Wheeling Properties On Main Street To Be Assessed
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WHEELING -- Two city-owned properties across from the future Health Plan headquarters in downtown Wheeling will be considered for redevelopment following a design assessment from Main Street America.
The structures, at 1107 and 1109 Main St., were acquired in March for more than $200,000 in revenue from a $9.67 million tax increment financing bond sale. One of the buildings, 1107 Main St., was intended for demolition, but Mayor Glenn Elliott said its condition doesn't necessarily warrant such a decision.
Although the vacant structure may hamper the bright appearance of the forthcoming Health Plan headquarters, Elliott said the building's appearance could be improved enough to remain.
Wheeling Heritage recently showed the buildings to architect Mike Gioulis, a Main Street America affiliate, who will prepare a design rendering for their facades and a series of recommendations. Wheeling Heritage Executive Director Jake Dougherty said the assessment will include both the Main Street and waterfront sides of the structures.
"It's a good tool to show what they could be," he said.
Wheeling Heritage will not have to pay anything for the assessment because of its affiliation with the Main Street program, an offshoot of the West Virginia Department of Commerce. The network strives to equip downtown and commercial district leaders with resources to lead communities focused on preservation.
Elliott said the report will be considered when the city determines any possible future for the buildings. So far, no plans are set for structural improvements, nor is the fate of 1107 Main St. determined.
Both buildings offer a storefront and upstairs accommodations which could provide apartment living.
The city also owns three consecutive properties along the 1400 block of Market Street -- and plans to purchase a fourth -- which it intends to revitalize and market for private redevelopment.
On Tuesday, city council heard a first reading for an ordinance to purchase the Market Street News building at 1437 Market St. If approved on Sept. 20, the city will acquired the property for an estimated $140,000 from Lazy Shadow Realty.