The Mahoning Avenue Archway was brought back to life tonight as a part of the @neaarts @inplaceyo Public Art Project!

 

Project completed by: @davidtamulonis, @REVITALIZEorDIE , and #JoeDickeyElectric https://t.co/cv8TUtp21d

Hotel Sets March 29 Opening Minus Marchionda

By Dan O'Brien | December 29, 2017

 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The new DoubleTree by Hilton, a $32 million full-service hotel under construction downtown, is set to open March 29, officials said Thursday.

 

As work moves toward the finish line, it does so without Dominic Marchionda as manager of Stambaugh Holdings LLC — the development company formed to spearhead the project.

 

Marchionda resigned as manager of Youngstown Stambaugh Holdings Nov. 15, one month after he was indicted on 102 counts ranging from aggravated theft to engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, according to a notice the company sent to the city.

 

https://businessjournaldaily.com/stambaugh-hotel-sets-march-29-opening-without-marchionda/

Hey UrbanOhio! I manage a large Youngstown Warren Area Development Thread over on Skyscraper Page Forums. Someone recommended that I start posting here also, so hopefully you guys are interested! Also, if there is a way to edit the first post of this thread, I'd love to add a detailed list of current and recent Youngstown projects.

Link to my Skyscraper Page thread: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=230471

 

Downtown Amphitheater Master Plan Released:

Link to plan: http://www.eagworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/16-0226_Park-and-Amphitheater-Master-Plan.pdf

MKSK has released a detailed master plan for the Downtown amphitheater project. This plan gives us a lot of details about the project. A main focus of the plan is to find ways to integrate the new park with the YSU campus and Mill Creek Park. The main proposal that MKSK gives is to improve Phelps and Hazel Streets in Downtown - they are the two main roads that will be used by YSU students to get to the park. Their plan for Phelps Street has been initiated this week (see post on Skyscraper Page) but it is unknown if they will make it pedestrian only or not.

 

A diagram showing Phelps & Hazel Streets and possible infill opportunities on each:

 

They then go on to give ideas for future development related to the park. They highlight the possibility of developing apartments along Front Street where surface lots are currently:

 

The next photo shows a very detailed master plan. If this is indeed the plan they are going with, I am quite happy with it. Some things on the plan are named incorrectly for some reason, but I'll ignore that. What I like most is that the surface lot buffer between Downtown and the park will be gone. In fact the only surface lots remaining will be around the Covelli Center and a few near the Market Street Bridge. I wish they would just build a parking garage, but oh well. Interestingly, this plan calls for tearing down multiple one story buildings along Front Street near the Covelli Center - I'm all for this as they are almost all eyesores. They will replace them with a restaurant space and a small plaza/parklet on the corner of Market and Front. It appears they want to get rid of the west parking lots at the Covelli Center, but expand them on the east side. They will replace those lots with a dog park, bocce courts, and basketball courts.

 

The master plan:

 

The amphitheater itself will be the first phase. It will have 3250 seats, 1000 of which will be VIP. Future plans could add two buildings on either side of the amphitheater with an extended canopy (renderings of this are in the plan.)

 

 

The promenade, as seen in the master plan, will connect the Covelli Center to the amphitheater and the rest of the park. It will have space for food truck vendors and will be wide enough for emergency vehicle access. The parking lots will be reduced to 719 spaces, including planned on street parking that comes with a potential Front Street streetscaping project. Speaking of streetscaping, they have renderings for both Phelps and Hazel Streets. Interestingly, they call for the Gallagher Building's empty parking lot to be used as a movie viewing plaza - this is a neat proposal, and I will share a rendering of that made by a Kent State University student in another post.

 

 

Unfortunately, it looks like the first phase, which costs an estimated $6.6 million, will not include the "urban plaza" which will add more park amenities along Front Street. That phase will end up costing around $1.2 million. Phase B will include the other park amenities and it is unknown when development for that will occur.

 

 

 

Sadly there is no mention of what they will do with the space under the Market Street Bridge. There have been some cool proposals to turn it into an informal music venue or art space.

Thank you and welcome!

Very cool... this is the most ambitious idea I've seen for Downtown Youngstown in quite a while.

Very cool... this is the most ambitious idea I've seen for Downtown Youngstown in quite a while.

