News Summary
The old Nitro High School building in Nitro, West Virginia, is set to be demolished following its acquisition by the Nitro Land Reuse Agency at auction. Built in the 1940s, the school has served various community purposes until its deterioration made it unsafe. Local officials recognize the building’s sentimental value, but due to safety concerns and high renovation costs, demolition is the chosen path. Plans for the land’s future use will be discussed post-demolition, with possibilities for community-focused development.
Nitro, West Virginia — Old Nitro High School Building to Be Demolished After Successful Auction Bid
The old Nitro High School building, located on 19th Street in Nitro, West Virginia, is scheduled for demolition following its recent auction win by the Nitro Land Reuse Agency (LRA). The decision marks the end of an era for a historic structure that has served the community in various capacities for over seven decades.
Background and History of the School
The school was constructed in the 1940s, serving as an educational hub for the city until 1991, when its final graduating class departed after the school’s relocation to Park Avenue. Since then, the old building has been repurposed for community use, primarily by local churches and community centers.
Condition of the Building and Auction Details
In recent years, the building’s condition has deteriorated significantly. Reports indicate that the structure contains large amounts of asbestos, has minimal plumbing remaining, and suffers from a leaky roof. These issues have rendered the building unsafe and unsuitable for current uses.
Earlier this year, the Nitro Land Reuse Agency successfully bid $166,000 at auction to acquire the property. This bid secured their ownership, with plans to demolish the old school and evaluate potential uses for the land in the future.
Statements from Local Officials
The mayor of Nitro, Dave Casebolt, expressed a mixture of sadness and practicality regarding the demolition. While acknowledging the building’s sentimental value—especially to alumni who attended the school—he described the structure as a “dinosaur” with no current functional use.
The mayor reflected on the upcoming 50-year reunion of his graduating class, emphasizing that the event highlights how much the school still means to many residents. Despite the emotional connection, he cited safety concerns and the high costs associated with renovation as reasons for moving forward with the demolition.
Community Engagement and Memorabilia
In an effort to preserve a sense of history, officials plan to offer free bricks from the old school to alumni and residents who wish to keep a piece of the building. In addition, other memorabilia from the school will be distributed later, serving as keepsakes for the community and former students.
Future Use of the Land
There are no immediate plans for the property following demolition. The Nitro Land Reuse Agency intends to initiate discussions on how best to utilize the land once the structure is removed. Potential proposals may include parks, community centers, or other development projects suited for the site’s location.
Challenges Facing Future Development
Previous considerations to convert the site into a charter school faced significant obstacles, such as the hazardous asbestos presence, limited remaining plumbing, and inadequate parking facilities. Notably, the main parking lot historically used by Nitro Elementary School is owned by Kanawha County Schools, which further complicates potential future developments on the property.
The city of Nitro continues to evaluate options, aiming to balance honoring its history while pursuing practical uses for the land that can benefit the community in the years to come.
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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 WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
