WHEELING, W.Va. – Oct. 15, 2026 – Wheeling Heritage has been awarded a $90,000 historic preservation grant from the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia to support exterior maintenance and window restoration at the Wheeling Artisan Center.
The grant is one of eight awards totaling $490,261 through the alliance’s Frontier to Statehood Grant Program, which supports the rehabilitation and continued use of historic buildings across West Virginia in recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Funding for the Wheeling Artisan Center will be used to paint the building’s upper architectural crown and windows, along with window refurbishment. These improvements will help maintain the historic structure and preserve its role as a downtown destination for shopping, dining, arts, and culture.
“The Artisan Center is a beautiful historic structure and serves our community in so many ways. As with any structure, continued maintenance is important to retain its integrity for years to come. We could not be more thankful to have been chosen to receive this funding. It will contribute to our efforts to enhance and improve our Main Street community,” said Scott Schenerlein, executive director of Wheeling Heritage.
Built in 1867 by Henry List, a prominent wholesale merchant and banker, the Wheeling Artisan Center is located within the Downtown Wheeling Historic District. Wheeling Heritage renovated the building in 1996, transforming it into a hub for local artisans, businesses, and cultural activities.
Today, the building houses River City Restaurant, the Artisan Center Shop, Prodigal Daughter Treasures and Trinkets, Ltd., “Made in Wheeling” exhibits, a third-floor event space, and Wheeling Heritage’s headquarters. To learn more, visit wheelingheritage.org/project/artisan-center.
For more information about Wheeling Heritage and its historic preservation initiatives, visit wheelingheritage.org.
