Old Kmart lot purchased

The corner lot in front of the old Kmart building has been sold. The building is being used as a warehouse for Water Source LLC and the other lot has been repurposed into a carwash. The lot, 334 Milan Avenue, was sold by Jeff Hipp and Maple City Builders and purchased for $450,000 with a conveyance fee of $900."That was the plan for the property all along. The building in the back is a warehouse now so it doesn't need the extra parking," Hipp said. "The new owner just closed on the other corner." Hipp said the lot was on the market several years ago and it was purchased as an investment for his business, Maple City Builders. He said the new owners, Brad and Jill Mathewson "plan on developing the corner," but doesn't know details. Brad Mathewson said they are researching their options for what the best possible use of the ground is. "We are definitely planning on developing that property," Mathewson said. "We've got some preliminary decisions but nothing solid." He said he hopes to start working on the property "this building season of 2020." Mathewson expects to have a plan for the lot by the end of March. "I like what I would call mid-size Ohio towns," Mathewson said. "(Norwalk seems) progressive on getting things done and making things happen." Mathewson said once plans are finalized, he will be using local contractors and people to "help me with the development of that piece of ground." "It looks like the city and the people are very forward-thinking," Mathewson said. "It looks like the community as a whole is making a big effort for development." Mathewson said he's new to the area but he thinks Norwalk will be a "good, solid place to do business in the future." The newly purchased lot in front of the old Kmart building. Brad and Jill Mathewson bought the lot and plant to develop it. Jeff Hipp, of Maple City Builders, previously owned the lot. The newly purchased lot in front of the old Kmart building. Brad and Jill Mathewson bought the lot and plant to develop it. Jeff Hipp, of Maple City Builders, previously owned the lot.