Pool left out of first phase of Capital Sports Center

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – There’s been a change in plans for the Capital Sports Center coming to Charleston.

According to Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango, the Olympic size pool originally planned for the center will not be built in the first phase of construction.

Salango said it was the developer’s original plan to buy the Lee Street parking garage next to the former Macy’s location in downtown Charleston and build an aquatic center there. However, the garage turned out to be more expensive than originally anticipated.

In an auction last month, the garage was sold to a buyer for $600,000. Salango said even if they bought the garage, it would cost millions of additional dollars in maintenance to bring the building up to code.

As a result, Salango said the aquatic center is moving into “Phase B” of their development plan.

“Phase A” is the facility being planned at the site of the old Macy’s. That’s where basketball, pickleball and volleyball courts will be built. It is expected to cost between 60 million and 80 million dollars to build.

To move forward with “Phase B,” Salango said they would need to find a second location. If they do, consideration for the aquatic center can be revisited.

In a recent public survey, 11 out of 20 residents expressed interest in seeing a pool at the Capital Sports Center to the developers. While residents like Ron Walters are disappointed, he said there’s still plenty to be excited about at the new complex.

“Unfortunate we’re going to lose the pool., but I understand they couldn’t buy the parking garage. Overall, I think the community is still excited about it,” Walters said.

Cody Baird, another resident, feels the same way, and said the center will have plenty more to offer.

“I think it’s awesome they’re going to do what they can to try and help people out. I’d much rather see my taxpayer dollars go towards something that can be used for everyone and boost the city rather than some of the other projects I’ve seen in the city going out,” Baird said.

Salango expects construction to begin between six to nine months, and for it to be completed by the end of 2026.

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