Photo by Eric Ayres R. Gregory McDermott, chairman of the Wheeling Park Commission, and Phyllis “Flip” West man the oversized scissors while joined by Oglebay commissioners and other officials during a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the opening of the newly renovated Wilson Lodge areas.

WHEELING — Multimillion-dollar renovations at Oglebay’s Wilson Lodge were unveiled Thursday, when the reimagined spaces at the hilltop destination — under construction since the beginning of the year –were proudly showcased by officials at the resort.

A ribbon cutting, open house tour and grand opening celebration took place Thursday at Wilson Lodge, and scores of supporters, donors, team members, community leaders and others gathered for the festivities. Officials with the Wheeling Park Commission and the Oglebay Foundation thanked the many individuals and organizations that made this $12.5 million renovation possible.

“Today marks the completion of both the entrance experience, the lobby, streets, Sarita’s Coffee Shop, and the restaurants — Skyline and Trace — and the major renovations inside and out,” said Eriks Janelsins, president and CEO of the Oglebay Foundation.

Janelsins noted that this most recent renovation was one phase in an ongoing effort to keep the parks’ facilities up to date and in tip-top shape.

“What you see right now across the parks is just this commitment to continual improvement within our facilities so we don’t get to the point where you have to tear something down. We’re always investing in these spaces,” Janelsins said, noting that future renovation phases are ahead. “Wilson Lodge opened in May of 1957. Over the last 67 years, the original 56-room lodge has expanded to a leading West Virginia tourism and hospitality destination.”

Ground was broken on the main construction area around Wilson Lodge immediately after the Festival of Lights closed in January. The renovation was funded in part by an $8.2 million grant from the Economic Development Administration and was matched by community gifts.

“The most important ‘thank-you’ I can give today is to the entire team working here at Wilson Lodge,” said Bob Peckenpaugh, president and CEO of the Wheeling Park Commission, who noted that the lodge and its restaurants continued to operate through the major renovations.

The newly paved entrance road to Wilson Lodge leads to an improved and expanded parking lot, covered entrance way and new decorative fountain, complete with landscaping around the main entry. Inside, the lobby features a redesigned front desk area.

Just off of the lobby area is the new Sarita’s Coffee & Goods — a new barista-style coffee shop featuring pastries, baked goods, grab-and-go foods and a gift shop with curated selections of Oglebay apparel and keepsakes.

Upstairs is the new Skyline Kitchen & Bar — specializing in classic comfort foods served with a modern twist.The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Also on the second level is the new Trace Chophouse, an “elegant yet rugged venue” serving premium steak and seafood dishes, complimented by a fine selection of wines and specialty drinks five nights a week. The Hickman Lounge was elevated during the upgrades and now offers craft cocktails and small bites in a relaxed setting.