Survey of Historic North Wheeling to Continue

WHEELING, W.Va. – May 6, 2019 – Many North Wheeling buildings are a step closer to a listing on the National Register of Historic Places thanks to a grant from the State Historic Preservation Office.

Now, Wheeling Heritage is accepting bids for this third and final phase of the project, with the goal of adding several new North Wheeling properties to the current historic district. The project, an effort of Wheeling Heritage and the Wheeling Historic Landmarks Commission, came from a desire to identify pre-Civil War era homes that were originally omitted from the historic district.

“It’s amazing how many antebellum homes have been realized through this survey. These properties absolutely deserve to be recognized,” said Wheeling Heritage Historic Preservation Project Manager Betsy Sweeny.

The first and second phase findings, completed by Eastern Michigan University’s Historic Preservation Program, show that a significant number of historic and antebellum homes exist outside of the current North Wheeling Historic District boundary. Three buildings surveyed date to at least 1818. Before this survey, it was thought that the oldest still-standing home in Wheeling was built in 1831.

These surprising results have indicated a need for further study. This final survey phase will collect the last pieces of information needed so that a district expansion can be pursued in the future.

“The need to extend and expand this project speaks to the significance of the properties in North Wheeling,” Sweeny said. “It’s incredible how much of the historic fabric of that neighborhood survives.”

Sweeny expects Phase III to begin soon, with a completion date of Fall 2019. Both Phase I, II, and III are partially funded by the West Virginia Historic Preservation Office’s Survey and Planning Grants.

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.