The City of Bluefield is looking to transform Exit 1 into a destination for those passing through the Mountain State.

In a board meeting on Tuesday, the city announced the firm, E L Robinson, will begin working on developing space. 

Bluefield City Manager, Dane Rideout, said their first priority is bringing gas stations to the exit.

“We’ve all done it. You see the sign for gas and as we get further up the exit, the sign tells you it’s three miles or four miles away, What do you do? You get right back off the exit and keep driving,” Rideout explained.

Rideout added he would also like to see restaurants and hotels move into the area. He said he hopes construction will begin within the next year.