WHEELING, W.Va. — A major step forward has been taken in the development of the Wheeling Gateway Visitors and Heritage Center after five construction bids were officially opened for the highly anticipated project.
Project partners unsealed the bids Thursday afternoon, marking a key milestone as the planned gateway development moves closer to the construction phase in Wheeling.
Officials say the bid opening provides an updated picture of construction costs and will help determine the next phase of the project alongside federal, state, and local funding partners.
Frank O’Brien, Executive Director of the Wheeling-Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the process is critical in evaluating how the project aligns with current market conditions and available funding.
“This stage allows us to understand the current market and work with our funding partners to determine the best path forward,” O’Brien said.
According to officials, all submitted bids were immediately reviewed to confirm they met qualification standards tied to the project’s funding requirements.
The following contractors submitted qualified bids:
- Stonemile Group — approximately $25.9 million
- Rycon Construction — approximately $28.9 million
- Massaro Corporation — approximately $32.7 million
- Mascaro Construction — approximately $34 million
- United Construction Company — approximately $38.3 million
Contractors were required to meet several strict qualifications before bidding, including participation in a mandatory pre-bid meeting, submission of detailed qualification documents, and pricing for all required portions of the project.
Because the development includes a combination of federal, state, and local funding sources, bidders were also required to comply with several public funding regulations, including federal Davis-Bacon wage standards, Build America, Buy America requirements, and environmental handling procedures involving hazardous soil management.
Officials say the next phase of the process will involve a formal review period running from April 17 through April 20.
Following that review:
- The three lowest qualified bidders will meet with project leaders on April 22
- Final pricing and project scope details will be reviewed
- Contract negotiations will begin with the selected lowest qualified bidder
A formal announcement on the winning bid is expected once negotiations are complete.
Project leaders say the Wheeling Gateway Visitors and Heritage Center has been heavily shaped by community feedback, with more than 4,200 residents and visitors contributing ideas during the planning process.
Plans for the project include direct connections to the Heritage Trail, views of the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge, and interactive exhibits focused on local history and tourism.
Officials say the development is intended to serve as a major gateway into the city while supporting long-term tourism growth and economic development throughout the Ohio Valley.
With multiple funding partners continuing to back the project, leaders say the focus now shifts toward finalizing agreements and preparing for construction to begin.
