MOUNT VERNON — If John Mertz gets his wish, a senior assisted living facility will one day be a reality at the site of the former Mount Vernon Middle School at 301 N. Mulberry St. Mertz is a partner in the nonprofit group International Missionary Resources which is the current owner of the facility. The building went up for sale shortly after the death of former partner in ownership, John Bechtel, last fall. Mrs. Bechtel remains an ownership partner.
“I’m really enthusiastic,” Mertz told the News about the option of turning the building into a senior assisted living facility. Mertz said the building is up for sale and has been in the process of remodeling for the intended purpose of assisted living. New windows and roof sections have been installed at the former middle school. Walls and ceilings have also gone up inside while getting the building prepared for sale.
“[Assisted living] is hopefully what will manifest and bring that building to what it should be. It would be a fantastic asset to the community. So many baby boomers are reaching that age,” said Mertz.
“We’re optimistic because the people we have it listed with sell facilities of that type. But with all the work that’s been done on it getting it ready, I’m optimistic that this will work out for the betterment of the community,” he said. “There’s going to be a continuing demand for that kind of service. That is the objective of transforming that building into serving that need.”
Listing the property is Realtor Chris Foley with Equity Inc. of Columbus. The building’s list price was recently reduced to that of $500,000. “That’s a real good value for the property,” said Foley. “We have had some interest on it. They feel it’s a good market price. The building structure is in good shape and is in the middle of renovations, and it’s ready for redevelopment. But these things don’t happen overnight.”
Anyone interested in acquiring the building should contact Foley at 614-802-2900.
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- Old middle school up for sale June 8, 2012
- Signs indicate fire safety levels December 14, 2011
- New company, same owner for old middle school December 24, 2010
- Fogle: Work progressing on old middle school February 3, 2010
- More time given to owner of old MS July 8, 2009
- City to get tough with old middle school owner June 3, 2009
- Council raises wastewater rates March 10, 2009
- City addresses concerns at old middle school again May 29, 2008
- Old middle school owners complying with requirements July 14, 2007
- Progress made on old middle school March 29, 2007
- City files charges against old school owner March 20, 2007
- City assesses condition of old middle school December 21, 2006
- Cook taking crack at nuisances July 19, 2006
- Old school secure, but an 'attractive nuisance' October 24, 2005
- Plans for old middle school still in the works June 11, 2005
- Youth start fire in old middle school June 4, 2005
- Old middle school site of suspicious fire October 13, 2004
- City: Bechtel making progress on building September 4, 2004
- Questions plague city about old middle school July 31 , 2004
- Officials discover troubles in old school July 24 , 2004
