The Municipal Planning Commission on Aug. 14 approved a condominium plat to divide the former Mount Vernon News building at 18 East Vine Street into three condominium units.

Attorney Zach DeMarco, representing the land bank, told the commission the proposed plat would create three units: a ground-floor educational space used by the NAS, a founders food-hall space on the top floor and separate office space. "What we're looking at here is the old Mount Vernon News Building at 18 East Fine Street. What we're seeking to do here is file a condominium plat that would divide this building into 3 units," DeMarco said.

Engineering staff reported no objections: the building will be modified with fire suppression, new utilities and sewer reconnection; storm drains that had been connected to sanitary lines will be corrected during reconstruction. Legal review of the submitted covenants found no issues, and zoning staff identified no impediments. The commission moved to approve the request and passed it by roll call.

Why it matters: converting an existing downtown building into multiple, separately owned units can enable a mix of educational, food-service and office uses and is part of the land bank’s reuse strategy for vacant or underused properties.

Commission discussion and vote: Commissioners asked technical questions and heard from engineering and legal staff that the submitted covenants and improvements were acceptable. A motion to approve the condominium plat was made and seconded; the roll call recorded affirmatives from Mayor Mary Starr, Mister Salyers, Missus Ellsworth, Mister Hawkins and Mister Swallow.

Next steps: The approved condominium plat and declaration will be recorded and the developer/land bank will proceed with building modifications and utility reconnections subject to building permits and inspections.