MOUNT VERNON — Wayne and Sue Gottke received the inaugural Knox County Renaissance Foundation Award for Outstanding Architectural Restoration or Contribution to the Community at Monday’s City Council meeting. The Gottkes, along with building owner Gorden DeHann, were recognized for their work in restoring the home at 112 E. Gambier St. after a fire in 2008 extensively damaged the home.
“This grand 1840s Greek Revival house is more than a house,” said Tom Fish, president of the KCRF. “It is a key element in the character of our historic districts and a landmark for Mount Vernon. The outcome of this fire would have been so bad for the character of our town had it been torn down and replaced with an inferior structure of no appropriate architecture for the district. But thanks to the decisions made by the owners and family, the outcome has been one we can all be thankful for.
“Gorden DeHann, who owns the building, left the matter to his son-in-law, Wayne Gottke, to decide what to do, and Wayne decided to restore the building,” Fish continued. “Thank you, Wayne, and thank you, Mr. DeHann.”
Council approved an ordinance authorizing Safety-service Director Dave Glass to sell the property at 14 Cottage St. to Habitat for Humanity. The foreclosed property was acquired by the city through Neighborhood Stabilization Funds.
Glass said the city paid a $5,000 tax bill on the property, and will receive that amount from habitat.
Councilman Mike Hillier said he appreciated what is being done with the property, which has come before the Dilapidated Building Commission for a number of months.
