Vacant hotel in Wheeling could get new life

WHEELING, W.Va. --

A vacant hotel that was condemned in 1994 could be on its way back to life.

Building inspectors inspected the former Rogers Hotel in downtown Wheeling after a "raze or repair" order was issued to the owner. That inspection took place Friday afternoon.

The hotel has been vacant for nearly 30 years after closing in the 1980s, and part of the structure has started to fall. But the owner said improvements could be forthcoming.

"Other than a few bricks on the west wall coming down, which the owner said he is going to fix next week, the building is pretty sound. There is no worry of it falling down, but it does need a lot of work," said City of Wheeling Chief Building Inspector Frank Wilson.

Next Friday, owner Mark Jaber plans to present city building inspectors with a scope of plans. City officials said Jaber already applied for a building permit to fix the roof, and on Friday morning, crews were working up there.

The move came after a Code Enforcement Board of Appeals meeting in January, when the board ordered Jaber to submit a scope of work and timeline to fix the building.

Jaber told city officials he plans on opening a restaurant on the first floor of the building and possibly bringing hotel rooms back to the building.

After today's visit, inspectors and code enforcement officers will decide if Jaber has adequate plans and can proceed with renovations. The Code Enforcement Board of Appeals will meet next Friday to discuss the plans and make decisions about the future of the building.

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