LN Sells Capitol Music Hall

Live Nation has agreed to sell the historic Capitol Music Hall in Wheeling, W.Va., almost two years after it was closed because of fire code concerns.

The Wheeling-Ohio County Convention And Visitor’s Bureau has agreed to purchase the building for $615,000. Wheeling Mayor Andy McKenzie told the News-Register it will take up to $8 million in renovations to bring it up to snuff.

Convention And Visitor’s bureau president Hydie Friend said the Ohio Valley Area Development Corp. will initially assume title of the property. The Wheeling Municipal Auditorium Board and WesBanco Arena GM Denny Magruder will operate the theatre.
Friend said the partnership plans to restore the building and renovate it to meet code standards.

The purchase from Live Nation is expected to close within 45 days, and local officials expect to begin renovation work within 90 days. Among the immediate needs to bring the building up to code are installation of new exit and emergency lighting, construction of a new fire escape tower and installation of a sprinkler system.

Capitol Music Hall opened in 1928 and was once home to the Jamboree USA live country music radio show.