News Summary
The old Nitro High School building is set to be demolished after the Nitro Land Reuse Agency secured the property for $166,000. While the building served the community since 1991, it now requires significant repairs due to hazardous materials and structural issues. Mayor Dave Casebolt acknowledges the nostalgia associated with the school as plans are made to offer free bricks and memorabilia to alumni. The future of the site remains uncertain, but discussions will explore potential uses as the community reflects on the school’s impact.
Nitro, West Virginia
The old Nitro High School building, located on 19th Street, is set to be demolished following an auction win by the Nitro Land Reuse Agency (LRA). The agency secured the property with a winning bid of $166,000, marking a significant step towards repurposing the land.
Since the school held its last graduating class in 1991, the building has primarily been utilized by local churches and community centers. However, the structure has fallen into disrepair, reportedly containing hazardous materials such as asbestos, lacking adequate plumbing, and having a leaky roof, which ultimately led to its decision for demolition.
Nitro Mayor Dave Casebolt expressed a sense of loss regarding the building’s demolition, characterizing it as a “dinosaur” with no functional use. The school holds nostalgic value for many residents, including the mayor, who attended the high school. As his class approaches its 50-year reunion, the mayor recognizes the building’s importance in the community.
To honor the nostalgia surrounding the institution, Nitro officials have announced plans to offer free bricks from the old school to alumni and residents who wish to keep a piece of memorabilia from the property. Additional memorabilia from the school is also expected to be made available to the public in future distributions.
While the immediate future of the property remains uncertain, the LRA has indicated plans to discuss potential uses after the demolition. The building, originally constructed in the 1940s, was once considered as a possible site for a charter school. However, this proposal was hindered by significant issues, including the building’s hazardous conditions and parking constraints, as the main parking area used for Nitro Elementary is owned by Kanawha County Schools.
As the community prepares for the transformation of the site, many residents reflect upon their experiences at the high school and the impact it had on their lives. The LRA’s acquisition of the property marks a new chapter for the land, enabling a fresh beginning while also prompting a sense of reminiscence for those who walked its halls.
The ongoing discussions about the future use of the property will consider various options, but currently, no specific plans have been outlined. The decision to demolish the old Nitro High School building symbolizes both an end and a beginning, as the city of Nitro looks to redefine the space with a focus on its community’s needs.
The impending demolition serves as a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the changes that communities undergo. As Nitro moves forward, the sentiment surrounding the high school will continue to resonate among former students and local residents.
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Additional Resources
- WV MetroNews
- WOWK TV
- WCHS TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nitro, West Virginia
- Google Search: Nitro High School West Virginia
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
