Demolition of Nitro High School Begins After Auction Success

News Summary

The old Nitro High School building, vacant since 1991, is set for demolition after the Nitro Land Reuse Agency auctioned the property for $166,000. While the decision carries nostalgic weight for the community, concerns about asbestos and structural issues have necessitated the action. Plans for the site’s future remain unclear, though officials will discuss potential repurposing after the demolition. In a gesture to preserve memories, free bricks will be offered to alumni. The transition marks both an end and a new beginning for the land once occupied by the historic school.

Nitro, West Virginia – The old Nitro High School building, which has remained vacant since 1991, is set to be demolished following a successful auction conducted by the Nitro Land Reuse Agency (LRA). The agency secured the property on 19th Street with a winning bid of $166,000. The demolition of the structure, which has significant environmental and structural concerns, marks the end of an era for many residents who hold nostalgic memories of their time at the school.

Originally constructed in the 1940s, Nitro High School hosted its last graduating class over three decades ago and was relocated to Park Avenue. Since its closure, the building has served various purposes, including temporary use as a site for local churches and community centers. However, significant issues have plagued the structure in recent years, primarily the presence of asbestos, deteriorating plumbing, and a leaky roof, making it unfit for regular use.

The plans for the site involve not only the demolition of the school but also potential repurposing of the land, although specific future uses have yet to be determined. Officials from the LRA are set to convene to discuss possibilities for the property following the demolition process.

The decision to demolish the building has been met with mixed emotions from local leaders, including Mayor Dave Casebolt, who expressed a sense of sadness regarding the school’s impending destruction. The mayor noted that the school, often referred to as a “dinosaur,” holds significant sentimental value for many residents, himself included. Casebolt reminisced about the school’s importance, particularly as he approaches a milestone of his own, the 50-year reunion of his graduating class.

To honor the memories associated with the school, Nitro officials plan to offer free bricks from the building to alumni and residents who wish to retain a piece of history. Aside from bricks, other memorabilia from Nitro High School is expected to be made available in the future, allowing those connected to the school to keep a tangible reminder of their past.

Prior to the decision to demolish, the school building was considered as a potential location for a charter school. Nonetheless, surveys uncovered significant challenges, including ongoing issues with asbestos, inadequate plumbing, and parking constraints due to existing ownership of adjacent parking lots by Kanawha County Schools, further complicating any plans for redevelopment.

As demolition activities are set to commence, community members are reminded of the rich history associated with Nitro High School and the impact it had on generations of students. The LRA’s acquisition and the subsequent demolition raise questions about future developments in the area, though final plans remain to be unveiled.

The forthcoming changes present both a closure to a historic chapter for the Nitro community and an opportunity to reimagine the potential of this land in the years to come.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• WV MetroNews
• WOWK TV
• WCHS TV
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Nitro, West Virginia
• Google Search: Nitro High School West Virginia