The former Mount Vernon News building has been transformed into a mixed‑use hub that blends dining, office space, and education, marking a major investment in downtown Mount Vernon.
The historic property at 18 E. Vine St., originally constructed in 1939, reopened this year after a $1 million Vibrant Community Grant from JobsOhio supported its redevelopment. The 13,571‑square‑foot building now houses Founders Food Hall, modern office space, and new facilities for Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s engineering and technology programs.
Community leaders said the project was designed to preserve history while creating new opportunities.
“We never wanted to simply renovate an old building,” Sam Filkins, president of the Knox County Land Bank, said according to a press release. “We wanted to create a place people would talk about, a place where entrepreneurs could take risks and a place that would draw energy back into downtown.”
Filkins added that early excitement around Founders Food Hall shows the project is already exceeding expectations. Six vendors have signed on, offering diverse cuisines alongside duckpin bowling, a bar, and shared gathering spaces.
Economic development officials emphasized the broader impact.
“Projects like this turn quality of place into an economic asset,” Jonas Peterson, chief economic development officer and president of One Columbus, said. “It gives Mount Vernon new energy, supports entrepreneurs and strengthens the kind of downtown experience that helps attract talent and investment.”
JobsOhio leaders echoed that sentiment, noting the program’s statewide mission.
“Vibrant Community projects are about more than bricks and mortar. They are about helping communities create places where people want to live, gather and invest in the future,” JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef stated.
Local businesses also joined the redevelopment. Sponsler Automotive’s accounting department and Otto Insurance Group moved into new office space, while MVNU’s facilities now feature labs for engineering, cybersecurity, robotics, networking, and virtual reality.
“Towns that have a thriving downtown become places people want to live and work,” Mark Otto, president of Otto Insurance Group, said. “This space creates a destination that benefits the community, and we are proud to be part of that.”
The project aligns with Mount Vernon’s long‑term goals to strengthen downtown, encourage infill development, and create vibrant spaces that connect neighborhoods, businesses, and public gathering places.
