Robinett backs out of building deal

A deal was in place for Mark Robinett, owner of Robinett Business Solutions, to purchase the facility from its current owner, restaurateur Dennis Scott. But that deal has fallen through, and now the building is in limbo.

Scott purchased the building in December 2004. According to Dave Murray, who represented Aldi in that deal, Scott intended to convert the facility into a new location for the current Dennis’ Place on Sunshine. That plan fell through, however, when Scott was unable to get the proper zoning for the building.

So he wanted to find someone to take the building off of his hands. That’s when Robinett entered the picture.

Robinett hoped to purchase the building and use it as a new location for his business. But after purchasing the building, he decided not to move and, because Scott had financed the purchase, the property reverted back to Scott through a deed in lieu of foreclosure.

Mike Mellinger, the agent for Robinett in the transaction, said he doesn’t know exactly why Robinett decided not to move in. Robinett could not be reached for comment.

Scott now holds the building, which sits without a tenant. Murray said several different companies expressed interest in the building, but they decided not to purchase the property because of various drawbacks.

“There would probably be deed restrictions against grocery use, which would have been the best use, for the obvious reason Aldi wouldn’t want a competitor to locate in their old store,” Murray said. “Secondly, there’s a site easement on the property, meaning you can’t build a building in front of it or increase the size of the building toward Campbell, because it would potentially block (neighboring) Westlake Hardware.”

Murray added that car dealers had also expressed interest, but because the land is zoned general retail, car dealerships are not permitted on the property.