Look at what Wheeling will look like in the future as designs are revealed for the Gateway Center

Wheeling is one step closer to having a new Convention and Visitors’ Bureau (CVB), as the city unveiled its ambitious plans.

It’s the day many people have been waiting on, the Wheeling Ohio County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau unveiled its impressive plans for a new building

The plans for the new Convention and Visitors’ Bureau were released after much anticipation from downtown businesses and residents. The new CVB will be built on the site of the former Wheeling Inn, which is being demolished.

After several weeks of removing asbestos from the former inn, it is finally ready to come down to make way for the new CVB building. Once demolition is complete, it will open up the views of the suspension bridge, views that have not been seen for almost 150 years. The new building will include several amenities like a rooftop restaurant, access to the Heritage Trail, and multiple levels for viewing the bridges and river.

“It’s an important position for us to be at this gateway. This is the main gateway to Wheeling and all of Ohio County. And having a presence here we think will really increase the number of tourism dollars that are coming to the community.”

Frank O’Brien – Executive Director, CVB

It will become a hub for Wheeling and Ohio County, as it sits near Interstate 70. The hope is travelers will exit the interstate and come to the CVB, where they can be directed to other important places in Wheeling, such as Oglebay Resort and Wheeling Island Casino. This is yet another example of a revitalization happening in and around the Friendly City.

“This is one of the greatest honors of my entire life. Our mission is to unlock the neighborhood’s highest potential through commercial real estate development. And this project emulates, especially when you see the new design concepts, a completely new identity, and a completely new future for Wheeling. So we’re really, really thrilled and just blessed to be a part of that transformative change.”

Jim Ambrose – President, Tipping Point

Doug Carl, Co-Owner of The Bridge Tavern, says he is ecstatic about the new center, which will open up views of the suspension bridge from downtown, a view that has not been seen in generations.

The project is financed by federal, state, and local money, along with various other sources. Frank O’Brien, Executive Director of the CVB, is confident they have the funds necessary to complete the project.

Demolition of the old Wheeling Inn is expected to be complete by sometime in December, however, there is no clear timetable of when the entire project will be done.. It is expected to be finished a few years from now.

“We could not be more ecstatic. I mean, we’re absolutely thrilled to have the new neighbors across the street with the CVB. The Visitor’s and Heritage Center is going to be amazing for downtown Wheeling, not only for visitors, but for the residents that are here. So, we lived downtown. My family lives downtown. We own a small business downtown and be a part of this neighborhood redevelopment. It’s just been so exciting for the Bridge Tavern.”

Doug Carl – Co-Owner, Bridge Tavern

Carl says the new CVB will benefit not just his business, but others in the area as well. The new building is expected to draw travelers off Interstate 70 into downtown Wheeling, some of whom may have kept driving past.

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