GLEN JEAN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The National Park Service (NPS) has announced a decision to move forward with the selective demolition of several historic structures within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
The decision follows the release of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Proposed Demolition of Historic Structures Environmental Assessment (EA).
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According to the NPS, many of the buildings slated for demolition are deteriorated, costly to maintain, and are not essential to the park’s mission or public safety.
After evaluating three alternatives, the park selected a modified version of Alternative C — to retain only structures with high potential for reuse.
A total of 20 structures across areas such as the Thurmond Historic District, Dun Glen, and Camp Brookside will be impacted.
Among the buildings to be demolished are primarily in the Thurmond and Dun Glen areas, due to safety concerns and high upkeep costs.
Structures set for demolition include the Charles Ashley Outbuilding and Garage, May Bagoski House, Harold Smith House, Sidney Allen Ward House, Wedzel Young House, Erskine Pugh Rental House, James Humphrey Sr. House, McGuffin Garage, Phillip A. McClung/Meadows House, Dun Glen Building/Ranger Station, Prince Brothers General Store, Pool Chemical Treatment Building, and the addition to the Vallandingham House.
The Marilyn Brown House and the Ice House in Thurmond will be retained, while others — including the Tom Kelly House, Dun Glen Boat Storage Rack, and Mini Ark — may be preserved if viable lease proposals are received.
Only three structures are currently confirmed for retention: the Dun Glen Ark, Marilyn Brown House, and Thurmond Ice House.
The NPS noted that several structures could still be saved if leasing proposals that meet federal historic preservation standards are submitted in time.
The demolition process will be conducted with documentation and mitigation measures in place to reduce adverse effects.
This includes photographic documentation, structural stabilization of nearby historic buildings, and updates to the interpretive materials for the Thurmond Historic District.
Demolition dates have not been released.
