SMART Center Market celebrates new home on Market Street

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — The SMART Center Market held its grand re-opening on Friday, celebrating all the work that went into the big move.

The old building on Main Street, formerly The Goodwin Drug Company, now houses a plethora of dinosaurs, space-themed objects, and delicious ice cream.

Robert Strong, co-owner of SMART Center Market, says this was no easy feat. After two years of renovations, the center is ready to invite people in.

“There was a lot here that needed to be upgraded but we tried to keep as much of the flavor, the character, I like to say pizzaz of this building because when you walk in it’s beautiful. It really is beautiful.”

Robert Strong, co-owner of SMART Center Market

Robert describes it as putting their science-y touch on it. Higher ceilings and original shelving give them the ability to display more books, scientific models, and life-like replicas.

“We’ve got some things hanging from the ceiling also, we have a lot of the original architecture that was here in the building, display counters, and things like that that are going to be able to be utilized to display some fun things that we have.”

Libby Strong, co-owner of SMART Center Market

A sweet feature that greets you as you enter the center is an ice cream parlor that serves Kirke’s Homemade Ice Cream.

“It’s sort of a separate area from the rest of the store, and it’s got some of the Goodwin drug items that we found throughout the building and then tried to decorate it like an old-school ice cream parlor.”

Libby Strong, co-owner of SMART Center Market

Future plans for the center involve renovating the second floor to be an interactive learning exhibit.

“If you were to come and do a hands-on science center in Wheeling what would you like to do, what would you like to interact with? What would you like to learn about? Come in, give us your ideas.”

Robert Strong, co-owner of SMART Center Market

Both Richard and Libby are thankful for everyone who helped make this dream a reality.

The SMART Center Market will continue to host science events throughout the year and invite school groups to visit the new place.

Hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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