Top Headlines

Downtown Wheeling: A Decade of Transformation

Derek Redd

Editor's Note: Dean Connors, a downtown Wheeling business and property owner, penned this piece on the rebirth of downtown Wheeling. Connors also utilized ChatGPT to assist in his research.

WHEELING -- Ten years ago, as visitors traveled Main Street into downtown Wheeling, they were greeted by the sight of boarded-up buildings, vacant lots, and a sense of decline that had lingered for decades. At the end of Main Street stood the now-iconic Boury Lofts building, its windows then covered in faded, green-painted plywood -- a symbolic marker of blight.

Today, that view tells a different story. The plywood is gone, replaced by gleaming windows and bustling life. Cranes and concrete trucks mark continued progress. These streets are beginning to come alive with more foot traffic. A community that was once skeptical is now starting to believe.

This is not an accidental revival -- it is the result of years of work, investment and community persistence. And it is far from over.

Laying the Groundwork

Former Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott, who returned to the city in 2009 and purchased a downtown building in 2013 despite skepticism from many, reflected on what it took to get here.

"Downtown Wheeling may have hit a low point, but so many of the essential ingredients were there -- terrific architecture, a classic grid layout alongside an incredible waterfront," he said. "The challenge was first and foremost psychological -- getting people to see a future downtown that might not look like its 1950s predecessor, but which could match it in vibrancy."

Wheeling Heritage Executive Director Scott Schenerlein also emphasized the foundational work that enabled today's momentum, highlighting both public infrastructure and private investment. "A streetscape doesn't just pop up," he said. "While inconvenient for a while, that project paved the way for other investment. I give great credit to the private investment that took a chance when they didn't have to."

Schenerlein applauded the Carl family; Jessica Barclay and Vanessa Craig of ThrIVe and Play N Stay Pet Camp; Waterfront Hall and NewBridge Church, while also recognizing long-standing contributors like the DiCarlo family, River City, Vagabond Kitchen, Elle & Jack's, and WesBanco.

Building Momentum

Downtown Wheeling's resurgence has been driven by transformative projects. The Capitol Theatre, shuttered in 2007 for safety reasons, reopened and now thrives with concerts, musicals and events, anchored by the renowned Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, under the guidance of its music director, Maestro John Devlin. WesBanco Arena underwent more than $5 million in upgrades and hosts the Wheeling Nailers hockey team, the Wheeling Miners football team, concerts, the Mountain East Conference Basketball Tournament, and more.

The Health Plan's headquarters, built in 2018, marked the first private-sector construction downtown since 1982 and brought more than 500 employees into the city center. Downtown housing expanded dramatically with the Boury Lofts, The Doris, the Flatiron Building, Stone Center Lofts, and new condos from Toni DiCarlo.

The addition of new restaurants, bars, and retail outlets has further enhanced the livability of the district. Businesses like Taqueria 304, Tito's Sloppy Doggs, Table 304 and Elle & Jack's have helped redefine the dining scene, while additions like SMART Centre Wheeling and new event spaces at Waterfront Hall offer residents and visitors exciting destinations to explore.

"Over the past 15 years, Wheeling has experienced a remarkable transformation that has breathed new life into our historic downtown," Wheeling Mayor Denny Magruder said. "The construction of The Health Plan headquarters has set a bold precedent, while the reopening and renovation of the Capitol Theatre and the introduction of downtown housing units have sparked a wave of optimism ... the future of Wheeling's downtown is brighter than ever."

Infrastructure as the Backbone

The decade-long Streetscape Project, scheduled to finish this year, has rebuilt sidewalks, repaved roads, and installed new street signs, traffic signals, and lighting. It reshaped how people navigate and experience downtown.

Another major project is the ongoing, $18 million renovation of the Wheeling Suspension Bridge. Now open only to foot and bicycle traffic, the bridge is dramatically lit with LEDs and serves as a visual anchor downtown. The demolition of the Wheeling Inn next door has opened unobstructed views of this historic icon.

"After decades of limited investment and new construction in downtown Wheeling, it's amazing to now see downtown full of cranes and construction equipment," said Josh Jefferson, president and CEO of the Regional Economic Development Partnership. "Leveraging the momentum is key to the future growth."

Culture, Events, and Business

Entertainment venues also have experienced massive growth, with their location as a catalyst.

"We are in a perfect location for entertainment," Kelly Tucker, executive director of WesBanco Arena and the Capitol Theatre said. "Situated between Pittsburgh and Columbus, we're the best routing stop for acts that are filling medium-sized theatres and arenas."

The Capitol Theatre hosted 28 events in 2015. That number grew to 62 in 2024. Attendance doubled from 24,000 to more than 55,000. WesBanco Arena resumed concerts in 2022 for the first time in 12 years and drew 270,000 visitors in 2024.

Waterfront Hall opened in 2023 and offers a live music venue, food hall, and community event space. The Bridge Tavern was remodeled in 2023 and hosts regional, national, and international acts. River City has been completely remodeled as part of the nearly $2 million Artisan Center remodel.

