By Josephine E. Moore, The Register Herald
BECKLEY, W.Va. — The Beckley home of a former West Virginia governor, which was set aflame in October, is being torn down.
Raleigh County Engineer Detlef Ulfers said crews began their demolition of the partly burned-down structure on Tuesday.
The vacant home, referred to by locals as the “governor’s mansion” because it was owned by former West Virginia Gov. Hulett C. Smith, was slated for asbestos abatement and demolition the day after it burned down in October.
The Raleigh County Commission previously approved contracts with Empire Salvage totaling $15,120 – $29,120 for the asbestos abatement and $14,000 for demolition. Although the project was changed from when it was originally bid, Ulfers said Empire Salvage could still complete it for roughly the same price.
