FOLLANBY — From university academic and athletic facilities in West Virginia to luxury residences in Florida, Lombardi Development Company has produced a wide range of buildings for a variety of purposes during its 25 years of operation.
On Wednesday, Follansbee business owners and staff joined forces with members of the Follansbee Chamber of Commerce, Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce, Weirton Chamber of Commerce, members of the Hancock County and Brooke County Young Professionals Associations, and many other guests to celebrate the founding of 25 We celebrated our anniversary.
In between greeting each of their many visitors, owners Paul and Caroli Lombardi reflected on the development of their business over the years.
The business began in the Lombardi family’s home before opening its current headquarters at 649 Virginia Avenue about 12 years ago. Paul said he initially worked in the basement of his home, but later expanded into a building on the property.
He has always been interested in carpentry, and as a teenager he did various jobs for his neighbors. He also discovered that he had a talent for visualizing the final product by looking at a series of blueprints.
“It’s always been natural to me.” He added that he also learned various building techniques from many families.
His wife of 31 years, Karoly, has always supported his efforts, but only became formally involved after five years of running the business. She uses her background in economics and computer science to oversee the company’s finances.
Paul said his original goal was to build a new home in the Ohio Valley, but construction demand from hospitals, schools and other public entities made him willing to pursue a broader scope. Ta.
Among his first projects were building a new five-bay station for the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department on State Route 88 and building a local Anheuser-Busch dealership, Waldorf Distribution, on State Route 2 in Beech Bottom. This included building a new headquarters and warehouse for Ting Corporation.
Since then, Lombardi Development has built the 9,662-square-foot Disciples of Christ Archives Center, an addition to Brookhills Free Methodist Church, near Bethany College. the multi-tenant White Oaks Retail Center in Bridgeport, West Virginia; and the Monongahela Valley Association Pediatric Clinic and Financial Operations Center in Fairmont, a two-story, 9,800-square-foot medical facility.
The firm has received awards from the American Institute of Architects for the Raleigh County Justice Center in Beckley, West Virginia, and the Frank and June Gabor West Virginia Folklore Center at Fairmont State University.
The company has established an office in Morgantown and has pursued several projects at West Virginia University. This includes installing new tile flooring, ballroom-style ceilings, an information desk and additional offices within the Mountain Rare Information Center. Renovated two floors of the Evansdale Library and added a snack bar. and the creation of the Alexis and Jim Pugh Media Innovation Lab for WVU journalism and media students.
Most recently, Lombardi Development is working on the construction of the nation’s second Appalachian Aquatic Conservation Center at West Liberty University and a $5.9 million addition to Weir High School’s athletic department.
Perhaps the most impressive Lombardi buildings that many locals have never seen are the several 4,600- to 5,000-square-foot custom homes he completed in Florida.
Occupying 6,900 square feet of waterfront property, it includes four adjoining bedrooms, a study, gourmet kitchen, spacious upper room, private terrace, gas fireplace, kitchen, dining area and bar overlooking the swimming pool. Includes a large outdoor area with a
Lombardi said he relocated to Florida because he has family in Naples. To serve the company’s market in the Sunshine State, it opened an office in Bonita Springs, near Fort Lauderdale.
Lombardi Development has also completed projects in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Kentucky.
Over the years, the company has employed 40 to 50 people, including some who work full-time in its offices in Morgantown and Bonita Springs.
Paul Lombardi said he thinks about himself. “Very lucky.” Having a hard-working and competent staff.
Longtime employees include Jason Nazum, Maria Verbach Nazm, Bernie Elliott, John Clark, Terry Taft, Terry Ridgley, Gene Galounia, Brian Jacobs, Scott Bradley, Rob Barbetta and Mike Terek.
Paul has also been assisted in recent years by his brother Joe, who is the business development director.
He also said he feels very lucky to have been able to build a successful business in his hometown.
(Scott can be reached at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)
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