CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Demolition of the former Copanhaver building on Lee Street in downtown Charleston could be complete by the end of this week, according to Charleston Urban Renewal Authority Executive Director Jim Edwards.
The building, located next to the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, is being taken down to provide space for materials in connection to the Charleston Civic Center renovation project across the street.
Edwards said contractors approached them before they closed on the 8,000 square foot property.
“They agreed that if we purchased the property they would tear down the building at their cost, so that’s why it’s being taken down right now,” Edwards told 580-WCHS Radio News.
The long term goal is to see the property redeveloped, Edwards said. Although they don’t have plans for the space yet, he said it’s in a great location.
“There’s potential in the future particularly if the health department is interested in expanding or relocating. It’s a piece of property that can be tied to the Civic Center in some way or to the shopping center in terms of being a potentional hotel site or some other use,” he said.
CURA plans to seek development proposals from the community to see if there is an interest in building a new facility on the property.