George J. Kontogiannis
George Kontogiannis was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio, and graduated from Yorkville High School in 1958. Visiting Oglebay during his youth, George had firsthand experience with the importance of green spaces as part of a healthy lifestyle from an early age.
Earning his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Ohio University, George worked as a registered architect in Columbus, Ohio, after a brief stint in the Ohio Air National Guard. By 1966, he opened his own firm, growing his business into Colonial American Development Corporation, which, today, incorporates his construction business and employs 200 people with more than 4,600 apartment units throughout Ohio, West Virginia and south Florida.
The businessman purchased land neighboring Oglebay on its northeast side along Peters Run Road where he developed two affordable housing complexes, Oglebay Village and Wheeling Station. A key component of marketing the rental communities is their proximity to the park; residents have incredible access to Oglebay and can leverage park amenities on a regular basis.
In 1996, Oglebay leadership wanted to expand golf opportunities within the park, but more land was needed. Together with the Oglebay Foundation, they approached George about the necessary acreage to add another course. Calculating the value of the land as a charitable gift to Oglebay was a unique business opportunity for George. Thanks to his generous gift of more than 70 acres of land to the Foundation that year, the park was able to move forward with the Palmer Course, which opened in 2000.
The land donation George made was just the beginning. His gift started a long-term relationship with the Oglebay Foundation. As a good neighbor, friend and benefactor of Oglebay, George’s generosity includes funding tree removal and plantings, adding outdoor furniture to the West Spa Patio area, Access to the Parks Scholarships as well as annual fund contributions. Those are just some of the many ways George supports the park.
In 2012, George provided funds to refurbish the Oglebay Playground with new equipment and a new safety surface. The playground, adjacent to Schenk Lake, anchors Oglebay’s Adventure Center incorporating minigolf, the Aerial Challenge Course, rock climbing wall, bike rentals and Segways.
George’s early connection to green spaces has led to a lifelong understanding of their importance. We’re fortunate that George continues to find opportunities to support the park with a focus on improving peoples’ quality of life. Talk about making a difference.
