Three-story apartment building again proposed for vacant Wheeling lot

For the second time in as many years, a six-unit apartment building has been proposed for a vacant lot in Wheeling.

The three-story brick building is planned for 268 Seventh St. An identical proposal was put forth in 2024 but never advanced beyond the planning stage, and the village board’s approval of the site plan and proposed appearance expired in 2025, according to documents.

The property owner wants to move forward with the plan now, so a fresh go-ahead from trustees is required.

Village board members will review the proposal on Monday night. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at village hall, 2 Community Blvd.

Wheeling’s plan commission, which advises the board on development matters, reviewed the proposal last month and has recommended approval.

The grassy lot is on a short, dead-end street south of Strong Street. Other apartment buildings and one house are the block’s current occupants.

The proposed building will contain one- and two-bedroom apartments. Ground-floor units will have outdoor patios, and upper units will have decks.

A parking lot for residents will be built behind the building. Thirteen spots, six of which will be covered, are planned.

Proposed landscaping elements include plants along the building’s foundation, trees, shrubs and perennials.

In a telephone interview Friday, Village President Pat Horcher said he remembered thinking the proposal was a no-brainer when it first came before the board.

“I think it’s a perfect fit for the neighborhood,” Horcher said.

The units also fill an important housing need in the village, he said.

Three zoning variations granted for the project in 2024 don’t need to be requested or approved again, documents indicate. Among other things, they eliminated a requirement for guest parking spots.

Monday’s board meeting will be open to the public and livestreamed on the village’s YouTube channel.