City of Vandalia accepts former Kroger building as donation, working with potential prospect for building at this time

The City of Vandalia now owns the former Kroger building.

At Monday night’s Vandalia City Council meeting, the Vandalia City Council unanimously voted to accept the building and part of the parking lot as a donation.

The location has been one that has been discussed quite a bit for almost 2 years. Back in early 2024, a group approached the City about getting some changes to zoning to allow for the property to be converted to storage facilities. That did not go through at that time. And, when approached by the property owner about nearly the same plan during the summer of this year it was again rejected. Vandalia Mayor Doug Knebel says they do have a possible for the building at this time and are hopeful that will all come through fairly early in 2026.

And, he says in the meantime, they will be doing their environmental due diligence on the building.

Alderman Andy Lester was a vocal opponent against turning the building into storage facilities and felt better marketing could lead to something much better coming to the property. And, he says he’s very happy the City will take over ownership of the property.