YWCA Wheeling Weathers Through $10M Renovation
WHEELING - A new elevator is in place and ready to provide a lift to a $10 million renovation project at the YWCA Wheeling - but first it needs to pass inspection.
Likewise, a new heating and air conditioning system has been installed in the building, but it is not yet firing up yet as additional duct work must be placed.
And new kitchen cabinetry is set and is nearly ready for use upstairs. But a stove, refrigerator and other appliances are still needed there.
Renovations at the YWCA began last June, and are anticipated to continue through November 2024, according to Lori Jones, executive director of YWCA Wheeling.
"Right now they are in the process of running new electric, and finding shoots for plumbing," she said. "We've come a long way. It's just that so much needs to be done."
Jones said she, the staff and residents at the YWCA are weathering the winter as existing radiators do continue to put out strong heat where needed. As for enduring warmer temperatures, the building has never had air conditioning, she explained.
"So far, it's all going OK," Jones said. "But I think it's going to get harder as we go on."
Some of the rooms, such as the banquet hall on the top floor, have become places for temporary storage. Other areas, such as the gymnasium, are being prepared in the event beds and residents need to be moved.
The former pool in the building is now filled in and is destined to become the new location of the YWCA boutique. The new space will have its own entrance from the parking lot, and visitors won't have to go through security measures at the front door. The current boutique location on the first floor, meanwhile, is set to become The Health Plan Health and Learning Center.
There were once locker rooms near the pool. The area will become a storage space for personal care items to be distributed to residents who need them.
New windows are being placed in the building, and restrooms are being upgraded.
The YWCA Wheeling building being renovated at 1100 Chapline St. was constructed in 1912, though the organization has been in operation since 1905.
Its first location was at the corner of 12th and Chapline streets where the 12th Street garage is today. It later moved close by to 14th Street near Wheeling Central Catholic High School before moving to the current building.
"We've always been within this five-block radius," Jones said.