Ward Communities selected for 400+-unit residential development in Hurricane, seeking local contractors in Residential Contractor Connect Event on October 10, 2025
Putnam County, W.Va. – August 21, 2025 – In January 2025, the Putnam County Development Authority announced a commitment from Stonewall Capital to construct 600 homes in Putnam County, making a large stride to address the housing shortage within the Advantage Valley. Stonewall Capital and the Putnam County Development Authority are pleased to announce that a home builder has been selected for the first development located in Hurricane–Ward Communities.
“Putnam County and the state of West Virginia have been incredible partners from the start, offering a collaborative spirit and a true commitment to smart growth. Morganne Tenney and her team at the Putnam County Development Authority have been instrumental in guiding this project forward, ensuring that every step aligns with the community’s needs and long-term vision,” stated Ray Jackson, managing partner of Stonewall Capital. “This partnership works so well because everyone is focused on the same goal—creating quality housing that enhances the county’s future. Ward Communities is a perfect fit for this project because of their proven track record, dedication to quality, and shared belief that strong communities are built one home at a time,” said Jackson.
The Hurricane project will include 400+ for-sale units, including single-family homes, townhomes and single-level living villas, at the former Woodworth Farm location on Hurricane’s Main Street. The goal is to help ease the housing shortage in Putnam County, which has been rapidly growing and struggling to keep up with demand. According to a recent housing study through Advantage Valley, the county needs an additional 1,300 rental units and 2,700 for-sale units to meet the needs of its expanding population by 2028. The project in Hurricane will be under construction first and will be named Woodworth Farms.
“According to MLS data for 2024, the median days on the market for homes in Putnam County was just six days, with a median sale to list price of 100%,” stated Morganne Tenney, executive director of the Putnam County Development Authority. “Additionally, our Advantage Valley housing study indicates that we need to add 4,000 units over the next three years. Without considering the units from Ward Communities and Stonewall Capital, we were only able to meet around 10% of the demand with in-progress developments. We are incredibly thankful for the investment from Stonewall Capital and Ward Communities, which will allow more people to call Putnam County home.”
In collaboration with Ward Communities, the Putnam County Development Authority will host a Residential Contractor Connect Event on October 10, 2025, at the Putnam Career & Technical Center. This speed networking event aims to connect local trade contractors and construction suppliers with Ward Communities. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a speed-networking style one-on-one discussion with Ward Communities. This initiative is designed to help local contractors participate in these projects. To register for the event, visit pcda.org.
Ward Communities is eager to partner with new contractors to help bring these 400+ new homes to completion. Committed to utilizing regional talent when possible, Ward Communities will work alongside local contractors to ensure that the projects meet the community’s needs and that the local economy benefits from the growth.
“The team at Ward Communities is energized to begin building new homes in Putnam County! With over 40 years of experience in Maryland and Pennsylvania, we are eager to introduce our innovative and sustainable designs, built to the highest standards with top-tier materials and the expertise of the most skilled tradespeople. Our mission has always been to ensure a confident and satisfying experience for every homeowner through clear communication, expert design assistance, and a personalized approach. As we expand into West Virginia, we remain dedicated to building lasting relationships and creating exceptional homes in Putnam County,” said Earl Robinson, president of Ward Communities.
Several local residents have commented on the excitement of the development, including Hurricane City Mayor Scott Edwards. “It’s awesome that Ward Communities has chosen the City of Hurricane,” said Mayor Edwards. “The site they have selected, Woodworth Farm, is a vital part of Hurricane’s history and is now going to be a major part of its future. It’s exciting that even more people will have the opportunity to call our wonderful city home!”
Local subcontractors or suppliers in the following industries are heavily encouraged to sign up to attend the event in October:
- Cabinets – Suppliers and Installers
- Carpenters – Framing/Trim
- Concrete – Slabs/Foundation
- Construction Cleaners
- Drywall
- Electricians
- Erosion Control
- Excavating & Hauling
- Floor & Roof Truss/Panels
- Flooring Suppliers & Labor
- Garage Door Installation & Sales
- HVAC
- Insulation
- Interior Painters
- Material/Lumber Suppliers
- Masonry – Brick/Block
- Landscaping & Sod
- Plumbing
- Roofers
- Sediment Control Site Maintenance
- Siding
- Stair Manufacturers
- Survey Engineers
To attend the event and for more information, visit the banner on the PCDA.org homepage. For more information on the Woodworth Farms development in Hurricane, visit wardcommunities.com.
About Putnam County Development Authority (PCDA):
For over 60 years, the Putnam County Development Authority has been the lead economic development quasi-government agency in Putnam County, W.Va., driving development for businesses, sites, the workforce and housing.
About Ward Communities:
Ward Communities is an independent, local builder and developer with a reputation for producing homes and communities of exceptional quality and value in Maryland and Pennsylvania since 1983. Recently named one of America’s Biggest Builders and featured as the World’s Greatest Builder in 2024, Ward Communities is committed to continuing its tradition of excellence and building homes that inspire and enrich lives.