Building Blocks
Issue 58

The JC Lando project represents a landmark moment for downtown Wheeling, and at Mills Group, we are honored to serve as the architects bringing this vision to life. Our design philosophy for this waterfront development centers on creating a bridge between Wheeling’s storied past and its vibrant future. By carefully selecting materials and architectural elements that respect the historic context of 14th Street while introducing a modern, transformative aesthetic, we are crafting a space that feels both timeless and forward-looking. Every detail, from the building’s massing to its interaction with the waterfront, has been meticulously planned to enhance the city’s skyline and provide a welcoming experience for visitors and residents alike.

Beyond the aesthetics, we view this project as a catalyst for economic growth and community revitalization. Collaborating with the Allen and Lando families and the City of Wheeling has allowed us to integrate functional, high-quality design with the practical needs of a major tourism and lodging destination. This facility is more than just a hotel; it is an anchor for the riverfront that will drive activity, create lasting connections, and help redefine the urban experience in downtown Wheeling. We are incredibly proud to leverage our expertise to shape a project of this magnitude, knowing that it will stand as a testament to the ongoing resurgence of our home city.

Happy Anniversary to Vivian Neely (19 years), Logan Patrick (8 years), Michael West (5 years), Amber Kwasniewski (4 years), Michael Kennedy (4 years), Tom Kilionski (4 years), Sophia Gum (3 years).

Footings & Foundations is Mills Group’s new statewide design podcast, connecting listeners with the people, ideas, and projects shaping West Virginia’s built environment. Hosted by experienced architects and designers, each episode features compelling conversations with leading architects, designers, consultants, builders, and clients. From emerging trends and practical solutions to the stories and strategies behind successful projects, the podcast offers valuable insight, fresh perspectives, and inspiration for professionals across the state.

Designed to be both informative and engaging, each 30–45-minute episode gives guests an opportunity to showcase their expertise, share lessons learned, and promote the work they’re doing in their communities. Mills Group makes participation easy by handling scheduling, recording, and basic post-production, while helping extend each guest’s reach through episode notes and promotional channels. Footings & Foundations is more than a podcast—it’s a platform for elevating great work, building meaningful connections, and advancing the conversation about design and development throughout West Virginia.

Mountain Valley Bank

We are honored to celebrate the groundbreaking of Community Bank's new headquarters in downtown Parkersburg. Mills Group is proud to help create a new home for an institution that has served our community for generations. We look forward to seeing this investment strengthen downtown and contribute to Parkersburg's continued growth for years to come!

Mills Group has extensive experience designing dental offices, healthcare clinics, and general medical facilities that support West Virginia’s healthcare system. From new construction to renovations and expansions, our team works closely with healthcare providers to create efficient, adaptable environments that meet the needs of patients, staff, and communities. We understand that successful healthcare design goes beyond appearance—it must support effective workflows, accommodate evolving technology, promote safety, and help providers deliver high-quality care.

Our approach places the patient experience at the center of every project. Through thoughtful planning, clear circulation, comfortable waiting and treatment areas, access to natural light, and carefully considered acoustics, materials, and privacy, we create spaces that feel welcoming and reduce the stress often associated with medical visits. At the same time, we address infection control, accessibility, durability, security, and operational efficiency to ensure each facility performs well for years to come. By combining technical expertise with a sensitive understanding of the people who use these spaces, Mills Group delivers healthcare environments that strengthen practices and help improve care across West Virginia.

Pro-Bono