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Centre Market District Wins Historic Preservation Award

By SHELLEY HANSON 4 min read

WHEELING - The Centre Market Historic District recently received a historic preservation award from the West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office.

The award for Outstanding Work in a Historic District was presented to Centre Market Manager Brooke Price and Wheeling Vice Mayor Chad Thalman by Randall Reid-Smith, curator of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, during a ceremony held at West Virginia Independence Hall.

"The historic district award recognizes a historic district that is comprised of multiple components that reflect a significant aspect of West Virginia's history and is an example of what preservation can mean to a community," according to the state office.

The presentation was part of the state's Our Legacy, Our Future Awards. The Centre Market Historic District includes the upper and lower market houses that contain a variety of small businesses and the beloved Coleman's Fish Market. Surrounding the market houses are several locally owned boutiques, restaurants, an antique mall, a brewery and more. The area also hosts outdoor festivals and concerts.

"For us, personally, it is really nice to be recognized by the state," Price said Thursday.

She said having the award will help drive more tourism to the neighborhood, which will help the businesses there thrive.

She noted since taking the market manager position last March a few new businesses have moved in including For the Love of Pierogies, a second Market Cafe location inside the upper market house, and American Pies is slated to open soon in the former Oliver's Pies shop area.

"I'm really trying to get interesting businesses in here to drive traffic," she said.

Price believes the amount of tour bus activity will begin again soon. There were few tour buses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"There's definitely a lot of new exciting things going on down here. ... I think the Centre Market is reviving itself and thriving," she said. "It's become a destination."

Thalman described the Centre Market district as "a true gem in the city."

"It's a very vibrant neighborhood and this recognition helps shed a light on the businesses and individuals who help make it what it is," he said.

Susan Pierce, West Virginia deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, said she can still remember enjoying a Coleman's fish sandwich while visiting the city while working her new job.

"Many years ago, when I first started at the State Historic Preservation Office, I visited four towns that were part of the Certified Local Government program which provided survey and planning grants to local historic landmark commissions," Pierce said.

"I visited, in alphabetical order, Huntington, Lewisburg, Martinsburg and Wheeling. And I can still remember what I had for lunch that day: I ate at Coleman's Fish Market: 'Serving Fresh Hand Filleted Fish Sandwiches Since 1914.'

"About that time also, the city of Wheeling was completing a HUD grant to rehabilitate the market buildings. Flash forward: Centre Market continues to be a special place in Wheeling and its support through historic preservation efforts will insure its continued economic success."

According to the state preservation office, "the Centre Market Historic District revolves around its two early market buildings. At 22nd and Market, the 1853 building is noted for its cast iron columns and Greek Revival style employed by architect Thomas Pope. At 23rd and Market, the 1891 building was designed by Wheeling architect Edward Franzheim.

"It is noted for its central brick arches and terra cotta animal medallions. Surrounding these two markets are Italianate commercial buildings that date from the late nineteenth century.

"Rich in mercantile and social history, the district is experiencing new momentum and enthusiasm. The SHPO recently provided a development grant for the market building's roof. "The Smart Growth America program selected Centre Market as a case study to provide training, public engagement sessions and recommendations.

"Councilwoman Rosemary Ketchum participated in this effort. The Centre Market Commission is further engaging the area property and business owners to enhance the market area."

Other award winners from across the state included:

Kim Arbogast McBride and W. Stephen McBride received the Betty Woods “Snookie” Nutting Award; Margaret C. Hambrick, Greenbrier County, received the Individual Person Award;

The Golden Rule, Belington, Barbour County, received the Individual Resource Award; and Arthurdale Heritage, Inc., Preston County, received the Organization Award.

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