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Kimball, W.Va. (November 9, 2026) – Sam and Barbara Baker are inviting the community to celebrate the grand reopening of the renovated 13-room Big Four Lodge at 25925 Coal Heritage Road in Kimball, W.Va., from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, November 14. The Bakers, owners of Big Four Lodge LLC, will host a 2 p.m. ribbon cutting ceremony.
Sam Baker said property tours will be offered throughout the event. “Kimball Heroes” pictures will be unveiled, and family announcements will be made at 1:30 p.m. Food, refreshments, games, prizes, drawings, and live entertainment will be offered throughout the two-hour event with T-Shirt giveaways every 10 minutes.
The Baker family has generational roots in Welch and McDowell County. Their decision to purchase, restore, and reopen the lodge reflects their strong connection to the area. “It has been our long-held belief that we benefited greatly from a wonderful childhood with a fantastic moral compass from our youth,” Baker said, explaining the family’s decision to invest in the property. “Unquestionably McDowell County has done more for us than we could ever do in return. We are fiercely proud of our McDowell County heritage, and it will always be considered home. Regional road construction and tourism generated by the lodge will boost the local economy, which is important to us.”
The Bakers expressed their appreciation for those who supported the project, including West Virginia Delegate David Green, McDowell County Commissioners Michael Brooks, Cecil Patterson and DeWayne Dotson, County Clerk Donald Hicks, County Administrator Jennifer Wimmer, Sheriff James “Boomer” Muncy, and Kimball Mayor Adam Gianato.
Baker also praised Devon Fitzgerald, Regional Business Advisor at the West Virginia Hive for her support during the year-long rehabilitation of the property. He particularly noted the WV Hive’s assistance with architectural renderings and website development, along with constant encouragement. “We simply could not have completed the task without the support of Devon and The Hive,” he said.
“It’s been a pleasure working with Sam throughout this project. His dedication to bringing Big Four Lodge back to life and his commitment to McDowell County have been wonderful to see. We are proud to have supported him along the way and look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on the community,” said Devon Fitzgerald, Regional Business Advisor at West Virginia Hive.
More information about the hotel, art gallery and property history is available at https://www.facebook.com/fb-answers/big-four-motel-kimball-wv/
The West Virginia Hive is the entrepreneurial program of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, serving Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh and Summers counties. To learn more about the WV Hive or become a client, visit https://wvhive.com.
