The building that houses the Wheeling Artisan Center has had many identities and purposes during its 157 years of existence.

On Tuesday, the latest renovations of that building were revealed.

It’s been called the Sweeney building, and the Gee Electric building. Now it’s a place where you can buy a piece of local artwork, host a reception, or learn more about the history of Wheeling.

The Wheeling Artisan Center has been revitalized, refreshed to be more user-friendly.

“The first floor now has our retail shop, the Artisan Center, The Wheeling Artisan Center, and we also took our art galleries, that are on the third floor and put it on the first floor. We’re gonna have local artisans come in and be able to teach their craft.”

Scott Schenerlein, Executive Director of Wheeling Heritage

It was made possible in part by one million dollars in Congressional Directed Spending secured by Senator Shelley Moore Capito. She said while “earmarks” have gotten a bad name, they have value.

“And it doesn’t add on, the million dollars we got does not add on to more spending. It simply takes what’s going to be spent and designates it, as somebody who really knows the community.”

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-WV

The City of Wheeling gave $750,000 in American Rescue Plan funds to the project.

“Today it’s still an anchor and these renovations are smartly planned, well executed and extremely functional.”

Robert Herron, Wheeling City Manager

It’s a building with a rich history of selling everything from groceries to wool to toys.

“Henry Kilborne List began building this structure in the spring of 1967 and opened a wholesale grocery business in the north section in early 1868.”

Jeanne Finstein, President, Friends of Wheeling

The renovation makes the Wheeling Artisan Center more accessible for consumers.

“The gift shop and everything was up on this floor and not getting as much traffic as they want. Now you see it’s opened up on, the first floor once Main Street’s fully open and it’s almost there, it’s gonna be a wonderful draw to this end of the city.”

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-WV

Wheeling Heritage first renovated the building and moved it in in 1996.

River City Restaurant is still on the first floor and will soon offer outdoor dining as well as indoor. Prodigal Daughter has opened a retail shop there as well.