By Cheryl Splain, KnoxPages.com Reporter
MOUNT VERNON — At a meeting with Mayor Richard Mavis last week, owners Jason and Larry Gunsorek presented a plan to address security issues at the old middle school at 301 N. Mulberry St. The Gunsoreks also presented a timeline to begin redevelopment of the building into living units.
The plan calls for trees and foliage to be removed that obstruct view to the building. The idea is to remove areas where trespassers can hide. Limbs that allow for climbing into the upper floors will be cut. The brush will be mulched after removal.
Door entrances not in use will be boarded up as well as windows that either were never boarded up or the previously installed boards are no longer functional. They will install a perimeter fence to keep trespassers out as well as provide a safe space and theft deterrence during construction.
Old middle school building on North Mulberry Street. This photo was taken September 19th. Trees are now in the process of being removed. KP Photo
Consulting with Jeff Salva of Green Valley Design, the Gunsoreks have developed preliminary plans for Phase 1 to convert two wings of the building into multifamily units. The majority of the planned 58 units will be two-bedroom units. The conversion includes demolition of the former gymnasium and auditorium; the exterior walls will be rebuilt after demolition. The former cafeteria will be redesigned to include common uses for the apartments and co-working space for the public.
Following is a tentative construction timeline:
*Jan. 31, 2018: zoning, tax abatement, site plan approval and other permits obtained
*Feb. 28, 2018: approval to demolish and begin demolition of gymnasium and auditorium
*May 31, 2018: construction documents for review
*June 30,2018: begin construction of phase 1 with 180-day construction period
