Work to Revitalize Roundhouse Complex Progresses

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (January 31, 2026) - Efforts to preserve and revitalize the Martinsburg Shops reached another milestone with the successful completion of the elevator and steps and HVAC projects for the Bridge & Machine Shop.

The HVAC project, which included an upgrade in electric service to the building, cleared final inspection hurdles this month. The elevator and steps project passed inspection in October.

The planned installation of permanent lighting in the Bridge & Machine Shop Building is the last remaining project needed to allow events in the Second Floor Event Center space. The lighting project is estimated to cost $120,000.

The HVAC project and electric service upgrades were made possible by $125,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding distributed by the City of Martinsburg, as well Local Economic Development Assistance grants subsequently awarded by West Virginia State Sens. Jason Barrett, Patricia Rucker, Charles Trump and Craig Blair and West Virginia House of Delegates Eric Householder and Don Forsht. The Berkeley County Commission also contributed funding for the HVAC project. Berkeley County Commissioner Jim Whitacre separately donated excavation services for extension of the natural gas line to fuel the new HVAC units.

The $770,000 Bridge & Machine Shop Elevator & Steps project, including related stormwater improvements was funded by a WVDOH/FHWA Transportation Alternatives grant, with matching grant funding received for the project from the City of Martinsburg and the Berkeley County Commission, the latter of which provided an additional allocation for architect fees.

The HVAC and Elevator/Steps projects are the latest in an ongoing effort to generate revenue year-round at the historic Baltimore and Ohio Railroad maintenance shops property for the purposes of preserving the National Historic Landmark for future generations.

Built in 1866, the Bridge & Machine Shop at the Roundhouse complex is envisioned to provide space for a year-round multi-vendor market on the first floor and a second floor Event Hall.

• 2025: Completion of painting of clerestory windows in dome of West Roundhouse, immediately following replacement of 22 windows due to deterioration ($45,950 - Cultural Facilities Grant/LEDA Funding).

• 2023: Installation of gutter/spouting for West Roundhouse ($18,201 - Cultural Facilities/Roundhouse Funding)

• 2021: Replaced West Roundhouse roof due to storm damage (Insurance)

• 2021: Development of Concept Plans for adaptive reuse of East Roundhouse Ruins as Amphitheatre

• 2020: Completion of bathrooms complex and fire suppression for Bridge & Machine Shop ($585,684 - Transportation Alternatives Grant/Berkeley County/City of Martinsburg funding)

• 2020 - Installation of ornamental fencing around historic complex (Amtrak)