In December of 2005, a large consortium of Wheeling non-profits, municipal organizations, and community leaders began meeting to consider undertaking the ownership and operation of the Capitol Theatre. This group recognized that the Capitol Theatre must once again be an important cultural venue and economic engine for the growth of our community. Financial and community resources of these organizations were put to use in understanding the architectural and economic feasibility of re-opening the theatre under a local management entity.

On April 3rd 2009 the Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau purchased the theater. The Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority, who also operates WesBanco Arena, would operate the legendary the theatre.

Keeping the Legacy Alive

Addressing fire suppression, escape, and other emergency issues were the first priority when reopening the Capitol Theatre in 2009. These issues alone would cost more than the theatre's original construction in 1928 to address. However, this would the first of many phases of renovations. 

Over one hundred people would volunteer their time on multiple days to prepare the theatre for reopening after several years of closure. The community's heart was behind the legendary theatre. 

Over the coming years, seats from the 1970s would be replaced along with carpeting, wall coverings, curtains, and more ascetics. An elevator would be installed to access the theatre's ballroom. 

Production improvements would be made to make the theatre more accessible for touring productions. These included new audio, lighting, rigging, fly systems, and much more. 

The 1928 theatre has seen ongoing plaster damage for years. Therefore, plaster would be carefully replaced by specialist in the field and roof replacements would be made to prevent further damage. Terracotta would be cleaned and stabilized on the theatre's front to ensure the beauty of the theatre for the future.

Keeping the Legacy Alive

Addressing fire suppression, escape, and other emergency issues were the first priority when reopening the Capitol Theatre in 2009. These issues alone would cost more than the theatre's original construction in 1928 to address. However, this would the first of many phases of renovations. 

Over one hundred people would volunteer their time on multiple days to prepare the theatre for reopening after several years of closure. The community's heart was behind the legendary theatre. 

Over the coming years, seats from the 1970s would be replaced along with carpeting, wall coverings, curtains, and more ascetics. An elevator would be installed to access the theatre's ballroom. 

Production improvements would be made to make the theatre more accessible for touring productions. These included new audio, lighting, rigging, fly systems, and much more. 

The 1928 theatre has seen ongoing plaster damage for years. Therefore, plaster would be carefully replaced by specialist in the field and roof replacements would be made to prevent further damage. Terracotta would be cleaned and stabilized on the theatre's front to ensure the beauty of the theatre for the future.

Continuing the Legacy 

While many repairs to Wheeling's legendary Capitol Theatre have been made, the work still continues. Future projects include revitalizing ornate paintings in the theatre's lobby and repairing damage to the grant Italian statues in the theatre.

Other repairs to the theatre's original stage are hopeful, as well as making the dressing rooms more accommodating and modern. 

The Capitol Theatre Ballroom, which has been a tremendous source of revenue since the theatre reopened is in need of repair and address accessibility challenges from the theatre. 

Finally, the theatre's original Marr & Colton organ was returned in 2014. Future plans include to restore and reinstall the organ to its home. 

Celebrating a Milestone

In 2019, community leaders who had the vision to reopen the theatre held a ceremony to "burn the mortgage" of the $1.9 million loan, 10 years after the theatre reopened. Some of those leaders included Hydie Friend, retired Executive Director of Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation, Denny Magruder, Executive Director of the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority, and Frank O'Brien, Executive Director of the Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau.