(File Photo/Shelley Hanson) A sign marks the historic business district on Jefferson Avenue in Moundsville near the empty building lots city leaders are hoping to have redeveloped.

MOUNDSVILLE – No one has yet submitted development ideas for the building lots left empty by a massive fire in Moundsville last year.

The city of Moundsville had advertised to receive proposed ideas for the lots with the deadline for submission being March 19.

City Manager Rick Healy said none were submitted for the 0.55 acre property that sits on 201, 227 and 229 Jefferson Avenue in the heart of the historic business district.

“We did not receive any proposals. We will continue to work with the Regional Economic Development Partnership to help market the property,” he said.

Healy and others have deemed redeveloping the lot important to the business district’s health and future.

In March 2025, a massive fire damaged four structures beyond repair on the lots. The city purchased the properties for a total of about $300,000. The remaining damaged structures were razed and grass was planted.

The fire began in the back of the former Remke Furniture building and spread to five other structures. The fire dramatically changed the look of that portion of the historic district. Firefighters from 35 different departments from Marshall, Wetzel, Ohio and Belmont counties battled the blaze.

The former Remke property was large, housing the Red Dragon Hybrid Tae Kwon Do martial arts school, along with Emily Dougherty Yoga and Toys for Tots West Virginia.

Jefferson Avenue is home to a variety of businesses including a clothing retailer, gift shops, craft shops, eateries, pubs, banks, an appliance store, a cigar shop and more.