator Jennifer Wimmer, Sheriff James “Boomer” Muncy and Kimball Mayor Adam Gianato.
He also recognized Devon Fitzgerald, a regional business advisor with the West Virginia Hive, for assisting throughout the year-long rehabilitation.
According to Baker, the organization provided support with architectural renderings, website development and other aspects of the project.
“We simply could not have completed the task without the support of Devon and The Hive,” he said.
The West Virginia Hive is an entrepreneurial development program operated by the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority that provides business assistance throughout southern West Virginia.
In addition to lodging accommodations, the Big Four property features an art gallery and historical information.
Additional details about the lodge and its history are available through its Facebook page.
The grand reopening celebration is open to community members interested in seeing the renovated property and learning more about the project.
