By Cheryl Splain, KnoxPages.com Reporter
MOUNT VERNON — The Odd Fellows building, 114 S. Main St., is under new ownership. Michael Woolson of Main Street Creative bought the building from the Knox Landmarks Foundation for $135,000.
Jeff Gottke, president of KLF, said the foundation sold the building because it did not want to be a landlord, it wanted to be a catalyst for historical preservation.
“We bought it in 2009 from the Odd Fellows because they knew we were an organization dedicated to preserving the historical character of buildings. So that was our mission in acquiring it,” said Gottke. “Over seven years we pretty much restored it top to bottom to its 1880s style and character. We felt like we did our job with the building; they could take care of it and we could focus on preservation.”
Shakti Fit is a tenant on the first floor of the Odd Fellows building and will remain there through the end of July. “We’ve had some considerable growth and need more space, so we’re using this opportunity of transition in ownership to take that step,” said Shakti Fit owner Sarah Schlievert. “We just signed a lease at 14 E. Gambier St., where the LJJA martial arts studio used to be.”
Moving forward, the Knox Landmarks Foundation has other projects on tap, including grants for improving houses on the east side of town and a mural on the Masonic Hall building. Gottke said he would also like to start semi-permanent historical home tours in the downtown area and around the county. Another project involves starting a group for historical homeowners to get help with restoration projects.