North Vernon acquires former Arvin downtown property

The city of North Vernon is announcing that it has acquired a former Arvin Manufacturing property downtown in order to redevelop the space.

City officials say North Vernon acquired the property on South Madison Avenue as of yesterday. City officials say that the location has been seen as a critical part of revitalization efforts for more than a decade and will be an important connection point between downtown North Vernon and Tripton Park

The City’s initial focus will be on cleaning up the site so that it can be positioned for future redevelopment.

Mayor Shawn Gerkin said that the acquisition had been identified as an important step since before he was first elected as city clerk-treasurer in 2011. Since he became mayor he says it has been a priority and “The acquisition of this property represents a major step forward in our ongoing efforts to strengthen and revitalize our downtown.”

Gerkin said the acquisition will build on other projects in the downtown area, including the construction of the City’s new police station and Harmon Construction’s renovation of the former PNC Bank building.

Gerkin thanked the Marksberry family, current and past elected officials who assisted with the purchasing of this property, the North Vernon Redevelopment Commission, City Attorney Larry Greathouse, and community members for their support of the initiative.

Photo courtesy City of North Vernon