MOUNT VERNON — The Knox County Landmarks Foundation presented Joel Mazza with its Historic Preservation Award for his work preserving the former school on North Mulberry Street.
Former Mount Vernon Mayor and KCLF board member Richard Mavis presented the award at the organization’s annual meeting on Sunday.
“When you are a mayor, there are several issues that can become an albatross. And schools are one of them,” Mavis said.
“Fortunately, the high school on Mulberry Street is a whole different picture.”
When the school district decided to sell the former high and middle school at 301 N. Mulberry, the city chose not to exercise its option to buy.
Mavis recounted the school’s history from that point on, starting with the Mansfield developer whose apartment plans fell through. Another buyer installed new windows but then gutted the school of its oak floors. Vandals, squatters, and a fire followed.
“It was a real issue during that period,” he said.
A third owner fared no better.
“Then a knight in shining armor came in by the name of Joel Mazza,” Mavis said. “Joel Mazza was able to lift this albatross off the city’s neck.”
Mavis said Mazza and his long-time business partner Robert Erlanger “made a wonderful opportunity for people looking for a place to live in the city.”
“It’s a true gift to the city,” Mavis said.
Mazza thanked Erlanger and also acknowledged the help and support of his wife and Erlanger’s wife. He admitted it wasn’t always easy.
“This has been a really fun project. Difficult and frustrating at times but very rewarding and educational too,” he said. “I really appreciate the opportunity.”
A trove of memories
The Grad Apartments is a 51,000-square-foot, 38-unit complex. Mazza noted that it is the same size as the White House.
He replicated White House arches in the hallways and restored original flooring and handrails.
Framed prints of the building’s original blueprints and sports teams adorn the hallways. Restored trophy cases greet visitors at the front entrance, and the original principal’s door is mounted in the vestibule.
Noting his original plan was to tear down the building, Mazza said, “I just couldn’t do it.”
Mazza expects The Grad’s website, thegradapartments.com, will become active on April 29.
The KCLF
The Knox County Landmarks Foundation was established in 1988 as the Knox County Renaissance Foundation. The group changed the name to emphasize historic preservation and the need to save local architecture.
The group pioneered the establishment of the Knox County Visitor’s Bureau, developed and ran the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival for several years, and initiated the restoration of the Woodward Opera House.
Other activities include tours of historic homes, churches, and barns, restoring the Lustron House and the International Order of Odd Fellows building, and consulting on the restoration of the Mound View Cemetery Chapel.
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