The heartfelt revival of the Tygart Hotel in Elkins.
written by DONNA HERTO
photographed by NIKKI BOWMAN MILLS
In March 2024, following a soft opening, the lobby of Elkins’ beloved Tygart Hotel officially opened with fanfare and celebration, reclaimed as a centerpiece in the heart of Appalachia. The hotel and its transformation—with 56 uniquely styled rooms, an upscale restaurant, and a thoughtful blend of original character and modern charm—represent a community investment of more than $16 million and a tribute to the vision and dedication of those determined to preserve its legacy.
The Tygart Hotel was revitalized by Woodlands Development Group, an Elkins-based nonprofit developer that is dedicated to supporting economic initiatives and fostering healthy, viable communities in the region. “The Tygart Hotel project was undertaken as a community development initiative because the previous state and use of the space was very disruptive to business development in the historic downtown,” says Woodlands Creative Director Katie Wolpert.
Woodlands worked with Mills Group, a preservation-focused architectural firm with locations throughout the Mountain State, to execute the design and restoration while partnering with Taylor Hospitality to manage hotel operations.
Built in 1906 and opened in 1907, the property was originally known as the Hotel Gassaway—later renamed the Hotel Tygart—and quickly became the grand lodging option in the region, hosting politicians, businessmen, and guests visiting the Elkins area. After serving as a hotel for more than 60 years, the six-story building was gradually repurposed, housing a hair salon, a restaurant, office space, and classes for the Augusta Heritage Center before being converted into apartments in the 1970s. Recognizing its potential, Woodlands Development Group purchased the deteriorating structure for $700,000 in 2017.
Marketing Manager Taira Gainer-Sarfino of Taylor Hospitality has seen the subsequent work unfold. “I’ve been with the Tygart Hotel since before its grand opening. I sat in on meetings with Woodlands Development Group, Taylor Hospitality, and Mills Group during the renovation phase, so I’ve had a front-row seat to its transformation.” In just three words, she describes the hotel’s soul: “Timeless. Welcoming. Rooted.”
The hotel’s architecture is rich with original details, ranging from mosaic tile floors to restored doorways and ceilings of pressed tin. These features were meticulously preserved or recreated to honor their origins. “The day we removed the brick, letting light back in through the large plate glass front windows, you could start to see the project coming together,” Wolpert recalls.
One of the hotel’s most distinctive features is the Lost Towns /Lost Communities art installation, conceptualized by Wolpert. “The underlying theme is that we are the stories we tell,” she says. “We hope the exhibit inspires everyone to take care with the world and the people around us and hold them as the treasures that they are: living history, beautiful and fleeting.”
Each hallway and guest room features works by West Virginia artists, many of them available for purchase. “Supporting local is at the heart of everything we do at the Tygart Hotel,” Gainer-Sarfino says.
The hotel offers a modern boutique experience with a deeply historic heart. Guest rooms include walk-in showers, plush mattresses, Keurig coffeemakers, smart TVs, and luxurious details. As part of the Choice Hotels Ascend Collection, the Tygart benefits from expanded visibility while keeping its unique identity. “While we gain access to broader distribution channels and increased exposure, we still maintain the distinct identity and historic charm that make the Tygart Hotel truly unique,” says Gainer-Sarfino.
The hotel’s central downtown location means guests are steps away from restaurants, shops, trails, the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, and other attractions. “Whether you’re here to hike, bike, ski, fish, or just breathe in the mountain air, the Tygart Hotel offers the comfort and hospitality to recharge after a day of exploration,” she says.
Looking ahead, the Elkins Railyard Event and Conference Center—under construction just a block away with an opening targeted for the spring of 2026—will provide an opportunity to expand the hotel’s offerings for retreats and business gatherings. “With our unique mix of history, modern amenities, in-house dining, and access to natural beauty, we offer something truly special for teams looking to reconnect,” Gainer-Sarfino says.
Above all, the Tygart Hotel reflects its community. “When first-time guests arrive at the Tygart Hotel, we want them to feel a sense of comfort and belonging—like they’ve stepped into a place that feels familiar, even if they’ve never been here before,” she says. “We’re not just a stay—we’re an experience.”
206 Davis Avenue, Elkins, tygarthotel.com, @tygarthotel on FB
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