The Concept
A Revolutionary Convergence of
Culture, Heritage & Hospitality
BridgesWV is a high-yield destination concept that merges the educational appeal of a state museum with the exceptional margins of upscale themed dining.
The Four Core Pillars
How BridgesWV combines preservation, interactive tourism, and high-end dining into a single powerhouse destination.
State Museum of Bridges
West Virginia is a state defined by its rivers, mountains, and the historic bridges that unite its communities. The State Museum of Bridges is a state-of-the-art interactive museum dedicated to celebrating these engineering marvels. It will serve as a powerful anchor for heritage tourism, attracting students, families, and architectural enthusiasts from across the nation.
Historic Preservation & Modern Expansion
The heart of BridgesWV lies in the careful restoration of the historic 1908 Creamery building in downtown Huntington, WV. This rich brick masonry structure is seamlessly integrated with a modern glass-and-steel wing designed to evoke the soaring lines of a suspension bridge, complete with glowing illuminated cables that light up the night skyline.
High-Margin Upscale Hospitality
By combining cultural education with premium dining, BridgesWV captures maximum consumer spend. The complex features a 246-seat indoor restaurant, a 40-seat circular bar, and a breathtaking 144-seat outdoor/rooftop dining lounge. The menu celebrates the heritage of West Virginia's rivers and valleys, offering a premium culinary journey.
National Franchise & Licensing Model
The Huntington, WV prototype is designed as a scalable blueprint. Just as Mascot Hall created a network of mascot-themed destinations, BridgesWV is the foundation for a national franchise. Future locations will celebrate iconic regional bridges in major cities across the United States, utilizing a proven licensing model.
Preserving the 1908 Creamery
Matthew Lerfald's master design preserves the historical integrity of the 1908 Creamery. The rich, weathered brickwork is celebrated as a testament to Huntington's industrial legacy.
Seamlessly emerging from the brick facade is a soaring glass-and-steel wing, representing the future of structural engineering. This modern wing features illuminated suspension cables, mirroring the famous bridge spans of the Ohio River.
The Master Floor Plan
The professional CAD layout translates the conceptual vision into an optimized 13,000 sq ft operational floor plan. It details the seamless zoning designed to maximize foot traffic flow, guest experiences, and high-margin revenue capture.