MOUNT VERNON — A new $1 million grant from the Vibrant Communities Program will help revitalize 18 E. Vine St. by creating a food hall and office space. JobsOhio provided this grant to the Knox County Land Bank, which is focusing on making the downtown area more vibrant.
This redevelopment project has a total budget of $4.4 million and is expected to create 25 new jobs, resulting in an annual payroll of about $1.2 million. “This will create job opportunities in the downtown,” said Sam Filkins, the Land Bank Vice President. The building once housed the Mount Vernon News but has been vacant for some time. The Land Bank’s goal is to restore abandoned buildings to productive use.
Filkins emphasized the need for attracting more foot traffic downtown, which would encourage visitors to shop at local businesses. “We have great historic buildings downtown, but adding a restaurant is challenging and costly,” he noted. As a result, bringing a food hall to the area has been a priority.
The Knox County Land Bank collaborated with JobsOhio and the regional development partner, One Columbus, to secure the necessary funding. Officials believe that this project will spark further investment in Mount Vernon’s historic core.
“It will really help the vibrancy of the downtown,” said Filkins.
“Founders Food Hall,” as it will be called, pays tribute to the area’s pioneers and entrepreneurs. It will occupy 9,000 square feet of the 13,000 square-foot first floor and include eight independent kitchens, a full bar, and a four-season room. The concept allows for reduced costs for entrepreneurs, making it easier for them to test new ideas or expand existing ones.
“We aim to bring diverse flavors to the downtown area,” Filkins added. Each kitchen will have unique cuisines to ensure that patrons have multiple options. Menus will be similar to food truck offerings, featuring a handful of items each.
The four-season room will offer an experience akin to outdoor dining, with garage doors that can open to bring in fresh air during good weather. Filkins explained, “The intent was to create a feel for outdoor dining. We want this addition to complement the downtown scene.” This is a new avenue for connecting people to the street.
A 4,000-square-foot office suite will also be part of the redevelopment. Filkins expects to finalize details with a potential tenant soon, stating, “Investing in downtown is essential for keeping Mount Vernon vibrant.”
The Knox County Land Bank acquired the property in December 2020 and formally applied for the grant in 2021. The delay was due to state regulations that necessitated a concrete plan for the building’s use.
With interior work starting soon, the goal is to complete construction by September 2025. Filkins expressed his enthusiasm for the project, believing that it will significantly enhance the downtown area.
The Knox County Land Bank is dedicated to revitalizing distressed neighborhoods by turning vacant properties into thriving spaces. This initiative not only provides economic benefits but also reinforces the community’s commitment to responsible growth.
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, plays a vital role in such redevelopment efforts. Their mission is to foster business growth and support local economies by creating competitive advantages across various industries.
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