Hotel, dining, retail, and event center plans to open in Downtown Wheeling in 2026

A $63 Million project will see parts of downtown Wheeling transform into a hotel, dining, retail, event center.

Vol For Life, an LLC led by Wheeling entrepreneur Barry Allen, announced plans today for a transformative multi-use development project slated for construction in the heart of downtown Wheeling.

The estimated $60 million dollar project, currently in the design phase, will encompass the area on 14th Street between Main and Water Streets adjacent to Wesbanco Arena and the Robert C. Byrd Intermodal Transportation Center.

Plans and renderings depict a vibrant complex featuring a 122-room hotel, a spacious 2,600 square-foot event center, dedicated retail space, residential living units, and a captivating rooftop bar and entertainment area boasting stunning views of the Ohio River.

While the project promises to usher in a new era of tourism and economic activity in the city, Barry Allen emphasizes that the development will be much more than just a catalyst for growth.

“This project isn’t just about tourism and vibrancy,” says Allen. “It’s about creating something authentic to Wheeling, something that celebrates the rich history and traditions that make this city so special. We want this development to seamlessly integrate with the existing fabric of downtown, becoming a beloved cornerstone for residents and visitors alike. It also affords the opportunity to give back to our area by creating workforce advancement and carrying forward the continuous momentum that is already underway in Wheeling.”

Allen highlights the collaborative spirit that has fueled the project’s development so far.

“From the very beginning, we knew that building something truly special for Wheeling required the collective vision and expertise of our community. We assembled a robust advisory team comprised of local officials, innovative business leaders, and nationally recognized industry experts. They’ve been meeting consistently for nearly a year, sharing ideas, and navigating the complexities of such a large-scale project,” Allen said.

Allen lauded local officials for their ongoing commitment to the project: “Our local representation, guided by City Manager Bob Herron and Mayor Glenn Elliott, has been phenomenal to work with. Together, we’ve shared a vision for a more vibrant downtown Wheeling, and the ongoing possibilities have been truly inspiring.”

While acknowledging the challenges inherent in such a substantial project, Allen remains confident in its potential and anticipates a 2026 opening of the facility. “There are naturally a lot of moving parts, decisions to be made, and obstacles to overcome,” he admits. “However, after conducting a thorough feasibility study and receiving invaluable guidance from our advisory team, we feel the time is right to share our plans publicly and continue moving forward with a sense of shared purpose and excitement. As the project progresses and more of the project details are solidified, we will be excited to share them with the public.” Allen also noted that capital funding of the project will also begin with a local search. “We will begin our search for financing with community partners who have the capacity to make such a large project a possibility.”

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