By Marty Trese, KnoxPages.com
MOUNT VERNON – Saying Knox County lacks enough venues for special events, Rich Cochran told the Knox County Commissioners Monday morning that nearly $400,000 has been raised in private donations toward the proposed improvement project at the county-owned Memorial Building on East High Street. Cochran has led the volunteer effort for years to secure funds from the Community Foundation of Mount Vernon and Knox County, Ariel Foundation, local companies and individuals.
Standing from left, Commissioners Thom Collier, Roger Reed, and Teresa Bemiller look over the plans presented by Rich Cochran, seated, for Memorial Building upgrades. KnoxPages.com photo by Marty Trese
The project will include installation of a new elevator that will have stops on three floors plus an exterior door. Existing restrooms will be improved and additional restrooms added. The structure was originally built in the 1920’s.
Plans and construction specifications have been executed by architect Jeffry Salva and Green Valley Design, LLC. The project does not include any work to the theater. The basement room, the first floor and the ballroom will be rented out for class reunions, wedding receptions, meetings, etc. Currently there is a kitchen in the lower level but no elevator to transport food to the upper floors.
Cochran revealed that steps are being reviewd necesary before putting notification out for contractors’ bdding. The actual construction time should be six to nine months. The timetable for completion is fluid, but it’s likely a wedding reception, for example, could be held in the Memorial Building in June of 2016.
