ITMANN, W.Va. (WVVA) – A building known as the “Castle of the Coalfields” has found a new owner. Gary Drabek of Houston, Texas, purchased the historic Itmann Company Store this week.
He says he has a background in architecture and urban planning and this is not his first project.
“I bought a historic African-American church in Houston that is not quite as big but in a similar condition as this one. I bought it and restored it. I converted it into multi-family housing,” Drabek said.
Drabek says he first saw the building for sale online last September and started looking around. He was able to purchase the building after a sale of the building to a nonprofit organization fell through.
Drabek says he hopes to incorporate the building into his own nonprofit organization. He has ideas for a bar, a restaurant and a coal mine museum.
“It will probably take another year or two before actual construction can begin. We will review everything and see what grants are available,” Drabek said.
Drabek says he knows the construction work will take a while, but he wants the momentum and enthusiasm for the building to continue to grow. He is working to put together a good team to carry out the restoration, he says.
“The next step I would like to take is to meet the people here,” Drabek said. “All the residents here and I want to tell them that I am a big advocate of transparency. Let them know what we are doing and get their opinion.”
According to Drabek, the restoration of the building will primarily require a new roof and a new sewage system.
“The biggest problem right now is how we get a roof. Right now the roof is leaking. It’s a solid stone building with plaster and when the water gets into the building the plaster disintegrates,” Drabek said. “Fortunately all the other buildings are made of concrete so the structure is good.”
The historic Itmann Company Store was built in 1923 and designed by renowned architect Alex Mahood. Drabek purchased the building at full asking price of $250,000.
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