Demolitions Could Affect Beckley Historic District

  State historians say a proposed demolition project could threaten uptown Beckley’s historic district.

Dan Bickey has proposed demolishing three buildings that he owns and developing the space for metered parking.

Only one property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing resource to the Beckley Courthouse Historic District. But State Historic Preservation Officer Susan M. Pearce tells The Register-Herald that demolishing the buildings would significantly alter the district’s viewshed.

West Virginia Division of Culture and History deputy commissioner Caryn Gresham says the demolitions could lead to the district’s removal from the national register.

Bickey says he hopes the district doesn’t lose its historic designation. He says the city needs more parking and it’s not cost effective to restore the buildings.