WHEELING — The former Schneider Photography building on Main Street in Wheeling has been sold, and it is set to likely become a temporary home for downtown DiCarlo’s Pizza.

Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED) has purchased the structure at 1125 Main St., with the intent of leasing first floor space to Toni DiCarlo — owner and operator of the DiCarlo’s Pizza shops in downtown Wheeling, the Highlands and Glen Dale — at least in the short term. DiCarlo is constructing her own building nearby at 1115 Main St. Groundbreaking is set for that property at 11 a.m. Monday.

Jennifer Paull, realtor for Paull Associates, reports RED purchased the former photography building at a price tag of $250,000.

It consists of 7,500 square feet and includes three floors and a basement.

She described the 1125 Main St. building as “historical,” as it was constructed in 1885, according to Paull.

DiCarlo’s new building is planned to have retail/restaurant space on the first floor, and residential living space above. Paull said the 1125 Main St. property was listed for sale for more than a year. Then after the Downtown Wheeling Streetscape project started, there was a lot of activity and interest about the building from out-of-town people.

DiCarlo explained she presently has a month-to-month lease at her current location at 1311 Main St. Meanwhile, construction on her new building isn’t expected to be completed “for at least eight to nine months.”

“I’m just trying to be proactive,” DiCarlo explained. “I’m wanting to make sure my business can continue to run in case I have to vacate within 60-90 days.

“My new building might not be ready for when a new tenant wants to come into my current location,” DiCarlo explained. “This permits me to not have to shut down for a long time.”

She said she is not sure when the pizza shop is moving, as some work in the former photography building will have to occur before this can happen. She expects it could be “in another three months.”

Josh Jefferson, president and CEO of RED, did not immediately return messages seeking comment on Tuesday.