Bridgeport Resident Bringing First-of-its-Kind Concept with Estimated 7-Figure Price Tag to Charles Pointe
By Jeff Toquinto on August 20, 2026
Preliminary approval was granted for a business sustainability incentive Wednesday by the Bridgeport Development Authority for a new, unique hotel concept at the Charles Pointe Development.
Members voted unanimously to approve an incentive that will assist the Clutch House Travel Sports Hotel and Gymnasium at Charles Pointe. It will now head to Bridgeport City Council Monday, August 24, for final approval.
The project developer was looking for a final push to get his idea off the ground. And barring a U-turn by Council, the incentive – capped at $10,000 – will be the seed to allow the project to put down its roots.
The person leading the project is Bridgeport resident and Clarksburg native Jimmy Stemple. Stemple addressed the BDA Wednesday about the facility, which he said will be the only of its type in West Virginia.
“It will be a full-service lodging, practice and entertainment venue in Bridgeport. The primary focus will be hosting sports teams of all ages traveling for multi-day events to North Central West Virginia,” said Stemple, a former all-stater at Washington Irving High School and a Division I basketball player at Winthrop 
University for two years and a two-year player at Bluefield University, where he was inducted into that school’s Hall of Fame in 2024.
University for two years and a two-year player at Bluefield University, where he was inducted into that school’s Hall of Fame in 2024.
Easily translated, that means hosting teams coming to The Bridge. The hotel, which he described as an elaborate Airbnb, will be situated in the open area between Mountain State Brewing and House of Fashion along Daniel Drive.
The building could reach the seven-figure range with the real estate purchase needed. It will cover 6,600 square feet and be one story situated on less than one acre. There is an option to expand to more acreage if needed.
“The idea is to enhance the experience of those teams coming to The Bridge,” said Stemple. “… An entire team will book the facility that has hotel style rooms, a large kitchen, a laundry room, and a bunk room, and a shower area.”
Stemple stated that “I thought I invented something,” but did find a similar concept being done in the Midwest that was a converted warehouse used for baseball teams. He said this, he was certain, was the first of its kind in the Mountain State.
Barring issues, ground will be broken later this year. Stemple anticipates a Spring of 2027 opening.
The biggest selling point, according to Stemple?
“There will be an attached gym, a 60 by 40 foot gym,” said Stemple, who added that was close to the dimensions of a volleyball court and will be called the Clutch Cave. “While other games are going on, the team can come back during the down time and practice. They can shoot around, hit baseballs, practice soccer. It’s going to be multi-use. Any sport that will come to this area the gym can be configured to meet their needs.”
Some of the amenities in the gym will include batting cages for baseball and softball, basketball hoops, volleyball nets, pickleball and tennis, a golf simulator, soccer goals, and equipment for other sports.
There will also be an outdoor patio for grilling, a firepit, cornhole, along with other outdoor activities and games. Dining space is also incorporated in the patio, outdoor area.
While The Bridge, and other regional sports facilities host dozens of tournaments annually, there are some downtimes. There are also down times during the week when sporting events are not taking place.
“Local residents and businesses can take advantage of the space,” said Stemple.
He pointed to business meetings, family reunions, retreats, training sessions, community organizations, corporate settings, and all types of parties from birthday to bachelor that can take place there with everyone being able to stay in the same building. Stemple said 32 to 40 
people can stay with the bunkhouse portion being able to hold 16 youngsters (eight sets of bunk beds).
people can stay with the bunkhouse portion being able to hold 16 youngsters (eight sets of bunk beds).
If the facility is not rented out for overnight stays, the gym can be used for private lessons or group rentals. The groups can use the facility for basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, pickleball, and various other activities.
The building’s hotel-style bedrooms and private baths would be for parents and coaches. The bunkroom would be players only with a locker room and a shower area that featured private showers and bathrooms.
The incentive program that was given a BDA blessing yesterday is a 90/40/40 tax abatement for the first three years of the business. That means the first year will see a tax abatement of 90 percent followed by 40 percent each of the next two years
BDA member Drew Pomeroy asked for the cap. He said based on estimates provided by Stemple on projected revenue that the cap would not impact his project on what he was forecasting. Pomeroy did not want to leave the door open for a massive project to come into the city and a precedent being set with no limit on the 90/40/40 incentive. Pomeroy said a company arriving and applying for the grant making significant income and impacting the city’s tax revenues on the B&O front may require a different thought process.
Although knowing the risk involved with the venture, Stemple said the experience has been incredible with help coming from all areas. He thanked Andrea Kerr and Jared Cummons with the City of Bridgeport, First Exchange Bank and Sam Gallo, contractor who will build the facility Elite Custom Builders (Sean Oldaker, Rob Grabow, and Ed Randolph), Shannon Moore, and the trio of Jamie Corton, Mark Dellano, and Jim Christie of Genesis Partners, the developers of Charles Pointe.
“Anyone that knows me knows I’m not a risk taker, so I have to thank my wife, Nicky, for all her support and for gently nudging me to get started on this new journey,” said Stemple, who also pointed to his Faith in moving ahead with this project. “…(We) are extremely excited to complete this facility in our hometown.”
Jimmy and his wife Nicky have two children. They are Ian (13) and Evan (8).
For those wanting more information, contact Stemple via email at info@clutchwv.com
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Jimmy Stemple as BDA member Ron Eagle looks on, while second photo shows BDA member Drew Pomeroy explaining his reasoning for a cap. In the third image, an architectural rendering of the facility is shown. In the fourth photo, Community Development Director Andrea Kerr explains the business incentive program Stemple was applying for before the vote was taken.
