THURMOND. W.Va. — Consultants employed by the National Park Service to evaluate the condition of nationally historic structures in the New River Gorge, which are now slated for demolition, instead recommend saving them.
Despite recent proposals by park officials to demolish the buildings, professionals asked by the park service to weigh in on the matter determined that simple maintenance would extend the lives of the structures until solutions could be found.
The encouraging report supports proposals by local and state officials to lease the structures, following models used by other parks that provide funds for perpetual maintenance.
The W.Va. House of Representatives and professional organizations such as the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia have urged the park to consider the value of the buildings and the negative impact it will have on the economy.
The report by Aurora Research Associates and Bratslavsky Consulting Engineers concluded that the park service had noticeably improved historic buildings throughout the park since a 2002 evaluation and a 2009 stabilization, but its stewardship had since waned.
"These condition observations and maintenance recommendations are presented to support and advance the National Park Service’s goal of responsible stewardship of cultural and historic resources," the report read.
Rather than recommending demolition, the engineers recommended maintenance. The full report is here: NERI 237369 Historic Resource Survey Report Final.
"General recommendations for continued maintenance of these historic structures include securing the building envelopes against water infiltration, addressing drainage problems, controlling vegetation, removing dangerous trees, and implementing security measures to discourage vandalism."
Specifically, rather than err toward demolition, the consultants recommended the following:
- Cleaning and repair of gutters and related preservation maintenance
- Pest treatment (insects and animals)
- Clearing of vegetation on and around buildings; removal of hazardous trees
- Repair of broken windows and doorways or temporary plywood covers
- Repair of roofs or temporary tarping/covering of roof damage
- Evaluate site drainage and take measures to direct water away from houses
- Installation of “No Trespassing” signage to discourage vandalism. Signage can be designed in a way that does not detract from the visitor experience but encourages safety and prohibits entering buildings.
- Security cameras at the front and rear of structures.
Residents who sold their properties to the park service with the understanding they'd be cared for have voiced sharp anger and disappointment.
Several private investors have expressed interest in leasing the buildings, including the C&O Historical Society, which would lease and repair the historic Prince Brothers Store. The organization has recently restored the St. Albans Train Depot. Members of the Dragan family, which sold properties to the park service, have expressed interest in leasing them back to save them.
Both houses of the West Virginia Legislature further voiced their disapproval of the demolitions in 2024 resolutions.
"Whereas, it is in the interest of the entire state to preserve these historic buildings because they represent our state's coal mining heritage and the struggle of workers; therefore, be it resolved... that the members of the House of Delegates affirm its support for the preservation of West Virginia's historic buildings, coal camp buildings, and coal heritage sites in Thurmond, West Virginia, and across the state."
However, national park officials in West Virginia are not answerable to state officials. U.S. residents who are in favor of sustaining the historic structures are being urged to contact their Congressional representatives.
Congresswoman Carol Miller
DC Phone: 202-225-3452
Senator Shelley Moore Capito
DC Phone: 202-224-6472
Charleston Phone: 304-347-5372
Senator Joe Manchin
DC Phone: 202-224-3954
Charleston Phone: 304-342-5855
Senator Jim Justice (Incoming)
Charleston Phone: 304-558-2000 or 1-888-438-2731
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