Capitol Music Hall to Re-Open in 2009!
Downtown Wheeling is Alive with the Sound of Music! Theboard of the Wheeling-Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau,Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation, Regional EconomicDevelopment Partnership and the City of Wheeling are excited toannounce the purchase of the Capitol Music Hall. Initially, the OhioValley Area Development Corporation will take title of theproperty.This partnership marks a new beginning for the future ofDowntown Wheeling. “This is an historic day for ourcommunity and we are proud to be re-opening a building that houses somany memories,” said Frank O’Brien, executive director of theWheeling-Ohio County CVB. “The reputation of the CapitolMusic Hall is nothing short of legendary,” O’Brien continued. “We areexcited to fill the building with the same enthusiasm and life that itportrayed when its doors opened over 80 years ago.” TheWheeling CVB and its Board of Directors believe this investment willenhance tourism for the downtown region. According to CVB BoardPresident Hydie Friend, funds invested into the Capitol Music Hall area result of tourists who have and will visit the Friendly City.Shenoted that the Capitol Music Hall will be a crucial component of thecity’s ability to continue to attract such visitors. TheCapitol will be a premier venue for National touring acts such ascomedians, Broadway shows, concerts, theater productions, andoperas.The theater will also be available for rental by local groupsfor events such as movies, Festival of Lights concerts,and dance recitals.The Wheeling Symphony will be proud to call theCapitol Music Hall home.The theater will be operated by the WheelingMunicipal Auditorium Board, the current operator of Wesbanco Arena. Accordingto a study conducted by the *Economics Research Associates (ERA), there-opening of the Capitol Music Hall will have an economic impact ofmore than $5.5 million, create 65 new spin-off jobs with an estimated$1.3 million dollar annual payroll, and generate more than $174,000 innew tax revenue. The Capitol Music Hall alongwith Wesbanco Arena and the Heritage Port Amphitheater creates anentertainment venue portfolio that is second to none in theregion.These three venues will enable a year-round coordinated approachto producing top notch entertainment. These events will attractvisitors to our city and will enhance the quality of life of currentresidents. Immediate renovations to the interior willensure the building is modernized and meets current code standards.Thepartnership plans to restore the building to maintain its architecturalintegrity. Mayor Andy McKenzie says, “A re-openedCapitol Music Hall is a community project that is a positive step inthe revitalization of Downtown and we are pleased to see these agenciesworking together for the good of our community.” Severalinterested community organizations have been working diligently ongathering extensive information on renovations, operating costs andcapital improvements for nearly three years. Their hard work hascombined with the right timing for the Music Hall purchase to permitthis project to move forward now.We look forward to announcing theofficial opening date of the Capitol Music Hall and will keep thepublic informed as more information becomes available. *EconomicsResearch Associates is a Washington D.C based research firm, which wasretained by the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation and paidfor by the Benedum Foundation to analyze the potential to re-open themusic hall.
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