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Pendleton founder interested in Manchester Inn

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By Andy Sedlak, Staff Writer 10:13 PM Wednesday, August 24, 2011

MIDDLETOWN — The founder of the Pendleton Art Center sees possibilities in the Manchester Inn — the former hotel whose fate has been in limbo since the city purchased it in March.

“I’d sure take a look at it,” said Jim Verdin, who opened Middletown’s PAC in May. “I’ll probably get a hold of somebody up there in the next couple of days ... it’s one of the most historic buildings in Middletown.”

The city acquired the Manchester for $175,000 to secure its possible use by Cincinnati State as the college explored its options in starting a branch campus downtown. Cincinnati State’s interest has since cooled — school officials have said it could cost about $20 million to fix up.

If the building’s format could generate a significant amount of income, Verdin said such restoration costs may not be outside the range of possibility.

Upon hearing the city would entertain offers from outside developers, Verdin said his immediate thought was to contribute to a growing trend of tying together boutique hotels with apartment complexes and condominiums.

Developers have been exploring the concept as it ensures flexibility in its offerings, he said, citing a building in Dallas, Texas, that is being built in a similar fashion.

“I think it gives the flexibility that’s required now,” he said, adding that spaces would be available for both interested renters and buyers. Buyers would have the ability to make over the space internally — reworking bathrooms or kitchens — but still have certain conveniences available to apartment owners. They’ll have access to a restaurant on site, likely a gym, and no landscaping commitments.

“The benefit for the condo owner would be like they own a house,” Verdin said.

City Manager Judy Gilleland said Verdin’s interest in the hotel did not surprise her: “Jim has been in many different discussions in downtown’s redevelopment.”

While the startup of a Cincinnati State branch campus is paramount to the city’s interests, Gilleland said all developers are welcomed if interested in the city’s historic hotel.

“If a private developer would step forward this afternoon, we would embrace them and work hard to find a redevelopment opportunity for the hotel,” she said.

Verdin admitted he has never seen a Manchester hotel room, and it has been well over a year since he was last inside the building. A serious walkthrough of the property is needed, he said, and square footage issues along with a review of the hotel’s drawings are only a couple finer points to be examined.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2871 or asedlak@coxohio.com.

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