Mountain Partners in Community Development contracted with the Mills Group to survey the Delmonte Hotel on Railroad Ave. in Elkins for the concept design and adaptive reuse of the structure.  Built in 1899, and modified in 1906, The Delmonte was central to Elkins’ railroad industry.  Rail workers, passengers, and locals could all be found in the first floor restaurant.

When Mountain Partners purchased the building in 1998, it had suffered from years of neglect making it unsafe and at risk for major deterioration. The building assessment and redevelopment concept plan utilized the first floor of the building as a restaurant and the upper levels as office space.

Executive Director Karen Jacobson said “It is great to work with a firm that can get things done on time and on budget. Michael Mills has a tremendous amount of experience and insight which enables him to think outside the box. The combination of doing all the little things and how responsive the Mills Group is has made them stand out as a firm.”

Retaining the Delmonte’s historic integrity was a key motivator in this design. The sensitive use of space and architectural elements such as door hardware, wood windows and moldings maintained its sense of place in history adapting it to a modern use.

The firm has executed construction documents for the building’s current owner, the Randolph County Housing Authority. The scope involved the complete exterior restoration, including masonry, wood windows, exterior doors, millwork, and ADA access.