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Renovation plans for the Capitol Theater call for removing the building's fire escape by Dec.1.

And Dennis Magruder and Frank O'Brien believe visitors to the venue will remain safe while new stairs are being built.

"It (fire escape) is in violation of current fire codes. We are working to address this," said Magruder, executive director of the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority.

O'Brien is executive director of the Wheeling-Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau, which owns the theater. He said replacing the narrow, rusted stairs - which lead down from the Capitol's stage area on the southwest side of the building to the Wheeling Heritage Trail - with a new wider and stronger fire escape will cost $450,000. O'Brien said, unlike the current escape, the new structure will be partially enclosed.

"The contractors have 120 days to complete the work, but we are hoping they can get it done earlier," he said, noting Grae-Con Construction of Steubenville will build the new escape. O'Brien noted the CVB will purchase the material for the fire escape from Wheeling-based Ohio Valley Steel.

During the period the Capitol will be without a fire escape, crowds are expected to flock to shows such as "A Christmas Carol," "The Nutcracker," and the "B.E. Taylor Christmas Concert." Magruder, though, said his employees have worked closely with Wheeling Fire inspectors to ensure safe evacuation plans are in place in the event of an emergency.

"We feel that at this point, we can safely evacuate the building without using that escape. ... You would not want to empty the theater onto that stairwell at this point, anyway," he said. "We are doing what we can to allay fears."

Wheeling Fire Chief Larry Helms said removing the Capitol's fire escape is a concern, but emphasized the theater now has a quality sprinkler system.

"We are also working on some alternative seating arrangements (during the time the stairs will be gone)," Helms said.

Before the Capitol reopened in September, officials spent $367,000 to install a new sprinkler system, with another $147,000 to install alarms and emergency lighting. Now, 674 sprinkler sprinkler heads, 3.6 miles of pipe, 80 smoke detectors, 60 emergency lights, 58 exit signs and one deluge sprinkler system for the stage area lie ready to protect the theater in the event of a fire.

"People need to realize that we only paid $615,000 for the building, but we need to pay $450,000 to install a new fire escape," said O'Brien.

Though O'Brien said funds for the new fire escape are in place, there is still much work to be done at the Capitol.

Future spending plans include using $270,000 for electrical, plumbing and HVAC upgrades; $366,000 for digital sound, video and lighting upgrades; $92,000 for a cinema screen projector with Dolby sound; $400,000 for ballroom upgrades; $400,000 for roof and facade repairs; $300,000 for historic paintings and finishes; $350,000 for a new roof; $222,000 for exterior masonry wall corrections; $786,000 to reupholster or replace seats; and $150,000 to install an elevator connecting the main floor to the ballroom.

Recently, U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd secured $200,000 in federal funds to help repair the 1928 theater's terra cotta facade and roof. Officials continue applying for grants, and asking for donations to help complete the improvements. Wheeling City Council directed $396,000 in Community Development Block Grant to the Capitol for new handicapped-accessible restrooms.

In a related matter, O'Brien said bureau board members have agreed to exchange financial audits with the authority in 2010. Under the original terms of the Capitol operational contract between the two bodies, only the authority needed to provide an audit to the bureau.

During a recent city finance committee meeting, two of the three members, Councilmen James Tiu and Vernon Seals, voted to request a detailed review of the bureau's financial information, with specific emphasis on Capitol-related spending. The third committee member, Vice Mayor Eugene Fahey, opposed the measure.