Mike Carl, owner of the Bridge Tavern, which greets visitors to Main Street with a 22 feet tall neon guitar on the building, said he and his family are happy to be part of the positive momentum in downtown Wheeling.

"We were fortunate in acquiring a 64-year-old, local downtown Tavern and grateful to participate in the downtown renaissance."

Longtime heritage events such as The Upper Ohio Valley Italian Festival and Heritage BluesFest continue to draw large crowds downtown. Mountaineer Brewfest, which will celebrate its 11th year in August, draws more than 2,000 attendees annually.

Mountaineer Brewfest Founder and President Jeff Hayes said he has seen significant changes since his inaugural event.

"When we started, there wasn't much downtown housing," he said. "Now we have the Boury Lofts, the Doris, Stone Center, and more. Live music has made a real comeback too. We're seeing progress."

Meanwhile, smaller events such as Art Walks, pop-up markets, and seasonal festivals have brought fresh energy to the streets, supporting local entrepreneurs and engaging new audiences.

The Plaza on Market: Rebirth of a Community Hub

Previously known as Market Plaza, the area now branded as The Plaza on Market has transformed. The former 11th Street extension is now a pedestrian-friendly zone with seating and outdoor dining. New businesses have opened: Johnny Haught's OVMMA Studio, Unique Nail Salon, Two Times Clothing and Collectibles, Dee's Hair Supply, Johnson Legal Services, and the Wilbraham, Lawler & Buba law firm.

Events like the Circus Saints and Sinners' Party on the Plaza, the Wheeling SleepOut, and Santa Claus' arrival in Wheeling take place here annually. Community yoga sessions, food truck pop-ups, and outdoor movie nights have also drawn in new and diverse crowds to enjoy the space.

Thomas, the Stone & Thomas Turtle

One special feature is a concrete turtle statue, affectionately known as Thomas the Turtle, which has stood in the Plaza since the 1950s. During the redesign, the community ensured he stayed. Thomas has a Facebook page and there's a sign with a QR code to promote the Plaza and downtown events, and to encourage the tradition of climbing on Thomas and taking photos, connecting past generations with the present.

Resilience Through a Pandemic

Downtown Wheeling's growth persisted even through COVID-19. Mugshots, a local coffeehouse, opened one week before shutdowns began in 2020. Rather than closing, it adapted and survived, becoming a favorite spot downtown. That resilience echoed across many local businesses.

Other entrepreneurs used the time to renovate or open quietly, setting the stage for a robust rebound. Curbside services, outdoor seating, and digital ordering systems became the norm, showcasing the creativity and adaptability of the downtown business community.

Economic Impact

Frank O'Brien, Executive Director of the Wheeling CVB, shared what this rebirth has meant to the city economically.

"For every 50,000 people that visit Wheeling, it equals $3 million in economic impact," he said. "We see 3.5 million visitors annually."

These visitors come for events at WesBanco Arena, the Capitol Theatre, Heritage Port, and attractions like the Wheeling Island Casino, Festival of Lights, MEC Basketball Tournament, and the Highlands Sports Complex.

Local hotels, restaurants, and shops all benefit, and several new lodging developments are in the works to support future tourism, including boutique accommodations downtown and a potential hospitality project at the former Wheeling Inn site.

Voices of Experience

Peter Holloway, who returned to Wheeling in 1973, offered his perspective on what Wheeling was and what it has become.

"12th and Main once had the heaviest pedestrian traffic in the state," he said. "Downtown was packed with shoppers. Things declined for decades, but we're seeing an inflection point now."

"We don't have forest fires, hurricanes, or earthquakes," Holloway added. "We do have affordable housing, reasonable taxes, good schools, access to top-tier healthcare, and close proximity to three iconic sports teams."

Holloway emphasized that Wheeling's cultural institutions rival those of cities 10 or even 20 times its size.

"A city with millions of residents would love to have what we do in Oglebay Park, Oglebay Institute, or the Wheeling Symphony."

A Look Toward the Future

A new Gateway Visitors and Heritage Center will soon break ground on the site of the former Wheeling Inn. Designed to preserve views of the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, it will be a striking entrance into downtown.

Projects by Lisa and Barry Allen, the McKenzie family, WVU Medicine's Regional Cancer Center, the 1400 Block of Market Street, and boutique hotels signal continued momentum. However, questions remain about the progress of the Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Building, The McLure Hotel, and the Marsh Wheeling Stogies Building.

Meanwhile, the city continues to focus on walkability, beautification, and adding public restrooms, wayfinding signs, and greenspaces to create a more welcoming environment for residents and tourists alike.

Some still claim downtown Wheeling is dead. This story exists to counter that narrative. Like many post-industrial cities along the Ohio River, Wheeling has endured hardship. But it has turned a corner. And it's not just nostalgia -- it's action, progress, and purpose.

Wheeling is being reborn, and the people shaping that future are writing a new chapter worth celebrating.