Charles Town & Ranson, West Virginia

SGA led a decade-long effort with the City of Ranson to breathe new life into its downtown, tackling vacant lots, blighted buildings, and several large brownfield sites. At the heart of this revitalization was the idea of creating a “grand boulevard”—a concept first imagined in Ranson’s original 1892 city plan. SGA revived this vision through the Two Towns–One Plan strategy, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

With support from two U.S. Department of Transportation TIGER grants, the city was able to fund the design and construction of the long-awaited, one-mile boulevard. SGA helped shape the project to meet modern needs—like traffic flow, accessibility, and environmental standards—while keeping the original spirit of the boulevard alive as a central public space.

SGA also developed design guidelines that matched the city’s SmartCode zoning for the Old Town District, and led the streetscape design, permitting, and construction process.

A standout feature of the project is its use of green infrastructure to manage stormwater and reduce flooding. The boulevard includes 35 bio-retention planters, vegetated swales, and structural soil systems—all designed to meet Chesapeake Bay water quality regulations. It was the first major green infrastructure transportation project built by the West Virginia Department of Highways.

Completed in 2017, the $12 million project has helped spark over $50 million in downtown redevelopment, including a new campus for American Public University. Fairfax Boulevard is now a model for how historic vision, smart planning, and environmental innovation can come together to transform a city’s future.