.

VCDC
Golden Rule Apartments – Belington, WV

The Golden Rule in downtown Belington, WV, was built in 1902 as the coal industry was burgeoning in Barbour County. Originally home to The Valley Grocery Company, the three-story brick building served a variety of commercial roles over the course of its life. The original owner, Luther Shinn, installed a gas-powered gristmill on the property and a hydraulic elevator (reported to be the only one of its kind in West Virginia), enhancing the building’s capacity to house and sell merchandise as a department store. Shinn renamed the store “The Golden Rule” in 1929 in homage to his primary business philosophy, and subsequently advertised his wares as “Everything for Everyone.” In 2014 the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia listed the historic building as an endangered property, citing deferred maintenance and its significant role in the commercial history of Belington.

With the support of the Belington Revitalization Committee, the Woodlands Development Group acquired the building in 2017 with the combined goals of preserving a historic landmark and repurposing it for community use, providing much needed quality housing and new jobs. The renovated building features 10 affordable residential units on the upper floors and commercial space on the first floor.

VCDC provided $1,033,830 in LIHTC equity to the renovation and preservation of the Golden Rule. The project also received funds through Historic Tax Credits.