This image provided by the Mills Group shows preliminary conceptual designs for a new mixed-use development at the corner of Water and 14th streets in downtown Wheeling that includes a new hotel, restaurant, condominiums, retail space, an events center and more. (Image Provided)

Members of Wheeling City Council are scheduled to see legislation during their first meeting of the new year tonight that will get the ball rolling on plans for the proposed $63 million Waterfront redevelopment project downtown.

Among the new items slated for first readings tonight is an ordinance authorizing the expenditure of $59,000 with M&G Architects and Engineers of Wheeling for engineering services for demolition of existing structures related to the 14th Street Development Project. The expenditure, if approved, will be charged to the West Virginia Water Development Authority Economic Enhancement Grant.

Back in May 2024, officials announced big plans for the construction of a new hotel, condominium, restaurant, retail and events center at the corner of Water and 14th streets. The property is located across 14th Street from the Robert C. Byrd Intermodal Transportation Center.

The project is being spearheaded by Vol for Life, a Wheeling-based development company established by Wheeling residents Barry and Lisa Allen, who previously led The Ziegenfelder Co.

Assisting to bring the project to fruition, the city of Wheeling is helping to assemble the “capital stack” needed to move it forward. This involves utilizing money from the city’s Tax Increment Financing or TIF District funds for economic development to purchase the property needed for the project.

Existing buildings that are expected to be demolished include those where National Equipment Co. has operated for many years, as well as the former Wheeling Coffee & Spice buildings.

Initial plans for the development call for the construction of a multi-story, mixed use facility with a restaurant and coffee shop on the first floor, retail space on upper floors, a 2,600-square-foot events center, a rooftop bar and entertainment area, a 122-room hotel and eight condominiums, including a 3,000-square foot condo overlooking the Ohio River.

The ordinance for the engineering service for demolition related to the development is slated for a first reading at tonight’s city council meeting, which is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. today in the second floor courtroom at the City-County Building on Chapline Street downtown.

Also on the agenda for tonight’s meeting, council is expected to vote on a resolution authorizing negotiations and execution of a lease with Joseph Bonds and Tripps Fun Zone for portions of parcels of land located at the Wheeling Island Marina to be used for recreational purposes. The proposal involves utilizing city property to create Wheeling Water Sports at the site for a yearly rate under a five-year lease with the city, with the option to renew at the discretion of the city.

A public hearing related to this proposed lease of property at the Wheeling Island Marina is scheduled to take place at the beginning of tonight’s meeting.

Other legislation expected to be introduced tonight include a resolution authorizing the submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development of substantial amendments to previous Annual Action Plans related to the use of Community Development Block Grant money. City leaders plan to complete a new street reconstruction project on Grandview Street with unused portions of previously allocated CDBG funds.

New legislation also includes ordinances authorizing:

– The expenditure of $18,105 with Spartan Fire Hydrants of Simpsonville, Maryland, for fire hydrant upgrades to be charged to the Water Department.

– Vacating and abandoning a portion of the unopened alley along Elmwood near Elm Grove.

– The expenditure of $15,190 with Atlas Environmental Management of Youngstown for the rental of two temporary hydraulic fracturing tanks to be charged to the city’s Water Pollution Control Division.