WHEELING | Development Thread

[deja vu]

Now the three local institutions of higher education in Wheeling are pushing back against the city's efforts to engage with Bluefield State College (BSC) to open a branch campus at the former Ohio Valley Medical Center property. The city entered into a non-binding MOU with BSC in February to lease part of the empty medical campus to the school. I guess the existing schools don't want the added pressure / competition for students. But is that really grounds to keep another school out of the region?

Wheeling mayor ‘disappointed’ in opposition from local colleges on potential of Bluefield State using OVMC property
Jake Flatley | Metro News
March 11, 2021

[themaguffin]

I think whether or not the area can support it, deserves scrutiny and research.

Why no effort to have a hospital again?

[dboakland]

Originally Posted by deja vu

Now the three local institutions of higher education in Wheeling are pushing back against the city's efforts to engage with Bluefield State College (BSC) to open a branch campus at the former Ohio Valley Medical Center property. The city entered into a non-binding MOU with BSC in February to lease part of the empty medical campus to the school. I guess the existing schools don't want the added pressure / competition for students. But is that really grounds to keep another school out of the region?

I don't get it. Lets just keep the building vacant.

[deja vu]

Work continues at Triadelphia Middle School. The project is slightly over-budget (almost $9 million total cost now) and scheduled to be done in time for August classes. The work includes a new, 2-story addition for music, classrooms, maker space, woodshop, and cafeteria -

Work Winding Down At Triadelphia Middle School
Joselyn King | The Intelligencer
June 9, 2021

Source: The Intelligencer


Source: Ohio County Schools


Source: Joselyn King | The Intelligencer

[deja vu]

A nearly $18 million contract to restore Wheeling's historic suspension bridge has been awarded to Butler County, PA-based Advantage Steel & Construction LLC. The iconic bridge, constructed in 1849, has been closed since September 2019 due to damage. The 1,300 foot span was part of the original National Road — the first major improved highway in the United States that ran from Maryland to Illinois. At the time of its completion, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world, and a primary passageway to the West.

It's not even a guarantee yet that the bridge can be reopened. Officials won't be able to make the call until contractors begin work investigating structural conditions. But at least they have the funding and are going to try.

West Virginia Awards $17.9 Million to Rehabilitate the Suspension Bridge
Eric Ayres | The Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register
August 31, 2021

Source: bridgeinfo.net

[deja vu]

Woda Cooper is partnering with Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing (OCCH) to bring a 4-story senior housing development to the corner of Jacob & 39th Streets (South Wheeling). The development, dubbed "Carnegie Greene at 39th" will provide 39 affordable housing units. It's not much of a looker, but it is a larger-scale development for the region. Part of the challenge with developing this area is that it is in the flood plain. TO compensate for that, the building is raised above grade on a 5+ ft. high split-face block wall.

Financing for the project recently closed. Here is the elevation that was submitted in the plan review packet early in late 2020 -


Source: City of Wheeling

[deja vu]

It's been a while, Wheeling...

It would be great to see this block of four buildings get saved -


Source: The Intelligencer File Photo

Developer Taking Closer Look at 1400 Block of Market Street in Downtown Wheeling
Shelley Hanson | The Intelligencer
May 6, 2022

The Pittsburgh-based company (Desmone Architects) interested in redeveloping four different downtown buildings together is gathering related information before making that decision. Motorists in the downtown area may have noticed the 1400 block of Market Street was blocked for a short time this week while the Wheeling Fire Department’s ladder truck was in use. The department was helping a company – Intertek Professional Services Industries – take roofing samples from the buildings that are being tested on behalf of a developer...

...The city purchased 1437, 1433 and 1492 Market St. in 2005 and 1429 Market St. in 2006 with the idea of razing the buildings to make room for new development. However, after getting a $350,000 estimate for demolishing the buildings, city leaders decided it would be best to see if anyone would be interested in rehabbing the buildings....

...Desmone’s potential plan for the building includes retail on the bottom of 1437 Market St. while the first floors of the other buildings would be turned into a large restaurant featuring outdoor seating. Parking would be at the rear. The upper floors would be turned into AirBnB units...

[north 42]

It would be a real shame if they were to tear down these buildings just to make room for new development. Old buildings are not replaceable and new development can go anywhere.