WHEELING, W.Va. — Wheeling City Council has approved a demolition contract as the city moves forward with a major redevelopment project planned for downtown.
Council approved a $628,290 payment to Fairmont-based Reclaim Company, LLC for demolition work connected to the 14th Street Redevelopment Project.
The approximately $60 million development is planned for 14th Street between Main and Market streets, near WesBanco Arena and the Robert C. Byrd Intermodal Transportation Center.
Plans for the property call for a new hotel along with dining and event space, adding another major investment to ongoing redevelopment efforts in downtown Wheeling.
Mayor Denny Magruder said the demolition contract is now in place and work is expected to begin soon, although an exact starting date has not been announced.
The city hopes demolition can be completed by the beginning of 2027. According to Magruder, the goal is for the developer to have plans finalized in time to potentially break ground on the new development in spring 2027.
The council action came the same day Gov. Patrick Morrisey visited Wheeling to announce $3.2 million in state funding for another downtown project, the planned Wheeling Gateway Center.
Magruder thanked the governor for the investment, which will help move the separate Gateway Center project toward construction.
Together, the projects represent significant new investment in downtown Wheeling as the city continues redevelopment efforts involving tourism, hospitality, infrastructure and its waterfront area.
