Robinett pulls out of building deal

Mark Robinett, owner of Robinett Business Solutions, has backed out of a deal to purchase the facility from restaurateur Dennis Scott, leaving the building in limbo.

Scott purchased the building in December and intended to convert it into a new location for Dennis’ Place, which he owns on West Sunshine, according to Dave Murray, who represented Aldi in the deal. However, Scott’s plan fell through when he was unable to get the proper zoning, Murray said.

That’s when Robinett entered the picture.

Robinett planned to relocate his copier business, but after closing on the property June 15, he decided not to move. Scott financed the purchase, so the property reverted to him through a deed in lieu of foreclosure.

Robinett did not return repeated phone calls. Robinett’s agent in the transaction, Mike Mellinger, who also has been unable to reach Robinett, said he doesn’t know exactly why Robinett decided not to move into the building.

It’s also unknown at this point what will happen to the facility; Scott declined to comment on his plans for the building.

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, because, 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,” he said.

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. He argues that a street as populated with car dealers as South Campbell – there are 15 dealerships in the 15 blocks between Primrose Avenue and Wayland Street – should accept another, even if it requires new zoning.

“There ought to be certain circumstances where general retail has a conditional-use permit,” Murray said. “I had numerous car dealers who showed interest in the property, … but the city doesn’t permit car dealers in general retail.”

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