Wheeling, West Virginia Spotlighted as Perfect Case Study for Urban Regeneration

Wheeling, WV, May 08, 2016 --(PR.com)-- Wheeling, WV is featured as a "positive example" in an international publication, The Journal of Property Management offers comprehensive coverage of the real estate management industry. Each issue is filled with expert insight on trends and issues affecting all property types.

Readers are executive-level real estate professionals, asset managers, property managers, developers, and financial institutions, responsible for the direction of multifamily, office, and retail portfolios. Many of the subscribers who read the journal manage real estate assets and supervise the purchasing, maintenance, leasing, financial management, and record keeping for 12.2 billion square feet of commercial space, and 11.7 million residential units nationwide.

“Many people are familiar with the daunting infrastructure overhaul facing America in the next few decades. What they aren’t aware of is the regeneration possibilities each city possesses for restoring its popular draw,” said Mariana Toscas, IREM spokeswoman. “Wheeling, West Virginia, has laid the foundation down for what any city in American can achieve if various groups come together in harmony for the preservation of their home.”

Titled “Urban Rejuvenation” by Emily Goodman-Shortall, with Harvey Goodman Realtor, spotlights Wheeling, West Virginia as “an example for small cities throughout the country,” with regards to regeneration.

The piece looks at the particular decline of Wheeling from population exoduses to surrounding metropolises like Philadelphia in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The result was a population drain that took a horrible hit on the local economy and tourism infrastructure. But, instead of accepting the ultimate and permanent demise of Wheeling, policymakers, regeneration groups, local officials, businesses, organizations, and other groups came together for formulating a long-term strategic plan.

The city’s vision was the brainchild of the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation (WNHAC), which proved to be instrumental in the revitalization of the city.

“Through reviving the Heritage Port, Artisan Center, and Wheeling Stamping Building, the original allure of quaint Wheeling was brought back to the forefront of the city,” said Toscas. “Now, almost 300,000 visitors per year visit the festivals and concerts held at the restructured Heritage Port. Wheeling undoubtedly is a poster child for what kinds of success stories are possible with local coordination and investment. It’s incredibly exciting to have this town feature in an International magazine, and we look forward to furthering the city’s efforts even farther in the future.”

The success of the Wheeling project led to an upsurge in interest in redeveloping buildings in the area. Consequently, the investment and regeneration slowed the population drain, enabling the city’s economy to get back on its feet again.

For more information, or to read additional features and in-depth analysis of Wheeling’s comeback, visit: http://www.jpm-digital.org/jpm/may_jun_2016.