What’s happening with "the old Ledger building?"

That’s been a common question over recent months. Westplex Media Group, which now owns The Mexico Ledger, purchased the newspaper in September 2020. Westplex Media bought the newspaper business only, opting to rent from property owner, Gannett. And for the first few months, the new team called the historic Ledger building home. That would eventually change when the newspaper office relocated to 113 East Monroe.

As The Ledger staff moved out, negotiations were already underway for the vacant building, and on Feb. 25, Property Investments of Mexico inked a contract to purchase the building. Closing is scheduled for March 31 and will mark the culmination of a process that’s been over a year in the works.

Chris Miller, spokesperson for the group which includes Miller, Robby Miller and George Huffman, says they are now looking for someone looking to start or expand a business.

Included in the sale is the historic and well-recognized Ledger building with its unique newspaper facade, the remaining contents of the building and two parking lots. Checking in at 10,200 square feet, the structure is a testament to Mexico’s rich newspaper - and printing - past. Not only did it once house a vibrant newspaper staff, but its pressroom printed several other publications, each of which had a vibrance not always seen in offset printing.

The building has certainly fallen on hard times in recent years, with a mixed bag of afflictions. But there is no doubt potential within the building’s walls and on its sizable parking lot — the lot size is .92 acres.

Miller and the investment team plan to hold a garage sale to sell off the remaining contents of the building, which includes the distinctive mid-century steel furniture and cabinets and more. Plenty more. There’s an overhead crane, books and other “good stuff” as Miller puts it. The press will also be offered for sale.

Now decommissioned, its printing days are likely done, but it is a conversation piece, to say the least, and in the right hands, there may be some life left.

“Maybe it can stay as an icon,” Miller said. “The press in its present place may be a draw for a business.”

Other finds include some old newspapers, a 1920s history of Martinsburg book, and some early printer blocks featuring old Mexico landmarks.

The old Ledger building isn’t the first project for the investment group, which got its start organically as all three members were bidding on the same property at an auction. Instead of running up the bidding on each other, they opted to pool their resources. Since then, the group has breathed new life into a number of buildings which now have successful businesses in them and more than their share of curb appeal: Color Me Bleu, Divas 27, and Martha Rose, to name a few.

Miller says they will work with the right candidates to bring the building back to life and to make it a fit, ultimately bringing it to a new era of service and viability. Financing is available.