Results of Wheeling Heritage’s Downtown Housing Survey Released
WHEELING, W.Va. – Dec 16, 2021 – Earlier this year, Wheeling Heritage released a survey to learn more about the types of housing people would like to see in downtown Wheeling. More than 1,300 individuals completed the survey that will provide Wheeling Heritage, local stakeholders, and interested developers with valuable knowledge about the types of housing that should be considered for future downtown projects.
The results demonstrated a clear interest in expanded downtown housing and amenities. Of those surveyed, 50 percent indicated that they would or might be interested in living in Downtown Wheeling. Safety, affordability, walkability and proximity to a market were noted as important factors when considering where to live. Of those already living downtown, 68 percent said that they were likely to recommend Downtown Wheeling as a good place to live.
“This survey provides critical information to our community partners and future developers about the kinds of housing and amenities that Wheeling can support,” said Betsy Sweeny, director of heritage programming for Wheeling Heritage. “We’ve known for years that anecdotally, people are interested in living downtown, but now we have the data to prove it.”
The survey was facilitated by the Downtown Professionals Network (DPN), a research and planning firm that specializes in solutions for community, downtown, and business district development, redevelopment and revitalization initiatives. After the results were compiled, a representative from DPN met with staff from Wheeling Heritage along with the Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED), City of Wheeling, Wheeling Area Chambre of Commerce and other local stakeholders to discuss the findings of the study and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
The full survey results can be accessed at wheelingheritage.org/housing-survey.
About Wheeling Heritage: Wheeling Heritage is a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Through historic preservation, community development, and the arts, we help to tell Wheeling’s story and shape its future. We seek to improve the quality of life in Wheeling by preserving and investing in our city, collaborating with others, and engaging the citizens of Wheeling in our work.
