From Knox Pages April 29, 2024​

 

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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.”

 

Noting his original plan was to tear down the building, Mazza said, “I just couldn’t do it.”