WHEELING, W.Va. — Crews have begun tearing down the former Clay School in East Wheeling as the city moves forward with plans to transform the nearly 90,000-square-foot site into a recreation hub.
Demolition is running ahead of schedule and is expected to wrap up by Sept. 1. The city allocated $62,000 for the project in August 2025, though a final budget has not been set.
Mayor Denny Magruder said the demolition marks part of a broader revitalization of East Wheeling, which has also seen a new Ace Towing building and Central Fire Headquarters open nearby in recent years. The city acquired the former school in 2021.
