Demolition Slated For Thurmond Area Of New River Gorge Despite Protests

Construction and building removal work is scheduled to begin in late November in the Prince, Thurmond and Brookside areas of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, despite resistance.  

The projects will receive approximately $36 million from the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund, established under legislation signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2020, according to a press release from the National Park Service (NPS).   

Groups like Preservation Thurmond, the New River Gorge Historical Society and the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia are protesting the demolition of 11 historic buildings in the area. Three may be saved if viable leases can be obtained for the property but the rest are slated to be torn down.  

On Tuesday, the Facebook page Creepalachia, published a 28-minute video to its YouTube channel explaining the demolition plans in Thurmond. The video has been widely shared by the preservation groups involved in the resistance and a petition has been circulating.

What The National Park Service Is Saying

According to the NPS, the investment will address long-deferred maintenance and improve visitor safety by stabilizing historic structures in Thurmond, improving water and wastewater infrastructure and removing dilapidated buildings in all three areas. 

Following building removal, crews will begin work on several historic structures in Thurmond, including the Fatty Lipscomb, McClung, McGuffin, Marilyn Brown and Erskine Pugh houses, as well as buildings along historic Commercial Row. Improvements are expected to include roof and gutter replacement, storefront restoration, interior framing repairs, installation of electrical, fire protection and security systems and site drainage improvements. Officials say the work also includes a new retaining wall in front of the previously restored historic depot. 

Temporary closures will begin Nov. 30 and are expected to continue into spring 2027 during building removal. In Thurmond, each work site will have a posted and barricaded 150-foot safety zone. In Prince, the closure will extend to NPS lands near the Prince Brothers store. 

Officials say restrictions will remain in effect at all times, including evenings, weekends and holidays, even when crews are not present. Some access roads may close temporarily. The broader improvement program are expected to continue for several years and may require additional closures as work progresses. 

The park says it’s also developing a program to offer improved and enhanced structures as potential public leasing opportunities through a request for proposals.  

More information on the request for proposals process can be found on nps.gov. For questions on leasing, please contact the park at NERI_leasing@nps.gov.