(Publisher’s Note: The process lasted several years, but finally the Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau was able to purchase the property to plan a new future for the large lot. What that future will be has not yet been decided, but a change is certainly on its way.)
The primary “gateway” to downtown Wheeling soon will be transformed now that the western corner of 10th and Main streets has a brand new owner.
Frank O’Brien, the executive director of the Wheeling-Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau, has released the following statement after extended negotiations with the owners of Nalini LLC, the company that has owned the parcels for 20 years. Motel operations were shut down by the city in early May after officials determined the property to be a “nuisance” after an undercover police operation discovered a plehtora of alleged violations.
The property purchase was finalized today at 3 p.m., and O’Brien confirmed the acquisition by stating:
The Wheeling/Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau is excited to announce the acquisition of the former Wheeling Inn and would like to invite you to a formal announcement at 949 Main Street at 10 am on Wednesday, January 18th.
With this property adjacent to the Historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge, the Wheeling/Ohio County CVB and partners can create a beautiful entry to the downtown area from the Eastbound and Westbound exits off I-70.
Plans are in motion for the demolition of existing structures and the construction of a “Gateway” to the state of West Virginia, and Wheeling will be able to make a great first impression on its visitors.
The visibility from the interstate makes this property the perfect place to create an eye-catching experience to draw in travelers to visit our city and learn about what it offers. This project is an essential piece of the puzzle to revitalize the city.
The Wheeling-Ohio County community has been an incredible source of support and inspiration for this project. Thank you for your continued confidence in the future of our city.
The Wheeling-Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau is a 501(C)6 non-profit organization entirely funded by the WV hotel occupancy tax and is an accredited member of the West Virginia Association of CVBs. The mission of the Wheeling-Ohio County CVB is “to enhance and develop tourism in Wheeling/Ohio County by marketing the area as a premier leisure and business travel destination, and to drive economic success and positively impact the quality of life in Wheeling/Ohio County.”
The CVB purchased the former Wheeling Inn and its parking lots for $1,700,000.
O’Brien did not supply a timeline for the construction or opening of the new facility, but he did reveal the CVB has partnered with other organizations in efforts to gain the necessary funding.
According to information supplied by the CVB, environmental testing revealed that asbestos abatement would be necessary before demolition and that the structure has significant water intrusion issues which have resulted in damaged ceilings, floors, and walls. The report, dated Dec. 28, 2022, from Environmental Standards of Wheeling to the Belomar Regional Council, stated that “several areas are wet with visible mold growth.”
The report also stated that “uncontrolled dumping of miscellaneous trash was observed throughout the property,” and that “aged” appliances remain on the site.
A press conference has been scheduled for tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. at 949 Main Street.
