Photo by Craig Howell U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito met with members of the Wellsburg Urban Redevelopment Authority Thursday to check on the efforts to renovate a building at 701 Charles St. in Wellsburg. Capito provided federal funding toward the project.

WELLSBURG — Almost two years ago, U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito secured $750,000 in federal funds to assist with the renovation of a three-story building located on Wellsburg’s Town Square.

Thursday afternoon, she was in town to check the progress of the investment.

Capito, R-W.Va., joined members of the Wellsburg Urban Redevelopment Authority in touring the building at 701 Charles St., now home to a local business and, soon, to feature two residential apartment spaces as well.

“We want to see this main area of Wellsburg be what it used to be,” Capito said, noting the Town Square and surrounding streets traditionally has been a hub for the community’s business district.

Work has included stabilizing the structure, installing new framework and flooring on the first two floors and rebuilding the third floor which had been damaged by a fire years ago.

New roofing and windows also have been installed.

“This building was empty for several years,” explained Alex Weld, chair of the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

The funding Capito secured through the Small Business Administration, along with local donations and fundraisers such as a series of block parties organized by the group, were critical in getting the project moving, she said.

Earlier this year, the building became home to the Kookie Jar, a locally owned business offering a variety of cookies, sandwiches, coffees and teas.

In the coming months, Weld said, the second and third floors will be ready for occupants of their own, with each set up as two-room apartments, each with a washer and dryer.

“It’s the hub of our downtown,” Weld said, noting the URA also has purchased two neighboring buildings and is in the process of raising the funds necessary to renovate those as well.

Those efforts include applying for another round of federal SBA grant funding through Capito and U.S. Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va.

“You can see it can be done,” Capito said, noting the URA is an entirely volunteer organization but is making headway in providing opportunities for businesses and housing. “It takes a lot of creativity.”

Capito said she is confident the effort will help to launch or inspire other projects in the region.

The first block party of the year is scheduled for June 26, featuring bands, food trucks and more, with all proceeds going toward the redevelopment effort.