GLEN JEAN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The National Park Service is moving forward with plans to demolish several historic structures within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve as part of a federally funded infrastructure improvement project.
In a July 15 letter to park partners, Acting Superintendent Eric G. LaPrice said the demolition work is part of the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund project, “Remove Excess Structures and Address Deferred Maintenance Infrastructure Needs within NRGNPP.”
According to the National Park Service, the project has two primary goals: improving the health and safety of park visitors and employees by removing deteriorated and unsafe buildings, and reducing maintenance demands by eliminating structures that are no longer needed for park operations or the park’s mission.
The agency said an Environmental Assessment completed in April 2025 and a Finding of No Significant Impact approved in July 2025 identified 13 historic structures for demolition after public review and consultation.
The structures currently identified in solicitation for demolition in November are:
- Charles Ashley Outbuilding
- Charles Ashley Garage
- May Bagoski House
- Harold Smith House
- Sidney Allen Wood House
- Erskine Pugh Rental House
- James Humphrey Sr. House
- McClung Garage
- McClung/Meadows House
- Prince Brothers General Store
- Camp Brookside Pool Chemical Building
- Wadell Young House
The National Park Service said Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record documentation is underway to thoroughly document each structure before demolition begins.
The contracting process is currently underway through the Bureau of Indian Affairs Multiple Award Task Order Contract program. Demolition of the identified structures is tentatively scheduled to begin in November 2026, according to the letter.
The National Park Service said the structures slated for demolition in November are not part of the ongoing request for proposals process.
However, other historic structures within the park that are not yet scheduled for demolition could still be preserved through viable proposals which include the Tom Kelly House, Dun Glen Mini-Ark, and the Dun Glen Boat Storage Rack.
