Creative
Placemaking

Breathing Art Into Spaces.

Creative placemaking in Appalachia weaves together local art, history, and culture to transform spaces into vibrant community hubs, fostering economic growth, social connection, and a deep sense of pride in one’s place.

West Edge Factory: A Hub for Innovation, Creativity, and Community

West Edge Factory is a dynamic community space where enterprise, artistry, and workforce development come together to build a stronger Appalachia. Originally built in the 1930s as a manufacturing site for cast iron and ceramic heaters, the factory later became home to Corbin, LLC, a Brooklyn-based clothing company that once employed over 1,000 workers. After the plant closed in 2002, the building sat vacant for nearly a decade—until Coalfield Development saw its potential and reimagined it as a hub for social enterprises, job training, and creative collaboration.

What You’ll Find at West Edge:

  • Coalfield Development’s Social Enterprises: Home to our Refresh Appalachia, Mountain Mindful, and Revitalize Appalachia teams, each focused on agriculture, ethical manufacturing, and community-driven construction projects.
  • Advanced Energy Innovation: Headquarters of Solar Holler, leading the way in diversified energy for our region.
  • Creative Spaces: The Turret Gallery & Artist Studios, a two-level space for local art exhibits, community events, training workshops, and studios for resident artists.
  • Event & Performance Venues: The Front 14, a 14,000 sq. ft. event space, and the currently under-construction Black Box Theater, set to seat 200+ for performances and gatherings. You can book The Front 14 for your event here!
  • Hands-On Learning & Making: Our woodshop, apparel print shop, high-tunnel greenhouses, and agricultural aggregation and distribution space honor the legacy of Appalachian growing and making while embracing the creativity and ingenuity of its people.

upcoming events

West Edge Factory is a place where ideas take shape, skills are built, and creativity thrives. Whether you’re here to work, learn, create, or celebrate, you’re part of a movement redefining what’s possible in Appalachia. Visit us and see where cool stuff happens every day!

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Contact West Edge Factory

We focus on business growth in Appalachia. Our business incubator initiative is designed to help new and startup companies develop their niche by providing services, such as management training and office space. To learn more, contact us today!