People come first. That’s how it works.
Once a population is in place, the private sector reacts to provide the services the people require and request. That is exactly what Wheeling Chamber of Commerce President Erikka Storch expects to occur once there are residents living in the 128 apartments; that’s been promised once extensive renovations are complete inside the former Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel building on Market Street.
Coon Restoration partnered with the Ohio-based owner of the 12-story building to complete the $30-million project at some point in the next two years, and the City of Wheeling will construct a new parking garage on the corner of 11th and Market streets for the building’s tenants and others working in the area.
“I do believe that downtown Wheeling can be a successful area again despite the fact that it’s not going to be what it was 40 years ago,” said Storch, who also serves as one of two lawmakers representing the Third District in the House of Delegates. “There is an entrepreneurial spirit in the city of Wheeling, and I believe it is going to continue. Entrepreneurs have reinvented Centre Market, and I believe the same thing will take place in the downtown because of the opportunities that will come with all of the housing that is there now with a lot more coming to in the future.”
“As far as office buildings, though, I honestly think people are evaluating that idea,” she explained. “That’s because people found out over the last 18 months that they can work remotely. That’s why I think there is a lot of uncertainty about what work will look like in the future and why I don’t know what the future of office buildings is.”
Streetscape Impact
The initial announcement concerning a revitalization project to the streets and sidewalks along Main and Market streets was made in 2015, and the project has been under development ever since. The state of West Virginia partnered with the City of Wheeling to finance what was estimated to be a $9 million venture.
The discovery of vaults under the sidewalks, however, added to the cost, and so did the design selected by the City’s Council members and Mayor Glenn Elliott. Today, streetscaping Main and Market along with portions of Eoff and Chapline streets will cost as much as $25 million, and the city has funded extensive infrastructure upgrades totaling approximately $5 million. Improvements will be made to the sidewalks, intersections, and signalization, and the roadways that are part of W.Va. Route 2 finally will be paved for the first time in more than 10 years.
“I believe local residents will be so glad to have the streets in downtown smooth again. That has been a complaint I have heard about most often,” Storch reported. “Those residents have felt as if they have been driving through a field of land mines for a bunch of years. It’s really rough along Main and Market streets right now, so I know I’m looking forward to it.
“But traffic barrels mean progress and improvement are taking place, and I hope people realize that now because of the projects along Interstate 70,” she said. “When the downtown is finished and I-70 is completed, Wheeling residents are going to be very fortunate because of the condition of those roadways. That will add to the positive energy is that is being felt in the downtown right now.”
Business owners in downtown Wheeling will be pleased, too, because the noisy process of replacing and improving the underground infrastructure has changed traffic patterns and limited parking options during workday hours.
“All of our businesses in the city have suffered because of all of the road construction because it’s been difficult to get here and there at times because of closures and detours,” Storch said. “And the same has taken place to the businesses in downtown because of all of the infrastructure work that has been taking place the last few years.
“Doing the water, sewer, and stormwater systems was very smart on the city’s part, though, and I was also glad to see gas lines be replaced, as well. I am hoping that means we’ll have some time between when the roads are paved and when the first digging project has to take place,” she said. “So, while it’s been inconvenient at times, hopefully even more people will come to downtown Wheeling because the roads are smooth again.”
Historic Hotel
The recent purchase of the McLure Hotel by Roxby Development has added to the altered traffic patterns on Market Street as the eight-floor building has been painted by crews during the past two weeks. The hotel features 173 rooms, many of which currently are being renovated in preparation for this weekend’s Heritage Music BluesFest at Heritage Port.
The McLure is sold out for the three-day concert, which begins at 5 p.m. Friday afternoon.
“I know there are a lot of people who are excited about what is taking place at the McLure Hotel right now because they like to have an option in downtown Wheeling so they can go see shows at the Capitol Theatre and the events at Wesbanco Arena,” Storch said. “Having the McLure property living up to its potential is going to be a great thing for downtown Wheeling.
“We have a great spirit here with people wanting to be their own boss so they can call their own shots,” she continued. “Opening your own business allows you to create your own destiny, and we’ve seen that continue to grow in the city. That’s why I believe we will see little niche shops opening in the downtown once all of the construction goes away because all of the residents and hotel guests will need those kinds of services.”
The days when G.C. Murphy, L.S. Good, and Stone & Thomas operated in the downtown are often recalled on the “Memories of Wheeling” Facebook page, and many social media posters have expressed opinions that downtown Wheeling will never be the same as it once was.
“And it won’t be the same as it was back then because consumer trends have changed. Plus, I just think that some people have a need to be negative and to hate,” Storch said. “Right now, you can see a lot of terrific things taking place in downtown Wheeling, and it begins with the Bridge Tavern and continues down the street. As far as the vacant properties, I am hoping people will do the same as what the owners of the Bridge Tavern and the McLure Hotel are doing. Maybe it will get contagious.
“There is so much more in the downtown right now than there was when I first started working here seven years ago, and that’s why there is a very positive vibe. There are a lot more restaurant options downtown, that’s for sure,” the chamber president added. “I believe we are on a positive trajectory right now, so the heck with the ‘Negative Nellies.’”
