Photo by Shelley Hanson Wheeling city officials, from left, Councilman Ty Thorngate, Vice Mayor Chad Thalman and Mayor Glenn Elliott check out the kitchen in a unit inside the new Hobbs Greene senior apartment building in South Wheeling.

WHEELING — City officials on Tuesday got the chance to see the new Hobbs Greene apartment building — an $8.7 million investment in South Wheeling by the Woda Cooper Companies.

Located at 37th and Jacob streets, the 39-unit building is available for adults ages 55 and older. Residents must earn less than 60% of the median income.

The complex is expected to open Dec. 15, but people can apply to live there now. One- and two-bedroom units are available. Each comes with a kitchen with appliances including a dishwasher. Each unit also has its own laundry with washer and dryer. The bathroom has a tub-shower combination and is equipped with grab bars for safety. The kitchen and living area is open concept.

Rent ranges from $450 to $699 per month depending on the number of bedrooms and one’s income. The building also offers a community room featuring a kitchenette and TV, a workout room and business center. The building also offers high-speed internet.

Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott, Vice Mayor Chad Thalman and Councilman Ty Thorngate all toured the facility on Tuesday. The trio was impressed with the facility and happy that the city’s seniors have another housing option.

“I hope it brings in more commercial and retail development into South Wheeling,” Elliott said, describing it as a “shot in the arm” for the neighborhood.

Woda Cooper plans to build an identical apartment building, named Owens Greene, just two blocks away on 39th Street, said Tom Simons, senior vice president.

“I’m excited to see more housing opportunities for our residents,” Thalman said. “I appreciate everything Woda Cooper has done in the city and I look forward to more development.”

Simons said his company is also getting ready to begin another phase of the Labelle Greene housing project also in South Wheeling.

He noted the new building’s name, Hobbs, was suggested by members of the South Wheeling Preservation Alliance. The South Wheeling Glass Works of Hobbs, Brockunier & Co. operated in the neighborhood in the early to mid-1800s.