Artisan Center
Artisan Center
History of the Wheeling Artisan Center Building
The Wheeling Artisan Center, a renovated 1860s industrial building with a three-story atrium in the heart of downtown Wheeling, is a tribute to the city’s rich cultural heritage. The building is located at 1400 Main Street.
The Wheeling Artisan Center is a stunning historic preservation project. The building, now experienced as one, is the combination of three separate buildings. The three-story atrium provides an inspiring welcome to our space. With construction dating to before the Civil War, two adjacent foundry plaques at the base of the pilasters clearly illustrate the state hood of West Virginia. One is marked “VA.” While the other is inscribed “W.VA.”
Renovated in 1996 by Wheeling Heritage, the building is home to River City Restaurant, the Artisan Center Shop, “Made in Wheeling” exhibits, an event space, and the Wheeling Heritage headquarters.
The Wheeling Artisan Center 1996 renovation was a $6 million dollar renovation completed by Wheeling Heritage, as a first phase of Wheeling’s waterfront redevelopment.
Wheeling Artisan Center Renovation
Renovations to the first floor of the Wheeling Artisan Center are nearing completion!
During the renovation process, River City, the restaurant which previously occupied much of the first floor, was relocated to the 14th Street side of the building, and an outdoor dining space is planned to be installed after the completion of the streetscape on that street. Additionally, the Artisan Center Shop has been shifted to the first floor, featuring a traditional storefront along the windows of Main Street.
An additional retail space has also been added on the first floor, which is now occupied by Prodigal Daughter Treasures and Trinkets.
These renovations have enabled the atrium to be utilized for galleries and events, and have brought a fresh look to the entire building. Some of the updates performed in this project include refinishing the floors, upgrading the restrooms and lighting, implementing new wayfinding, relocating the restaurant’s gaming room, and more.