The demolition of the Wheeling Inn has been completed, unveiling a breathtaking view of one of Wheeling’s most iconic landmarks: the historic Suspension Bridge. Community members have been buzzing with excitement over the unobstructed sightline, marveling at the bridge’s beauty and grandeur. This new perspective has sparked a wave of pride in the city’s heritage and the architectural gem that defines its skyline, but there is also a building curiosity about what comes next.
The upcoming Wheeling Gateway Center, a project spearheaded by the Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau with help from their partners: Tipping Point Real Estate Development, Wheeling Heritage, and Ohio County, designed by renowned architect Desmone, aims to celebrate the Suspension Bridge while introducing new opportunities for community engagement and tourism.
Balancing Heritage and Progress
The Gateway Center represents a new future for Wheeling — a dynamic space that will serve as a visitor center, a heritage museum, and a community gathering place. However, some have voiced concerns that the Center will obstruct the new view of the Suspension Bridge, hoping instead for the site to remain a simple park or parking lot.
The developers have reassured the public that, not only will the new building be offset from the original footprint of the defunct Wheeling Inn, but the design of the new Center has been strategically coordinated to accentuate the view of the Suspension Bridge. Eric Heinowitz of Tipping Point Real Estate Development explains, “The Wheeling Inn sat just three feet from one of the bridge’s main structures. We’ve worked diligently to ensure the Gateway Center’s footprint is positioned further to the right, creating a design that puts the bridge at the heart of the experience.”
As construction of the Center begins, Wheeling natives can rest assured that, whether they are peering out through one of the viewing decks, from the rooftop restaurant, or along Main Street, when they look out towards the river the breathtaking sight of one of Wheeling’s most cherished landmarks will remain intact.
What’s Coming to the Gateway Center?
So, what can you expect once construction is complete? A lot of things that will make Wheeling shine. The Gateway Center will feature:
- Rooftop Dining: A restaurant with panoramic views of the Suspension Bridge and the Ohio River.
- Viewing Decks: Multiple elevated platforms designed to offer the best views of our iconic bridge, so you can take in the scenery from every angle.
- Heritage and Visitor Spaces: Interactive exhibits showcasing Wheeling’s rich history, a West Virginia-themed gift shop, and areas designed for tourists and locals alike to learn about the city’s culture.
- Outdoor Recreation: Plenty of green space, a café, and seating areas where you can relax, have a meal, or just enjoy the view.
- Community Venues: Spaces for meetings, events, and gatherings, making it a hub for locals to come together and for visitors to experience the city.
A Destination That Will Draw Thousands
The Gateway Center isn’t just going to be a spot you drive by, as Eric Heinowitz says, “[its] designed to be a true community anchor, seamlessly blending a space for locals to gather with an inviting destination for visitors.” Once completed, it’s expected to draw around 175,000 visitors annually, creating a boost in tourism and helping revitalize the downtown area. With tourism in West Virginia already generating $5.3 billion in spending, the Gateway Center will only add to that number, bringing even more energy, opportunity, and growth to Wheeling. “For visitors,” Heinowitz says, “the interactive Heritage Experience will tell the story of Wheeling, immersing guests in the city’s rich history while inspiring them to explore beyond the Gateway Center itself. By showcasing local culture, businesses, and attractions, the center will encourage travelers to spend more time in Wheeling.”
So whether you’re a local looking for a spot to relax with friends, a business hosting an event, or a tourist experiencing Wheeling for the first time, the Gateway Center will provide something for everyone. It will become a cornerstone for the community— a place where history and modern amenities meet in one stunning location.
The empty lot where the Inn once stood now welcomes an unparalleled view of Wheeling’s foremost symbol, a reminder, to locals and tourists alike, of what makes this city special. But even as construction begins and the site is slowly filled with something new and exciting, we hope those same feelings of pride remain.
Stay tuned for updates as design plans and construction moves forward. Community input will be a valuable tool for the New York based exhibit planning and design team with TimeLooper to create the plans for the Heritage Center. So, get ready for the incredible transformation of Wheeling’s downtown! You can follow along at https://wheelinggateway.tippingpointdev.com.