 

Well, it's not just an idea - it's under construction as we speak. It's been planned since around 2013 but construction began late 2017. The first phase is set to be completed in spring 2019. Downtown is seeing a lot of development - the new hotel project in the historic Stambaugh Building will be done next month.

 

Here are some renderings of the amphitheater park:

New Michael Kusalaba Branch Library Opens in the West Side:

The Michael Kusalaba Branch finally opened yesterday. It is located on Mahoning Avenue between Glenellen and Schenley Avenues in the Rocky Ridge neighborhood. The library replaced the old West Side Library which was located in the same location. The library features several modern amenities that will benefit the West Side's residents. In addition to books and computers, there is a sound studio, maker space complete with 3D printers, classrooms, a conference room, a children's area, and more. It also houses the garage for the city's mobile library program.

 

The exterior of the library from the back side:

 

This is a pretty important development for the West Side - the West Side is already considered to be the city's nicest "side" but it still needs a ton of work. This will hopefully spur some development in a neighborhood other than Downtown. The Rocky Ridge neighborhood, which the library is located in, has a great neighborhood association that is both marketing and beautifying the neighborhood. Mahoning Avenue in particular has been seeing some storefront improvements and landscaping. The block the library is located on even has a small business district  - this could be a great walkable neighborhood in the future.

 

The interior of the library:

 

Click here for street view of the library.

 

Also, if you want to get more updates on the Youngstown area, checkout the /r/Youngstown Sub-Reddit - we are trying to make it more active, so please check it out if you wish!

Noble Creature Cask House:

Source: Noble Creature Cask House

 

A local couple, Ira & Marcy Gerhart purchased an abandoned church at 126 E. Rayen Ave. in Smoky Hollow. They spent around $150,000 on renovations. The brewery makes and bottles their craft beer in the basement of the church. The main floor is being used at the main taproom. Though the brewery has no food options at the moment, they plan to add lunch and other small food options very soon. I think this is a great project - it is in a very blighted section of the city, but is located within walking distance to YSU and Downtown.

 

The exterior of Noble Creature Cask House:

 

The interior of the Noble Creature Cask House:

Steelite Showroom Coming to Commerce Building:

Source: Business Journal Daily

 

Steelite International, one of the world's leading tableware manufacturers, will be opening a showroom in the fifth floor of Downtown's Commerce Building. It will occupy a 15,000 square foot part of the building that once housed The Fifth Floor Restaurant. The showroom will be one of their largest. It will feature a fully functioning bar in order for potential buyers to try out their products. Steelite sells over 40 different brands and is a popular supplier for restaurants, hotels, and more.

The Commerce Building (Built in 1917):

 

The New Castle company chose this building because of its historic character and location. They wanted to be in Downtown Youngstown due to the large amount of activity and redevelopment occurring there. They hope that their clients will take advantage of Downtown's new DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and eat at the variety of restaurants in the surrounding area. This will be their flagship showroom. (They have showrooms in other cities such as Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles.)

 

Here is an example of what Steelite's showrooms typically look like:

 

I think this will be great for Downtown. It will add a unique type of business that Downtown currently doesn't have, and this block of Downtown needs investments like this. Plus, their clients include some chain restaurants, hotels, ect - who knows, maybe some will be impressed and want to set up in Downtown! And speaking of chain restaurants, Donatos Pizza is looking to expand into the Youngstown-Warren area and open four locations. Downtown is one of the main areas they are looking at. One thing Downtown really needs is some fast-casual type restaurants like Donatos, Chipotle, Simple Greek, ect. I hope this deal works out.

TIGER Grant for Downtown Road Improvements Denied:

Pretty bad news came this week for Youngstown. The city had been working on a proposal called "SMAR2T" which would improve the infrastructure in the central area of the city. It called for rebuilding several roads from 4 lanes into 2 lanes with bike lanes and landscaping. It also called for things such as a bike share program. The denial of the proposal leaves Downtown in an uncertain position. North Phelps Street likely will no longer receive the major face-lift proposed for it. The bike lane between Mill Creek Park and Downtown may also not be completed anymore. The good news is that the city still has $3 million for the Fifth Avenue rebuilding plan - they will reduce the 4-6 lane road to 2 lanes with landscaping and bike lanes. This will help link Downtown, YSU, and hopefully Mill Creek Park. The project is set to begin in 2020.

