The Future of The Waldo in Downtown Clarksburg

For over 100 years, the Waldo Complex has stood watch over Clarksburg—a piece of our skyline that immediately says, “You’re home.” Its age is obvious, and yes, parts of it are in rough shape. But when I look at it, I see more than just a building in need of care. I see a symbol of our city’s identity, a place that holds echoes of the past while offering a chance for a brighter future.

Despite its imperfections, the Waldo has a certain charm new construction simply can’t replicate. If it vanished, that unmistakable silhouette would disappear from our horizon, and a piece of Clarksburg’s story would vanish with it. Thankfully, the city’s efforts to renovate and redevelop the Waldo Complex aim to give us the best of both worlds: preserving a treasured landmark while breathing new life into it.

Keep the Negativity to Yourself—You’re Making It Harder

Plenty of folks roll their eyes at the idea of saving the Waldo, dismissing it as a crumbling liability. But let’s be honest: most of us aren’t structural engineers. The people who actually are—those who’ve inspected the building—say the bones are still in good shape. There’s a big difference between a decorative façade that’s seen better days and a building that’s on the brink of collapse. So if you’re not certified to weigh in on its structural integrity, maybe don’t act like an expert who’s peered into every beam and brick. That kind of doom-and-gloom chorus sends a loud message to potential investors that Clarksburg doesn’t believe in itself—and that negativity can sink opportunities before they even get off the ground.

Picture the Waldo and the nearby Robinson Grand joining forces to spark a downtown buzz we haven’t felt in years. Imagine a high-end restaurant on the main floor, maybe even a small casino, plus a few boutique hotel rooms welcoming guests after a night at the theater. Whenever there’s a show at the Robinson Grand, you can practically feel the energy in the air—so why not keep folks downtown longer? With a thoughtful restoration, the Waldo could house dining hotspots, performance spaces, and local shops that feed off that pre- and post-show crowd. That synergy might just be the spark that ignites the renaissance our downtown deserves.

And let’s be honest: a developer or entrepreneur is much more likely to invest if they see a community rallying behind a project rather than listening to endless complaints. Yes, it’ll take creativity (and likely some grants or partnerships), but a smart, well-planned restoration can pay off in the long run. Think of the jobs created, the tourism boosted, and the pride we’d feel in saving a living piece of our past rather than letting it become yet another empty lot.

Of course, a project this size will always have skeptics, and that’s fine. We need debate to ensure it’s done responsibly. But let’s have that conversation with possibility in mind, not defeatism. Ask: How can we help the Waldo succeed? Which resources can we tap? How do we show future generations that Clarksburg doesn’t toss aside its heritage at the first hint of trouble?

Our skyline wouldn’t be the same without the Waldo. It’s more than just brick and mortar—it’s a testament to Clarksburg’s roots and a reminder that we have the grit to breathe new life into old structures. If we do this right, we won’t just be preserving a building; we’ll be reigniting downtown life, fueling local business, and honoring the character that makes our city special.

So let’s stay informed, share ideas, and show up at city meetings. Talk to local leaders. Demand progress that respects our past—rather than letting negativity derail our future. Because in saving the Waldo Complex, we’re not just saving a building—we’re preserving a vital piece of who we are, and laying the groundwork for a Clarksburg we can all take pride in.

Let our city manager cook, she is on a roll.

-Gary Keith