Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced an economic development project in Coal Run as Weddington Plaza Partners LLC plans to invest nearly $6 million to restore and renovate the Weddington Shopping Center, which sustained heavy damage earlier this year in the flooding in Pike County. The project will help retain up to 300 Kentucky jobs.
“One defining characteristic about the people of the commonwealth is resilience, and every time an obstacle or challenge presents itself, we face it, work together and build back stronger than we were before,” said Gov. Beshear. “This project is a great example of the positive impact that collaboration and teamwork can have on our communities and will bring economic opportunities back to Pike County and areas affected by flooding. I want to thank the state and local officials and organizations for making this restoration possible.”
The investment will be used to remove damaged property; to replace flooring, roofing and electrical components; and to rebuild the flood wall, as well as for security expenses. To date, approximately $1 million has been used on initial repairs, cleaning and renovations. Weddington Plaza Partners is hopeful to have close to 50% of the shopping center restored and occupied within the next 12 months, with renovations to the entire space complete within 36 months.
“2025 has been an incredibly difficult year for Eastern Kentucky,” said Joel Dumas with Weddington Plaza Partners. “The devastating floods of February left a lasting impact on homes, businesses and livelihoods; an impact that will be felt for years to come. The Weddington Plaza community shopping center, a cornerstone of the Pikeville and Coal Run communities that employs and serves thousands, was not spared. But thanks to the steadfast leadership and support of Gov. Beshear, Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Jeff Noel, Big Sandy Area Development District Executive Director Eric Ratliff, Pike County Judge/Executive Ray Jones, Coal Run Mayor Andrew Scott and so many others who worked tirelessly to secure critical funding, we are now seeing the first real signs of recovery. My partners and I are deeply grateful for their efforts. It’s been a long eight months, but progress is happening, tenants are returning, and we look forward to welcoming back customers as Weddington Plaza comes back to life.”
Weddington Plaza Partners owns and operates various shopping centers, with company leadership having spent most of their careers as investment real estate brokers in the shopping center sector. In 2019, the company acquired the property in Coal Run with the goal of making the space a functional, important part of the community, creating jobs and driving investment. The company is focused on restoring the shopping center and bringing the property to its full potential.
Coal Run Mayor Andrew H. Scott recognized those who helped make the project possible: “The city of Coal Run is extremely grateful to Gov. Beshear, Rocky Adkins, Secretary Noel, BSADD Executive Director Eric Ratliff, Judge/Executive Ray Jones, Weddington Plaza Partners and all who worked so hard to secure this funding for continued economic development in Eastern Kentucky following the devastating February 2025 floods that ravaged our community. The City Commissioners and I look forward to welcoming back both tenants and customers to the Weddington Plaza!”