10/04/2026
The Knox County Landmarks Foundation (KCLF) invites the public to view one of Knox County’s most remarkable historic properties on Sunday, October 11, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., at 6 W. Lamartine Street in Mount Vernon.
The community is invited to tour the restored Lustron House, learn about the organization’s decades of preservation work, meet members and supporters of KCLF, and discover opportunities to become part of the next generation of historic preservation in Knox County.
This is more than an open house. It is an invitation to see what can happen when a community decides that its historic buildings are worth saving.
Built almost entirely of porcelain-enameled steel, Lustron homes were designed to provide durable, affordable housing during the postwar housing shortage. Only a limited number were ever produced, and the Mount Vernon house is the last remaining Lustron home in Knox County.
The Knox County Landmarks Foundation acquired the property in 2018. Restoration work began in 2019.
What followed was a remarkable community preservation effort involving volunteers, donors, tradespeople, students and community organizations. The rehabilitation included new mechanical systems and extensive restoration work while respecting the character and original design of the home.
Today, the Lustron House serves not only as a preserved historic property but also as a community asset and short-term rental. Proceeds help support the Foundation’s preservation mission.
KCLF believes the Lustron House represents one of the most unique historic short-term lodging experiences in Knox County.
Founded in 1988 as the Knox County Renaissance Foundation, KCLF was created to encourage and promote the preservation and development of Knox County’s historic, cultural and architectural heritage. Its mission today remains straightforward: to preserve, promote and protect Knox County’s rich historic legacy through restoration, recognition and awareness.
Over the years, the Foundation and its volunteers have helped make preservation an active part of the community.
Among KCLF’s documented projects and initiatives are The Historic Odd Fellows Building — 112–114 South Main Street.
KCLF purchased the circa-1858 Italianate building in 2009.
Mound View Cemetery Chapel
KCLF has participated in the long-term restoration of the remarkable Victorian Gothic chapel, including work involving the roof, windows, drainage, stonework, ironwork, woodwork, plaster, paint, lighting and security. Preservation of the historic encaustic tile floor remains an important challenge.
Reinvesting in Historic Homes Update Program — ReHHUP
Through ReHHUP, KCLF has provided financial assistance and preservation guidance to property owners undertaking exterior improvements to historic homes. The program has evolved to serve homes throughout the City of Mount Vernon and can also assist owners with contractor questions, historic research and potential National Register efforts.
West High Street: Preserving the Front Porch of Mount Vernon
Another important chapter of KCLF’s current work is the ongoing rehabilitation and beautification effort along West High Street, particularly the 700 through 900 blocks.
In 2026, KCLF launched a program encouraging property owners in this corridor to make improvements to their historic homes. The initiative grew from KCLF’s ReHHUP preservation efforts and is intended to improve the appearance of the neighborhood.
Downtown Historic Murals
KCLF has helped bring historic storytelling into the streets of Mount Vernon through a series of large-scale murals depicting the city’s architecture, theater, downtown life, Masonic history and industrial heritage.
Historic Barn Tours
For years, KCLF has helped residents and visitors discover Knox County’s rural architectural heritage through historic barn tours. The Foundation’s history page notes that its volunteers have sponsored numerous historical tours.
Preservation Recognition and Awards
KCLF has established a tradition of recognizing property owners, businesses and organizations whose work protects Knox County’s architectural heritage. Recent examples include the Foundation’s recognition of Joel Mazza and Bob Erlanger for the preservation and adaptive reuse of the former Mount Vernon High School/Middle School on North Mulberry Street and Mona Nacey for the preservation of the historic Russell-Cooper House.
Historic Advocacy and Community Education
From its earliest years, KCLF has advocated for preservation rather than unnecessary demolition and has promoted historic tourism as an important part of the county’s future. Its history also includes involvement in the establishment of the Knox County Visitors Bureau, development of the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival, initial efforts associated with the restoration of the historic Woodward Opera House, lobbying for the preservation of brick streets, and consulting with the city to erect historic district signage.
A New Chapter: Partnership with Mount Vernon Nazarene University
At the October 11 Open House, KCLF will also announce a new collaboration with Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) focused on strengthening the Foundation’s digital presence through social media, website development and modern communications.
The partnership represents a natural connection between education, technology and historic preservation.
KCLF has a long history of working with members of the MVNU community. Local artist and MVNU art professor John Donnelly created several of the Foundation-supported downtown murals.
Now, KCLF and MVNU are looking toward the future.
Through this collaboration, students will have an opportunity to engage with a living organization whose work connects history, architecture, communications, tourism, technology and community development.
As part of this new initiative, the Knox County Landmarks Foundation is announcing free membership for college students for as long as they remain enrolled in any college whether a student is from Mount Vernon, another part of Ohio, another state or anywhere else
KCLF wants young people to have a place at the table.
Historic preservation
must be about giving the next generation the opportunity to understand, protect and shape the places that will become their history.
More details can be found at www.knoxlandmarks.org
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