The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Today's Front Page

May 17, 2011

Duplexes to replace old hospital in Rainelle

By Tina Alvey Register-Herald Reporter

RAINELLE — A pair of modern duplexes will soon rise in place of the old Midland Hospital on 11th Street here, thanks to the efforts of the Southeastern Appalachian Rural Alliance.

Dubbed “Rutledge Run” in honor of community activist Steve Rutledge, the two-bedroom rental units are expected to be ready for occupancy in around three months, according to Susan Rosshirt, SARA’s executive director.

At ribbon-cutting ceremonies marking the start of demolition of the dilapidated hospital building Monday morning, Rutledge said, “Rainelle could be one of the brightest spots in Greenbrier County. The people are great.”

He said he first encountered the old hospital building, which had been converted into apartments, while working as a building inspector for the county housing authority.

“I was appalled at the living conditions there,” Rutledge said. “I’ve always said HUD is not a slum landlord, and this structure was in dreadful condition. I recommended it be condemned.”

He said he called in the state fire marshal, who agreed the building was unsafe for habitation.

“I’m proud to be associated with this project,” Rutledge said. “Out of the ashes comes something beautiful.”

Danny Milam, president of the Rainelle Area Planning Commission, said the revitalization of this property is an example of the methods his group intends to continue to use in restoring the town.

“Instead of alienating property owners, we’re not only taking down a building, we’re putting something better back up,” Milam said. “We actually got everybody together and made it happen.”

Planning commission member Andy Pendleton said, “This is a dream come true for all of the citizens of Rainelle. There were no objections from anybody to this (hospital building) being torn down.”

Mayor John Hill said, “Everybody needs to work together for the good of the town. If the money’s there, we need to go after it.”

The $517,000 project relies heavily on assistance from the West Virginia Housing Development Fund.

The agency’s HOME project coordinator, Charles C. Thomas II, said the Rutledge Run project is “a little different” from the norm, primarily due to what the building being torn down used to be.

“There’s asbestos to be considered, and waste from the hospital,” Thomas explained. “It’s typical, with a twist.”

He added, “West Virginia Housing is very committed to providing affordable housing to low- and moderate-income people.”

NPW Development Corp. of Beckley is in charge of construction on the project.

Addressing the crowd of around 50 people gathered for Monday’s ceremonies, U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall said, “ This is truly an example of Rainelle taking back its pride. In many ways, this site — so long devoted to healing — will continue to serve this community through strengthening the health and fortunes of families.”

Built in the early 1920s, the Midland Hospital remained open until 1948.

“My dad was born in this hospital in 1929,” said Carolyn Stephens, one of those in attendance Monday.

She noted that, following his retirement from the Jackson & Kelly law firm in Charleston, her father, James K. Brown, lived in a house next door to the building in which he was born.

“In my lifetime, (the hospital building) has been such an unwelcome neighbor, due to lack of maintenance,” Stephens said. “The exterior looked terrible, and the apartments there were kind of rugged.

“What’s happening now is something to be hugely proud of.”

— E-mail: talvey@register-herald.com

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