Local nonprofit provides an update on turning the old Rupert school campus into community center

RUPERT, WV (WOAY) – The Meadow River Valley Association, working alongside several partners, is further developing the old Rupert Elementary campus into the Meadow River Valley Community Center.

The back three buildings are currently housing the Meadow River Valley Early Childhood Learning and Training (MARVEL) Center as they are set to begin this fall.

Now it is about figuring out what will become of the gym and the main three-story building.

 Right now, they say that the Robert C. Byrd Clinic has expressed interest in the first floor, and they’re looking at ways to turn other floors into affordable housing.

The gym is still in use by local teams, but they’re hoping to make that a spot for wellness programs and community events as well. 

The Rupert Fire Department is also included in the plans as they hope to bring the area a helipad that will be in the field next to the gym.

Meadow River Valley Association Board Member David Lumsden says with the support from the community and their local partners, these seemingly ambitious plans are getting closer to reality every day.

“There’s an emotional attachment for the citizens of Rupert for this campus, and they dearly want to see something good come from that, but then you step back from that and it’s the opportunities that come from the activities and programs that will nest out of the Meadow River Valley Community Center,” Lumsden said. 

The Meadow River Valley Association is currently working with consultants to discuss their best options for further attracting developers. 

Rupert Elementary is now located in a new building next to the Western Greenbrier Middle School. They moved out of the old building last year and Greenbrier County Schools has been fully supportive of the old school building’s development.

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Anna Saunders
Anna Saunders is a weekend reporter for WOAY. With a diploma from Princeton Senior High School and a mother from Fayette County, she is no stranger to the area. She received a degree in Media Arts and Design from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia and wanted to return home to start her career as a reporter.