Today in Wheeling History: February 1--First families moved into the new Hil-Dar community in Elm Grove, marking the beginning of a neighborhood that would serve Wheeling residents for over six decades (1963).
The Hil-Dar housing community opened in February 1963 as part of Wheeling's Urban Renewal initiative, providing much-needed housing for families displaced from the Center Wheeling area being transformed into a light industrial center. The $1.4 million project initially consisted of 100 units, with 50 units accepted in January 1963 and the remaining 50 completed by March. The first two families to move in were Mrs. Jeanette Fuller with her nine children and Mrs. Robert Javey with her five children, relocating from 2651 Market Street. Russell Mozena served as executive director of the Wheeling Housing Authority during the opening. Located in Elm Grove, Hil-Dar features townhouse-style apartments with washer-dryer hookups and includes the Exley Community Center for community gatherings and recreation. The complex currently houses approximately 100 families across 94 units ranging from one to five bedrooms, including two units on Bishop Street added in 2007. In 2024, thanks to $40,000 from the James B. Chambers Memorial Foundation and $25,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding from Ohio County Commissioners, the community received a completely renovated playground featuring new swings, slides, and modern equipment installed by Cunningham Recreation specialists.
To learn more: Wheeling News-Register (https://tinyurl.com/55y4cpt5) (https://tinyurl.com/55y4cpt5), Wheeling Housing Authority (https://tinyurl.com/ms5pydhn), LEDE News (https://tinyurl.com/y3uf55t9)
Photo credits: Wheeling News-Register, Wheeling Housing Authority, West Virginia & Regional History Center
The Hil-Dar housing community opened in February 1963 as part of Wheeling's Urban Renewal initiative, providing much-needed housing for families displaced from the Center Wheeling area being transformed into a light industrial center. The $1.4 million project initially consisted of 100 units, with 50 units accepted in January 1963 and the remaining 50 completed by March. The first two families to move in were Mrs. Jeanette Fuller with her nine children and Mrs. Robert Javey with her five children, relocating from 2651 Market Street. Russell Mozena served as executive director of the Wheeling Housing Authority during the opening. Located in Elm Grove, Hil-Dar features townhouse-style apartments with washer-dryer hookups and includes the Exley Community Center for community gatherings and recreation. The complex currently houses approximately 100 families across 94 units ranging from one to five bedrooms, including two units on Bishop Street added in 2007. In 2024, thanks to $40,000 from the James B. Chambers Memorial Foundation and $25,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding from Ohio County Commissioners, the community received a completely renovated playground featuring new swings, slides, and modern equipment installed by Cunningham Recreation specialists.
To learn more: Wheeling News-Register (https://tinyurl.com/55y4cpt5) (https://tinyurl.com/55y4cpt5), Wheeling Housing Authority (https://tinyurl.com/ms5pydhn), LEDE News (https://tinyurl.com/y3uf55t9)
Photo credits: Wheeling News-Register, Wheeling Housing Authority, West Virginia & Regional History Center
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