News Summary
The old Nitro High School building, purchased by the Nitro Land Reuse Agency for $166,000, is set for demolition as it deteriorates beyond feasible use. The school, which served the community since the 1940s, faced challenges due to hazardous materials and infrastructure issues. City officials plan to honor alumni with a brick giveaway while discussing future land use options, balancing preservation of local history with potential new developments.
Nitro, WV – Old Nitro High School Building Set for Demolition Following Land Auction
The old Nitro High School building, located on 19th Street in Nitro, is scheduled for demolition after being sold at auction to the Nitro Land Reuse Agency (LRA). The property, which has stood since the 1940s, was purchased for $166,000 in a bid that concludes recent efforts to find a new purpose for the aging structure.
Background and Current Status
The school’s last graduating class was in 1991, after which students transitioned to a new campus on Park Avenue. Since its closure, the building has served various community functions, including hosting local churches and community centers. Despite its ongoing use, the structure has deteriorated significantly over the years.
Reports indicate that the building is burdened with hazardous materials such as asbestos, has minimal plumbing remaining, and features a leaky roof. Due to its age and condition, any potential reuse has become increasingly challenging. Past plans to transform the site included converting it into a charter school, but issues such as asbestos, limited parking, and infrastructure constraints prevented further development.
Details of the Auction and Future Plans
The Nitro Land Reuse Agency emerged as the highest bidder in the recent auction, securing the property with a bid of $166,000. The agency’s immediate plan is to demolish the building and repurpose the land. There are, as of now, no concrete plans for the site’s future use, but discussions by the LRA about potential new developments are expected to commence shortly.
Community and Official Reactions
The mayor of Nitro, Dave Casebolt, expressed his feelings about the building’s future, describing it as a “dinosaur” with no functional use. Despite this, he acknowledged the sentimental significance of the school to many residents and himself, particularly as the town approaches its 50-year high school reunion. This milestone serves as a reminder of the school’s historical importance to the community.
In a gesture to honor alumni and local residents, Nitro officials plan to offer free bricks and memorabilia from the school. The brick giveaway will allow former students and community members to keep a tangible reminder of the school’s legacy. Additional memorabilia, including various artifacts from the school’s history, will also be distributed in the coming months.
Additional Considerations and Challenges
One notable challenge for any future development on the site involves parking limitations. The primary parking lot used by Nitro Elementary School is owned by
Kanawha County Schools, which restricts available parking for potential reuse or new construction. This logistical issue will likely influence future planning efforts.
While there are no immediate plans for the site, the Nitro Land Reuse Agency and city officials are expected to evaluate possible uses that respect the area’s historical significance while addressing infrastructural challenges. The property’s age, condition, and previous setbacks will be key considerations during these discussions.
Summary
Overall, the demolition of Nitro High School marks the end of an era for the community, but also opens the door for new opportunities. As the city moves forward with redevelopment plans, residents and officials alike look toward a balanced approach that honors local history while embracing future growth.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WV MetroNews
- WOWK TV
- WCHS TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nitro, West Virginia
- Google Search: Nitro High School West Virginia
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
