Waterfront Property Being Developed Into Venue
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WHEELING -- Downtown's waterfront will be seeing new life with the redevelopment of a historic building into a performance and event venue that will include eateries and a coffee shop, too.
Local businessman Dan Milleson has been working for the past four years on redeveloping the former Berry Kitchen and Supply building at 1230 Water St., which is located across from Heritage Port. He has named the building Waterfront Hall.
Milleson's plans for the hall include having an event space on the upper floor to hold up to 250 people; retail space and Airbnb apartments on the second floor; and a coffee shop and eateries on the first floor. There will be a house-run tavern and performance venue on the first floor as well.
Milleson is seeking tenants to use the two kitchen spaces and coffee bar on the first floor.
He said what attracted him to the site was the scenic riverfront location, along with the history and condition of the property.
"When I encountered the building in 2018, the location is what stood out. The proximity to the Ohio River, WesBanco Arena, and the many festivals at Heritage Port all hinted at exciting possibilities," Milleson said.
"The second thing was the building's historic significance. The Berry family built this building in 1877 after a fire took down their building in the same location in 1871. So, it was a familial effort in perseverance that lasted generations.
"And there were many iterations of the Berry family business in this building that demonstrated this; at first, rope and cordage, then mill supplies and rubber goods, then kitchen and bath supplies," he added. "The business lasted from 1824 to 2018. Their agility and ability to adapt made the business last 194 years in total. I think there's a lesson in that."
"The third thing was the tremendous condition the building was still in. Sue Smith and the late Tom Smith are to thank for this. They preserved this historic building with the same guts and heart that those who came before them did."
Milleson said he is not sure what kind of impact his business venture might have on the downtown area.
"I'm trying to stay even-keeled and trying not to make too many predictions," he said. "I can say that the goal with this effort is to make it something original, something fun, and on its finest day, something that can lift people. Best for me to let everyone else decide the rest.
"From a business perspective, I'm going to do everything in my power to collaborate with other businesses, festival and event organizers, and the city of Wheeling.
"Ultimately, I hope to find an appropriate and supportive role in the fabric of the community."
Milleson said he is aiming to open the bar and cafe area in late April, and the event venue and the short-term rental apartments in mid to late summer.
"But of course, a historic tax credit project like this, where five-sixths of the building was a warehouse, where three new businesses need started, and where tenants need brought in, it feels a little like landing a plane," he added. "I'm a willing but inexperienced pilot."
While this is a different kind of venture, Milleson is no stranger to running a business. He has owned his insurance agency, Milestone Company, for 10 years. It employs 16 people and has offices in Cadiz, Steubenville and New Philadelphia, Ohio.
"I grew up near Piedmont Lake, lived in Cadiz the last 10 years, but recently have been splitting time between there and Bridgeport to be closer to the project," he noted.
Milleson said he's received a lot of support and help in getting the project going including financing from Main Street Bank.
"I want to acknowledge my parents Rich and Lori Milleson who have played a key role in this project, primarily by having faith in this idea, in me personally, and by taking risks together to make it happen," he said.
"Our general contractor Cattrell Companies - especially Dave Stone and Brian Applegarth - have played key roles and had tremendous patience with us.
"Meeting many local tradespeople on this project has also been a great experience - people like Scotty, Cam, Doug, Jason, Mike, Tom, Cody, Bethany and more."
Also essential to the project has been Wheeling architect Dennis Madama, he added.
"Betsy Sweeny, director of Heritage Programming at Wheeling Heritage - who rightly convinced us to proceed with historic tax credits - also deserves credit for not only her work on this project, but for many projects around town where she is a swiss army knife and brilliant resource for so many people," he said.
"Heather Slack and her work as our historic tax credit consultant and broker has made this project possible."
Milleson said he is also thankful for the many others who have helped as well.
"I think this speaks to what is special about doing this project in the Ohio Valley. I have had access to so many smart people because they have been willing, kind, and focused on improving our collective future," he said." And that's what this project is about. It's about love for other people and hope for the future."
Milleson said potential tenants who have "a great food or drink concept" should get in touch with him about using the kitchen spaces as soon as possible.
"I'm hoping to attract tenants who love what they do, and who put the customer experience at the forefront of what they do. Applications are available at waterfronthall.com," he said.