The demolition of the former Macy’s building in downtown Charleston is set to begin this week, making way for the new Capital Sports Center. Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango mentioned that the lawyers are finalizing the purchase of the Macy’s lot, with hopes of closing soon. If the closing happens promptly, demolition could start as early as Wednesday.
To fund the project, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin’s office has provided $2 million, while the City of Charleston and the Kanawha County Commission have contributed $5 million each. The remaining funds will come from private partnerships, with a possible bond issue to cover the rest. Salango is hopeful that the state will provide support, considering the significant benefits of the sports complex.
The Capital Sports Center will be built over three floors of the Charleston Town Center Mall’s Parking Garage B, which will be demolished by Rodney Loftis & Sons. ZMM Architects are finalizing the designs for the facility, which is estimated to cost $80 million to build. Salango emphasized that the goal of the complex is not just to make money but to provide a space for community members to play sports and to drive economic impact in the region.
The project was initially announced in August 2022 and is expected to include an aquatic center, basketball courts, volleyball courts, wrestling mats, pickleball courts, a fitness center, a soccer field, a running track, a swimming pool, a rock-climbing wall
