NEW OFFICE — The Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle is in the process of renovating the old People’s Bank building in downtown Weirton, with an eye on moving the operations of the local economic development agency to the site next year. -- Contributed

WEIRTON — A local economic development agency is in the midst of renovating a former bank, with an eye on making the building its new home.

The Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle announced it is in the process of renovating the former People’s Bank building at 3383 Main St. In Weirton. According to Executive Director Anthony Clements, plans are for the organization to eventually move its operations to the city’s downtown.

“This project isn’t just about relocating our offices — it’s about continuing our mission to catalyze investment in the two counties to attract jobs and increase the quality of life by directly investing in Brooke and Hancock counties,” Clements said.

He pointed to previous efforts by the BDC in downtown Weirton, which include the demolition of the former Magnone building and former Weirton Daily Times office a block north of the People’s Bank building, which continue to be targeted for community investment.

It goes along with other downtown investments in recent years at Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, the Guida Center and Strip Steel Credit Union, Clements said.

Weirton officials have been looking at the importance of investing in the city’s downtown.

“Downtown revitalization has been a key piece of my administration’s strategic plan,” Mayor Dean Harris said. “The People’s Bank, with its stately presence and central location at Cove and Main, was and can again be a central figure in Weirton’s business community. How appropriate is it that the BDC is renovating it!”

The BDC’s renovation is being performed in partnership with the College of St. Joseph the Worker, with the college’s students performing much of the construction.

“We’re able to transform an underused property into something vibrant again, while also giving local trainees the chance to develop skills that will serve them and the region for years to come,” Clements said.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1995, the building was designed in a classical revival style and built under the direction of contractor Clyde Cattrell and architects Peterson & Clarke, according to a copy of its nomination form found through the West Virginia Culture Center’s website. The People’s Bank first organized in 1923, with David M. Weir serving as its first president. It moved to the Main Street building in 1930. The bank would operate out of the building until 1962, and would be renovated in 1993.

Clements anticipates the project to be completed in June.