Photo by Eric Ayres The roof on the historic Centre Market's Lower Market House is slated to be replaced this summer. On Tuesday night, members of Wheeling City Council approved a $680,000 contract with Mansuetto Roofing and Sheet Metal of Martins Ferry for the roof job, which must be completed by the end of September.

WHEELING – Members of Wheeling City Council approved more than $1 million worth of renovation projects Tuesday night during their first regular meeting in May.

One major project approved Tuesday night will bring a new roof to the historic Centre Market’s Lower Market House. Following a second reading, council members on hand during the meeting voted unanimously to authorize the expenditure of $680,000 with Mansuetto Roofing and Sheet Metal of Martins Ferry for the replacement of the roof.

Built in 1890, the Lower Market House is actually the newer of the two historic market houses in Centre Market. The Upper Market House predates the Civil War, opening its doors in 1853.

The massive job on the sprawling market house will be charged to a variety of different funding sources. A grant from the National Park Service in the amount of $150,000 will be used, along with a West Virginia State Development grant in the amount of $42,500. A $289,000 chunk of funding from the city’s regular RCIP (Restricted Capital Improvement Project) fund will also be utilized, as will $107,500 from the city’s Infrastructure RCIP and $100,000 from the city’s Project Fund.

Mansuetto Roofing and Sheet Metal was determined to be the lowest and best bidder for the roof replacement project at Centre Market. By comparison, Kalkreuth Roofing submitted a bid of $768,375 for the job, and Ramp Construction bid $735,000 for the project.

Much of the work is expected to take place over the summer and must be completed before October, according to Wheeling City Manager Robert Herron.

“The timeline really is a deadline of Sept. 30 to have the National Park Service funds expended,” Herron said. “Typically after council approval, it takes about 30 days to get everything in order, so the goal here is to begin sometime in early June and be done by September.”

Grant funding has gone through West Virginia’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Herron noted. The historic character of the Lower Market House will be maintained, although different materials will be used and will not simply update the wood shingles that currently cover the structure.

“It will be historical, but they will not be wood shingles,” Herron noted. “SHPO has approved the project, and one of the grants that we’re receiving was actually from SHPO, so it’s compliant.”

Another major renovation project approved by council Tuesday night will bring major upgrades to the 10th Street Parking Garage – a highly utilized parking structure in the downtown area. Council approved the expenditure of $518,900 with Lombardi Development of Follansbee for stair tower and elevator upgrades at the 10th Street Parking Garage. The project will be charged to the city’s regular RCIP Fund in the amount of $300,000 and to the 10th Street Parking R&R (Repair and Rehabilitation/Replacement) Fund in the amount of $218,900.

With city council approval, officials must now assemble the required documents in order to be able to execute the contract and proceed with the project.

“Notice of intent to award was issued to the contractor today, which triggers the requirement that the contractor assemble all of the necessary insurances, workers comp, performance bonds, etc.,” Herron explained. “The contractual construction timeframe for this project is 282 calendar days. Some of that is for lead time on parts, particularly for the elevators.”

If the entire allotted amount of time is utilized, this project could see completion after the first of the year in 2027.

In other action on Tuesday night, council approved a recommendation to reappoint members of the Wheeling Planning Commission to new terms. Officials supported the reappointment of commission members Michael Baum, Howard Monroe, Jeremy West and Thomas Connor to new terms expiring June 30, 2029.

Also Tuesday, Councilman Tony Assaro mentioned upcoming events in Warwood, including a popular dog-friendly community event this month.

“On Saturday, May 16, Wheeling Heritage is hosting Fido Fest 2026 at Garden Park in Warwood. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and celebrates dogs and their owners with activities, vendors, live music and an adoption center with the local shelter.”

Councilman Dave Palmer also noted an exciting new festival slated to take place this weekend at Wheeling Park.

“I saw the interesting event taking place Saturday at Wheeling Park – the Pepperoni Roll Festival,” Palmer said, noting that West Virginia is considered the birthplace of pepperoni rolls. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with several area vendors, live music and family activities. “We should all go out, try pepperoni rolls and maybe be some judges.”