2024 Profiles TOURISM & RECREATION |
Wheeling Covention & Visitors Bureau Location :
1401 Main St . Wheeling , WV 26003
Contact Information :
( 304 ) 233-7709 ( 800 ) 828-3097 visitwheelingwv . com
Staff :
Frank O ’ Brien
Executive Director
Olivia Litman
Marketing Director
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The city of Wheeling has recently taken remarkable steps toward community development and preservation , largely as a result of the efforts of the Wheeling / Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau ( CVB ). Under the leadership of executive director Frank O ’ Brien , several projects have been initiated and achieved significant milestones .
One particularly notable project is the restoration and revitalization of the historic Capitol Theatre , which faced closure in 2006 due to numerous public safety violations . However , through the efforts of O ’ Brien and the CVB , alongside a partnership with Wheeling Heritage and other local organizations , the theatre was purchased and underwent a series of renovations adding up to approximately $ 4 million . The theatre was officially re-opened in 2009 .
In 2019 , a symbolic mortgage-burning ceremony celebrated the payoff of a $ 1.9 million loan , marking the official completion of this long-standing
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and complex project . Dozens met in the alley beside the theatre to celebrate the event .
The Capitol Theatre project not only preserved a historical landmark but also resulted in economic and cultural benefits for Wheeling . The renovation included safety upgrades , ADA compliance , new seating , a digital sound system , upgraded LED lighting and roof replacements .
Funding for these improvements came from various sources , including a federal Save America ’ s Treasures grant matched by the city of Wheeling , and several state and private grants . The collaborative effort ensured that the theatre would continue to serve as a monumental piece of Wheeling and Mountain State culture .
O ’ Brien also encouraged the CVB to spearhead a new project to transform the former Wheeling Inn into a stunning new welcome center . Acquiring the property for $ 1.7 million , the CVB plans to demolish the current structure and replace it with a state-of-the-art facility to welcome Interstate 70 travelers to the city . O ’ Brien also points out that guests entering Wheeling from the top of Main Street will now experience a new unobstructed view of the Wheeling suspension bridge . O ’ Brien estimates the demolishing and asbestos abatement of the former Wheeling Inn will happen by the end of the year .
This $ 16 million project received a significant boost with a $ 5 million federal earmark , thanks to the efforts of U . S . Senator Joe Manchin . This funding is crucial in moving the project forward and attracting additional grants and funding , as the CVB is currently working on acquiring a grant from the Abandoned Mine Land program as the Wheeling Inn land would classify . •
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Michael Biela
Marketing Assistant
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Noah Hedrick
Information Specialist
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