THURMOND, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The National Park Service has announced that building demolitions and restoration projects will begin later this month in Thurmond, Prince and Brookside, while also outlining plans to offer some restored historic structures for public leasing.
The work is part of a roughly $36 million investment through the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund, passed by Congress in 2020.
The demolition plan was originally proposed in 2023 by the local National Park Service administration in Glen Jean during President Joe Biden’s administration and was subsequently approved under Biden. Final authorization for the demolitions was signed off on in 2025 under the Trump administration.
According to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve officials, the projects will include demolishing deteriorating buildings, restoring historic structures and improving water and wastewater infrastructure.
Temporary closures associated with the demolitions will begin November 30 and are expected to continue into spring 2027.
In Thurmond, crews will establish a 150-foot safety perimeter around each demolition site. The areas will be barricaded and posted, with restrictions remaining in place around the clock, including weekends and holidays, even when crews are not working.
In Prince, closures will affect National Park Service property surrounding the historic Prince Brothers store. Some access roads may also be temporarily closed.
Following the building removals, restoration work will begin on several historic structures in Thurmond, including the Fatty Lipscomb, McClung, McGuffin, Marilyn Brown and Erskine Pugh houses, along with buildings on the town’s historic Commercial Row.
Planned improvements include roof and gutter replacements, storefront restoration, interior framing repairs, electrical upgrades, fire protection and security systems, and drainage improvements.
A new retaining wall will also be constructed near Thurmond’s previously restored railroad depot.
The National Park Service also announced that it is developing a program to make improved and restored structures available for potential public leasing.
According to the agency, the leasing opportunities will be offered through a request for proposals process, allowing interested parties to pursue use of certain historic properties.
The announcement did not provide a date for when the requests for proposals will be released or identify which buildings will ultimately be available for lease.
Those interested in leasing opportunities can contact the park at [email protected]. Additional information about the request for proposals process is available through the National Park Service website.
“These GAOA LRF projects will protect historic resources while improving visitor access and safety,” said Acting New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Superintendent Eric LaPrice. “As we conduct this important work, we appreciate the public’s patience and look forward to welcoming visitors back to see the improved structures once work is complete.”
The announcement comes as plans to demolish historic buildings in Thurmond have generated public opposition and preservation concerns.
The broader restoration program is expected to continue for several years, with additional temporary closures possible as work progresses.
Park officials say the projects are intended to address long-deferred maintenance, improve visitor safety and preserve historic resources within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
