Kenova begins construction on 18-unit townhouse development on Sycamore Street

Residents of Kenova will see a vacant city block occupied by new housing as construction begins on a development at the former Breece Veneer property on Sycamore Street. Local officials and community members gathered Tuesday morning to mark the start of the project, which replaces land that had stood empty for decades.

Thomas Brothers Real Estate, led by co-owner Luke Thomas, is building nine townhouse-style duplexes on the site. These structures will contain a total of 18 residential units, each featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Thomas stated that the project has been prepared for immediate construction following environmental reviews.

George Carico, an environmental manager at Marshall University, detailed the testing conducted to ensure the soil is safe for building. He noted that the property had remained dormant, but all necessary environmental steps have been completed to allow developers to begin work. The site received support from HADCO, which secured an Environmental Protection Agency grant and federal funding to facilitate the process.

Charleston Mayor Tim Bias attended the ceremony, expressing hope that the new homes will attract residents and boost the local economy. He described the land as a wasted city block until now, noting that the development aligns with increased housing demand driven by growth at Marshall University. Bias emphasized that the project will contribute to the community's economic development.

The townhouses are expected to be ready for occupancy by April of next year, a timeline that depends on weather conditions. Thomas said the company is excited to move forward with the project after collaborating with the city and environmental experts. Rent for the units is set at approximately $1,500 per month.

The groundbreaking concludes the long period of vacancy at the Breece Veneer site, bringing permanent residential structures to the Sycamore Street location. The development represents a shift from industrial history to active community living in the Kenova area.