POCA, W.Va. — Demolition teams struck the first blows to bring down the former Poca Middle School in Putnam County Wednesday.
The aging building was replaced last year by a new state-of-the-art middle school nearby. The old building, constructed in 1926, was beyond repair for any other use.
“The community around here would have loved to see it stay,” said Putnam County Clerk of the Works Gary Pyles. “But the condition it’s in, it’s not feasible.”
Pyles said work on abatement of all hazardous material is complete and the demolition should take about three weeks to get done. The property will be reconditioned and turned into a parking lot for the new school.
“There’s not much parking out in front of the school right now, so it will be an ideal parking lot and for parents to drop off their kids in a safe manner,” said Pyles.
Pyles expects the parking lot, paved and lit, will be completed in about six weeks.