WHEELING – Multimillion-dollar renovations at Oglebay’s Wilson Lodge were unveiled on

Thursday, when the reimagined spaces at the hilltop destination – under construction since the beginning of the year – were proudly showcased by officials at the resort.

A ribbon cutting, open house tour and grand opening celebration took place Thursday at Wilson Lodge, and scores of supporters, donors, team members, community leaders and others gathered for the festivities. Officials with the Wheeling Park Commission and the Oglebay Foundation thanked the many individuals and organizations that made this $12.5 million renovation possible.

“Today marks the completion of both the entrance experience, the lobby, streets, Sarita’s Coffee Shop, and the restaurants – Skyline and Trace – and the major renovations inside and out,” said Eriks Janelsins, president and CEO of the Oglebay Foundation.

Janelsins noted that this most recent renovation was one phase in an ongoing effort to keep the parks’ facilities up to date and in tip-top shape.

“What you see right now across the parks is just this commitment to continual improvement within our facilities so we don’t get to the point where you have to tear something down. We’re always investing in these spaces,” Janelsins said, noting that future renovation phases are ahead. “Wilson Lodge opened in May of 1957. Over the last 67 years, the original 56-room lodge has expanded to a leading West Virginia tourism and hospitality destination.”

Ground was broken on the main construction area around Wilson Lodge immediately after the Festival of Lights closed in January. The renovation was funded in part by an $8.2 million grant from the Economic Development Administration and was matched by community gifts.

“The most important ‘thank-you’ I can give today is to the entire team working here at Wilson Lodge,” said Bob Peckenpaugh, president and CEO of the Wheeling Park Commission, who noted that the lodge and its restaurants continued to operate through the major renovations. “We turned the place upside down. One of our donors said, ‘Great, Bob. You’re the first guy here to put a stop light at Oglebay.'”

But the temporary stop light was necessary in order to give the green light to the renovations. Peckenpaugh indicated that an all-out effort was in order so the targeted areas of the lodge could be basically torn apart and put back together – all while remaining in operation during the entire seven-plus months of construction.

R. Gregory McDermott, chairman of the Wheeling Park Commission, and Phyllis “Flip” West man the oversized scissors while joined by Oglebay commissioners and other officials during a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the opening of the newly renovated Wilson Lodge areas. (Photo by Eric Ayres)

“We couldn’t close down – we could only do the best that we can do,” Peckenpagh said. “The beauty of that is the fact that the community recognized it, and continued to come back to eat. Our occupancies barely saw a drop during this time frame because the team did such an amazing job. It’s been a long seven months, but everyone has been amazing.”

The newly paved entrance road to Wilson Lodge leads to an improved and expanded parking lot, covered entrance way and new decorative fountain, complete with landscaping around the main entry. Inside, the lobby features a redesigned front desk area with open workstations and enhanced interior aesthetics.

Interior renovations reflect the lodge’s natural stone and dark wood motif. Just off of the lobby area is the new Sarita’s Coffee & Goods – a new barista-style coffee shop featuring pastries, baked goods, grab-and-go foods and a gift shop with curated selections of Oglebay apparel and keepsakes. The lively new space is named after Col. Earl Oglebay’s daughter, Sarita Oglebay Russel.

Upstairs is the new Skyline Kitchen & Bar – specializing in classic comfort foods served with a modern twist. The family dining and casual bar areas offer stunning views of Oglebay Park, and the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Also on the second level is the new Trace Chophouse, an “elegant yet rugged venue” serving premium steak and seafood dishes, complimented by a fine selection of wines and specialty drinks five nights a week. The Hickman Lounge was elevated during the upgrades and now offers craft cocktails and small bites in a relaxed setting.

The new Skyline Kitchen & Bar at Wilson Lodge offers a family dining experience and casual pub highlighted by scenic views overlooking Oglebay Park. (Photo by Eric Ayres)

The new restaurants, upgraded spaces and renovated entrance ways began opening at the end of July when renovations to certain areas reached completion.

“It’s not just about the physical changes – it’s about the people, it’s about the product, and it’s about the other levels of service,” Peckenpaugh said, noting that the renovations create a real opportunity for improved service levels at the lodge.

“My team recognized from the start that this project was a rare opportunity, requiring meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful execution,” said Vic Greco of The Mills Group, principal architect for the project. “Every aspect was scrutinized with care and profound consideration. I can sincerely say that this project is one of the most transformative in my career.”

Gov. Jim Justice was originally scheduled to attend Thursday’s celebration, but a scheduling conflict prevented him from participating. On behalf of the state, West Virginia Secretary of Tourism Chelsea Ruby took part in the festivities and took note of the unbridled pride behind the efforts that brought these renovations to fruition.

Greg McDermott, chairman of the Wheeling Park Commission, echoed those sentiments and expressed his emotions while offering thanks to those involved in the substantial revitalization.

“On behalf of my fellow commissioners, I want to express our immense pride and gratitude for these renovations,” McDermott said. “We feel like what we’re here to celebrate today illustrates what we are capable of as a community when we all come together and work together. This is a great community and a great city, and we’re proud to represent you.”

Scores of supporters gathered near the newly renovated entrance to Wilson Lodge on Thursday to celebrate the opening of the transformed Oglebay landmark. (Photo by Eric Ayres)

Oglebay’s lodge renovation received a major boost through West Virginia’s Tourism Development Act tax credit program, securing more than $3 million in potential credits. These credits can be utilized over several years after the project’s completion and opening to the public.

The West Virginia Department of Economic Development also played a key role by leveraging a federal grant to obtain more than $60,000 in workforce training funds, which will be used to train Oglebay employees as they launch new restaurants.

Eriks Janelsins, president and CEO of the Oglebay Foundation, addressed the crowd on hand outside the main entrance of Wilson Lodge during the celebration. (Photo by Eric Ayres)

An impressive wine wall greats guests entering the new Trace Chophouse at Oglebay’s Wilson Lodge. (Photo by Eric Ayres)

Johnny Doyle, shop manager at the new Sarita’s Coffee & Goods, welcomes guests with decadent delights in the new space near Wilson Lodge’s main entrance and reception area. (Photo by Eric Ayres)

Chef Adan Morales led a group of aspiring culinary artists for a kitchen session making gourmet ravioli from scratch during Thursday’s opening house at Wilson Lodge. (Photo by Eric Ayres)

Mattison Young, director of guest services at Oglebay, participates in a ravioli making session in the newly renovated restaurants at Wilson Lodge on Thursday. (Photo by Eric Ayres)