The Ohio Valley Food and Innovation District @ 1400 Market Block

Wheeling Is Ready to Reclaim Its Downtown

Wheeling is a vibrant, exciting place to visit for seasonal events like music festivals and sports games, each drawing crowds by the thousands. But during the off-season and after business hours, there aren’t many attractions for visitors or residents to frequent. This gap has contributed to the continued decline of some of the city’s most prominent, historically significant structures, including those on the 1400 Block.

1400 Market Street sits centrally in downtown Wheeling, just one block east of Main Street. Today, downtown consists mostly of scattered bars and restaurants with dimly lit sidewalks that can make a casual stroll feel less safe. The city also lacks the density of businesses needed for people to frequent during the daytime; a place where a mom could bring her kids, a group of friends could hang out, or a couple could spontaneously meet up for coffee or a bite.

Wheeling has the largest trail system in the region. The once-bustling city, filled with economic stability and cultural growth, is now largely vacant and in need of reinvestment, but it’s a city determined to reinvent itself as the business, entertainment, and cultural center of the Ohio Valley. The 1400 Block is ideally positioned to help lead that shift.

Wheeling is the birthplace of West Virginia and its first state capitol. Its location makes it an ideal stop for people traveling between Pittsburgh and Columbus, and the city and Ohio County offer an excellent business climate and an advanced workforce. Year-round entertainment, sports, music, festivals, dining, and shopping are amenities already loved by residents and travelers.

With countless other economic anchors and developments already underway nearby, this project will continue that momentum by honoring Wheeling’s past while helping push it toward becoming the business, entertainment, and cultural center of the Ohio Valley.

What is the Ohio Valley Food and Innovation District @ 1400 Market Block project?

A redevelopment of four adjacent, historically significant buildings on Market Street in downtown Wheeling into a mixed-use restaurant, retail, apartment, and Airbnb destination.

Where is it located?

1400 Market Street, in downtown Wheeling, WV — one block east of Main Street.

What will the buildings be used for?

A mix of restaurant, retail, residential apartments, and short-term rental (Airbnb) space, bringing back many of the buildings’ historic uses alongside new, modern ones.

How big is the development?

28,381 square feet across the four buildings.

What is the total project budget?

$15,300,000.

How is this project being financed?

City of Wheeling Grants, Wheeling Heritage Paul Bruhn Grants, Historic Tax Credits, New Market Tax Credits, HUD EDI, Appalachia Regional Commission (ARC), WV EDA, Construction Loan, Private Capital