|Photo by Emma Delk| Extensive digging and construction work on Wilson Lodge's hillside are for the creation of a porte cochere and an ADA-compliant entrance.

The main entrance of Oglebay’s Wilson Lodge will be blocked off for several months while the front entrance of the building is renovated, according to Oglebay Marketing Director Wendy Hodorowski.

Once those renovations are over, resort guests will see a more accessible and attractive site, she added.

The renovations began this Monday and have an estimated end date of late spring of 2024, according to Hodorowski. No other road closures will occur at Oglebay during these updates.

During the renovations, guests can access the backside of the resort, or Lakeside wing, through a one-way road that has been transformed for two-way passage by traffic signals and signage. Check-in for guests will take place at the Lakeside Entrance until renovations are completed.

The redirection of traffic and digging into the hillside at Wilson Lodge are in service of updates to the inside and outside of the resort. The project will encompass 67,300 square feet of the park’s existing driveway, parking and entrance.

The main feature of the upgrades is the addition of a porte cochere to the front of the lodge. The new covered entrance will provide guests protection from inclement weather while checking in and out of the resort.

Hodorowski noted with the updates the park is focusing on not only increasing guest enjoyment but also making the resort “more fully accessible for everyone.” To help achieve this, a new Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant entrance will be installed.

The inside of the lodge will also receive a facelift. Sarita’s Coffee Bar and the Resort Shop, both located in the lobby, will receive upgrades. Upstairs dining areas will also be “reimagined with new dining options,” described Hodorowski.

New interior finishes and improvements to the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems are further enhancements for the resort.

Day-to-day operations inside Wilson Lodge have changed to make way for the renovations. The front desk has been temporarily relocated to the Lakeside Wing of the building.

The Glassworks Grill and Ihlenfeld Dining Room are also closed while new dining options are created. To accommodate their absence, the Hickman Lounge has been transformed into the Hickman Bar & Grill and will be open to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Upgrade costs will be covered in part by an Economic Development Administration grant worth $6.6 million. The Oglebay Foundation will also help foot the bill, as updates are part of the park’s “Forever Yours: The Campaign for An Enduring Oglebay.”

This campaign seeks philanthropic support to fund major renovations across Oglebay. The program covers the five pillars of the park: Oglebay’s Good Zoo; Park Environment, Recreation, Health and Wellness; Historic Hilltop Structures; and Guest Accommodations and Amenities.

Hodorowski noted the five-pillar approach ensures that “every aspect of the park” will be touched by updates.

“The work will improve and enhance all areas of the parks, including the construction currently underway at Wilson Lodge and Wheeling Park,” added Hodorowski. “These updates are happening in conjunction with raising 100,000 gifts to celebrate 100 Years of Oglebay in 2028.”

Hodorowski believes the end result of the renovations will “exceed everyone’s expectations,” along with showcasing the park’s commitment to “provide an exceptional experience for everyone.”

“We are very excited for these enhancements,” she noted. “They will elevate the

level of comfort, ambiance and service we provide our guests.”