News Summary
The Nitro Land Reuse Agency has won an auction for the old Nitro High School building, planning its demolition to revitalize the area. The structure, built in the 1940s, has fallen into disrepair, posing health hazards due to asbestos and plumbing issues. Despite mixed emotions from residents, including the mayor, plans are in place to offer bricks and memorabilia to alumni. The future of the site remains open for repurposing, signaling a fresh start for the community.
Nitro, West Virginia – The old Nitro High School building, located on 19th Street, is set to be demolished following its auction win by the Nitro Land Reuse Agency (LRA). The LRA secured the property with a winning bid of $166,000, marking a significant step towards revitalizing the area.
The school building, which graduated its last class in 1991, has long been an underutilized asset since the relocation of the school to Park Avenue. Over the years, various local churches and community centers have used the facility, but it has fallen into disrepair. Reports indicate that the structure is filled with asbestos, has minimal plumbing left, and features a leaky roof, rendering it not only a hazard but also an impractical space for current community needs.
Plans for the site include dismantling the old building and exploring options for repurposing the land. Although there are no immediate development plans, discussions regarding potential future uses of the property will soon commence by LRA officials.
The decision to demolish the nostalgic structure has elicited mixed emotions among local residents, including Mayor Dave Casebolt. He expressed feelings of sadness about the building’s upcoming demolition, referring to it as a “dinosaur” with no functional purpose anymore. Many community members, including the mayor himself, attended the school during its operational years, making its significance particularly poignant. The upcoming 50-year reunion for his graduating class serves as a reminder of the school’s importance in the community’s history.
To honor the school’s legacy, Nitro officials plan to offer free bricks from the old structure to alumni and residents interested in keeping a piece of history. In addition, other memorabilia related to the school will also be made available in the future, allowing former students to reconnect with their past.
The construction of the Nitro High School building dates back to the 1940s. While it was once considered for use as a charter school, assessments of the property revealed substantial challenges, including asbestos concerns, plumbing deficiencies, and limitations regarding parking. The main parking lot, traditionally utilized by Nitro Elementary, is owned by Kanawha County Schools, restricting accessibility and feasibility for any potential future developments.
The demolition of the Nitro High School building signals a new chapter for the community, as efforts are focused on repurposing the land for more contemporary uses. As the LRA plans for the property’s future, residents remain connected to the memories of the school that once stood as a central part of their educational journey.
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Additional Resources
- WV MetroNews
- WOWK TV
- WCHS TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nitro, West Virginia
- Google Search: Nitro High School West Virginia
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