WHEELING, W.Va. — The Highlands will be home to nine new businesses by the end of the summer, Ohio County commissioners announced Tuesday.
The Ohio County Development Authority announced the developments at Tuesday’s meeting, along with several business updates. Beginning in July, several eateries, retailers and service providers will be available to the public at the shopping center, including GNC, Sally Beauty Supply, Sprint, Kay Jewelers, Great Clips, Mattress Firm and Five Guys Burgers and Fries.
Accompanying the new storefronts will be Hawthorne Suites, located behind Cheddar’s Casual Cafe. The long-term stay hotel is scheduled for completion in August, according to Commissioner Randy Wharton.
“This isn’t a matter of if these hotels will be successful after the gas industry is gone. They’re going to be successful period,” Wharton said. “These new facilities will cause people to stop off the interstate and visit all of our retail stores and restaurants.”
Also new to The Highlands is Texas Roadhouse, slated to begin construction in May. Updates to current Highlands establishments include Fusion Steakhouse, which will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at noon Thursday. Renovations there include the addition of private hibachi rooms, an expanded bar and new waiting area.
Authority members entered into executive session to discuss the status of an unnamed big box retailer making plans at The Highlands. Following the session, the committee voted to sign an agreement, allowing the unnamed retailer to purchase 15 and a half acres from the county. The retailer will be given 30 days to review the agreement and make a final decision.
The Ohio County Commission met following the Development Authority meeting, with commissioners unanimously voting to approve planning for the Welty Village Project, a senior living community to be located on National Road in Wheeling. The $8 million project is headed by Don Kirsch of Good Shepherd Nursing Home, who would work with a Pittsburgh-based construction company to build for-lease houses, rather than the usual apartments, for locals over 65.
The next commission meeting is set for 6 p.m. April 21 in the City County Building. Commissioners will discuss the county’s levy rate during that meeting.
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