Mount Vernon Moves to Demolish Historic Curtis Building After Storm Damage
Mount Vernon officials are taking steps to demolish a historic downtown building after severe windstorms left it structurally unsafe. The city has filed for a condemnation order for the Curtis Building, a 19th-century landmark tied to one of the area’s most influential families.
A Building Beyond Repair
Located at 10-16 N. Main St., the Curtis Building suffered major damage during the March 13 windstorm that knocked out power across Ohio. A large section of its façade collapsed, forcing the closure of nearby sidewalks and street parking.
“The façade is unstable and at risk of further collapse,” said Public Works Director Tom Hinkle. “Removing it now would only weaken the structure even more.”
The city plans to extend the demolition order to two adjacent buildings—18-20 N. Main St. and 6-8 E. Chestnut St.—due to their shared structural connections. All three properties were acquired by the city in 2022.
A Lost Piece of Local History
The Curtis Building was constructed by the family of Henry B. Curtis, a prominent 19th-century lawyer, banker, and developer whose legacy still marks Mount Vernon. Another Curtis family landmark, the Curtis Mansion, still stands nearby.
Mayor Matthew Starr acknowledged the building’s historical significance but stressed that public safety must come first. “Preservation efforts should have started decades ago,” he said. “Now, the damage is too severe to save it.”
Relocation Efforts Underway
One residential tenant and a business at 20 N. Main St. will be assisted in relocating before demolition begins. For now, scaffolding and netting are stabilizing the building while the surrounding area remains closed.
The Board of Property Maintenance Appeals will review the condemnation order on March 24. If approved, demolition could proceed swiftly.
For more details on the city’s decision, visit Mount Vernon’s official notice.
— Reported by Nexio News
