MOUNT VERNON — An in-depth report by MKC Architects shows that the former Central School on East Chestnut Street is structurally sound and worthy of preserving. The preservation price is estimated to be $3.86 million.
“They really did an all-encompassing number for us, which is good because that’s what we asked them to do,” said Jason Booth, county administrator. “They said it is definitely structurally sound. The exterior is really well maintained. They felt it was worth saving.
“And I think we did, too. That was our hope when we set out on it, that it was good enough to keep.”
The purpose of the $10,000 study was to give the commissioners a “road map” as to whether to move forward with renovations on the 79-year-old building.
“I’ve heard conversations that say it would cost this amount of money and that amount of money,” said Booth. “I said we need a feasibility study; otherwise, it’s all hypothetical.”
Booth said demolishing the building would cost between $200,000 and $500,000, plus rebuilding costs. “And building back would not be nearly as good,” he said.
“We were hopeful we could get good use out of it at a reasonable cost,” said Commissioner Thom Collier. “We’ve always thought that it was a good, solid building.”
The Knox County Board of Elections has expressed interest in space on the lower level of the former school. Booth said that would be a good fit in terms of being handicapped accessible, having plenty of parking, and enough space for in-person voting and equipment storage.
“I think the big thing is trying to decide what is the priority and what serves the community best,” said Booth. “The objective is how do you pay for this? How do you get it done? How do you leverage space to get something useful? The general fund is not able to cover $4 million in renovation.”
“We’d like to see what offices would like to use it. We want to figure out the best use for it,” said Commissioner Teresa Bemiller, adding that a public-private partnership is an option. “We will also be looking at grant money to see if that is available.”
Outside, the biggest single expense at $135,720 is the need for a new roof. Other work includes paving and re-striping two parking lots, asbestos testing and removal, repairing concrete on stairways ans sidewalks, and filling in one exterior stairwell.
To preserve the character of the building, the study recommends refurbishing rather than replacing the exterior doors. All exterior windows need replaced; the brick and masonry need cleaned, spot or tuck pointed, and sealed. The architectural style of new windows and brick will be consistent with the existing style.
Inside, lighting and the plumbing, HVAC, security, fire, and electrical systems need upgraded to meet Ohio’s building code. Most interior walls will remain. Recommendations include installing new flooring atop existing corridor flooring and keeping the wood flooring in the classrooms and installing new carpet; demolishing some carpet, walls, and doors; and replacing some doors and frames.
In addition to installing an elevator, restrooms, drinking fountains, guardrails, and handrails need to be brought into ADA compliance. The main entrance on Chestnut Street needs a ramp and sidewalk to become ADA accessible.
The commissioners are reviewing the study, and Booth said there is no timetable for starting any renovations. He did note that 90 percent of the work is indoors and could be done through the winter. Typically, prices are lower in the winter compared to spring and summer.
Breakdown of costs:
- Site work/exterior, $794,165
- Ground floor, $471,251 (5,054 sq foot)
- First floor, $431,802 (4,677 sq foot)
- Second floor, $335,898 (4,677 sq foot)
- Furniture, $139,700
- Construction costs, $2,033,116
- Contractor costs, $912,869
- Fees, permitting, contingency, $774,922
Total Estimated Cost: $3,860,606
Built in 1939, the building formerly served as the 3rd Ward School. The Knox County Board of Commissioners purchased the property in 2005. The building has been completely vacant since juvenile probation and adult parole services relocated several years ago.
