Photo by Scott McCloskey The Starbucks at 36 Fort Henry Road at The Highlands in Ohio County will close July 27 as part of the company’s decision to shut down 600 stores nationally.

WHEELING— The apparent closure of a Starbucks at The Highlands hasn’t dampened the spirits of Ohio County Administrator Greg Stewart. He said the soon-to-be-vacant building will quickly be home to a new business, and Starbucks may be offered a new Ohio County location. Stewart said he has been told the Starbucks at 36 Fort Henry Road will close July 27 as part of the company’s decision to shut down 600 stores nationally. He noted, however, he has not received official notification from the company, and he’s heard no word on the fate of the Starbucks located inside the Target store at 300 Cabela Drive. Calls to the Fort Henry Road Starbucks were referred to Starbucks’ corporate office. Those calls were not returned today. Stewart said, as part of its lease agreement, Starbucks will continue to pay rent for the Fort Henry Road location until a new business opens there. He said Ohio County officials already have been in contact with potential tenants of what soon may be the former Starbucks store. “We aren’t concerned,” Stewart said. “We will get that space filled with somebody.” Despite the likely closure, Stewart said there is still potential for an independent Starbucks at The Highlands. He said Ohio County officials will approach the company in regard to a location in the Town Center. He said the upcoming opening of a cinema, an AT&T call center and a West Liberty State College branch in that area may be appealing to the Seattle-based business.