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WHEELING -- A new building to house DiCarlo's Pizza and condominiums in downtown Wheeling had its official groundbreaking Monday -- and many members of the public came out for a slice of the action.
Construction has already started on the structure, located at 1115 Main St. on the former Reichart Furniture property in downtown Wheeling. The new building could be seen rising in the oppressive heat on Monday as crews worked.
The downtown DiCarlo's is scheduled to move into the first floor of the structure, which will consist of five floors and a basement. Seven condominiums on the upper floors are toppings on the building.
At least four of the condominiums have already been sold -- including the penthouse, according to DiCarlo's Pizza owner Toni DiCarlo.
"I bought the property about eight years ago, and I had always wanted to build just a one-story DiCarlo's Pizza with parking," she said. "But then (Wheeling City Council) passed the three-story ordinance, and I wasn't sure how I was going to be able to afford to do that."
DiCarlo said her sister then introduced her to builder Tom Janidas of the Medco Co., who was familiar with building condos.
"He coached me on how I could affordably build my pizza shop, and do the condos and make it affordable," she continued. "It will be so nice owning my own space for my business, and not having to lease anymore. I'm getting into my golden years. ... I'm working towards my retirement."
Parking will be at the back of the building off Water Street.
Among those attending the groundbreaking on Thursday were Jerry and Lillian Myles of Wheeling, who were among the first to purchase a condo in the DiCarlo Building.
"It seemed like a good place that would have everything you would want," Jerry said.
Lillian said she saw buying the condo as a good investment.
"There's a lot of potential in downtown Wheeling," she added.
City officials on hand included current Mayor Glenn Elliott, Mayor-Elect Dennis Magruder, city council members Chad Thalman and Rosemary Ketchum, and City Manager Robert Herron.
Elliott said there are a number of vacant properties in downtown Wheeling, as well as a shortage of condos. He thanked DiCarlo for approaching the city with the project, and for making it happen.
"There is excitement in Wheeling, and it is contagious," Magruder added. "Wheeling is definitely on an upswing, and not just downtown."
DiCarlo's Pizza this year is celebrating its 75th year of operation in the Ohio Valley.
The downtown DiCarlo's, presently located at 1310 Main St., is set to move into the former Schneider Photography building at 1125 Main St. until the DiCarlo Building is complete. DiCarlo said the temporary move should happen in about three months, and she expects the new building to be completed in about eight months.