 

A rendering of the proposed Fifth Avenue improvements:

 

Wayfinding Signs Coming to Downtown This Spring:

 

The city recently signed a $40,000 contract with Ellet Neon Signs of Akron to supply a network of wayfinding signs to the city. They will primarily be located in Downtown but will also be located in other places such as: Mill Creek Park, Wick Park, and I-680 exits. I'm glad they are finally getting around to this - it's been over three years in the making.

 

Major signs will have a "City of You" theme to them. But here's an example of a typical wayfinding sign:

 

Town Center at Firestone Farms:

Website: Firestone Farms

 

Firestone Farms is a large suburban development centered around a golf course in Columbiana, which originally was the farm of Harvey Firestone, founder of Firestone Tires. Columbiana is a small town located 25 minutes south of Youngstown. It is seeing a lot of growth, especially in its Downtown. But, the Town Center at Firestone Farms is a "lifestyle center" that is so far only in phase one. Though it has struggled to attract large retail chains, it has successfully filled all of its storefronts and is doing fairly well considering it is located in a very rural area.

 

A rendering of the development:

 

Some notable businesses here include Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, Stone Fruit Coffee Company, and Homestead Kitchen. It is also home to several boutique stores and a high end eyewear retailer called "Wink." The property is home to many offices, most notably, Salem Regional Medical Center.

 

Stone Fruit Coffee Company - A popular local coffee shop chain:

 

Phase 2 will be coming soon, which will add a second large building. This will be interesting to see - the first floor will remain retail, but all 2nd floor space will be devoted to luxury apartments, which is something the area lacks at the moment. Across the street (OH-14), there are future plans for the "Marketplace at Firestone Farms" which will add a hotel, grocer, and a Harvey Firestone Museum in a historic barn.

 

Homestead Kitchen & Cocktail Bar - a farm to table restaurant opening soon in Firestone Farms:

 

The Town Center at Firestone Farms Phase One:

 

Main Street Columbiana News:

 

Luckily, the Firestone Farms development isn't taking business away from Columbiana's historic and walkable Main Street, which is thriving with arts, crafts, breweries, cafes, ect. It is becoming the "hipster" center of the Youngstown area. There was a mini-panic recently when Generations Coffee House, a well known anchor of Main Street announced it was closing - but thankfully, a local family purchased it and is keeping it open and adding lunch and breakfast options.

 

A photo I took of Main Street during the summer:

 

A local couple recently purchased a vacant lot on Main Street and plan to turn it into an outdoor eatery for their food truck "No Swine Left Behind." They plan to landscape and fence in the property as well as adding in public outdoor seating.

1,000 jobs could come to hard-hit community of Lordstown

https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/cleveland-metro/1000-jobs-could-come-to-hard-hit-community-of-lordstown

Random Downtown Youngstown Proposals:

 

Today I will cover a few interesting proposals for Downtown - keep in mind, none of these are actually being actively developed. They are just proposals.

 

State Theater Redevelopment Proposal:

State Theater was a historic theater located on Federal Street in Downtown. When it was demolished, the city agreed to keep it's front facade preserved. Strollo Architects (who redeveloped the adjacent Wells Building) are looking for potential uses for the State Theater and vacant land next to it. Their goal is to find a tenant to build here so it does not become surface parking. The 4M Company, a Youngstown architectural firm has made a proposal for the site. Unfortunately there are no plans to implement it.

 

The State Theater:

 

The 4M Company's Proposed Redevelopment:

 

Re-Vision Youngstown Proposals:

 

Re-Vision Youngstown was a project that asked Kent State University students to show of their visions for Downtown Youngstown. None of these proposals are planned to be utilized, but here are some of the interesting ones. I kept some well made proposals out because they are simply too unrealistic.

 

Phelps & Boardman proposal:

Current Street View Image

 

South Phelps Street Rebuild:

This proposal was to rebuild South Phelps Street as a pedestrian-only street. North Phelps is currently being turned into a pedestrian only plaza.

Current Street View Image

 

Silver's Vogue Shop Building Redevelopment:

This building, which has housed Silver's Vogue Shop for decades, is for sale. It is on a very prominent corner in Downtown, and hopefully it gets redeveloped. Here is a proposal for it:

Current Street View Image

 

Gallagher Building Proposals:

The Gallagher Building is a historic building on the corner of Hazel & Commerce that is in bad shape at the moment. The previous developer failed to develop it, and the "new" developer is in a lot of legal trouble. Unfortunately the future of the building is very uncertain. But, here are some proposals for it.

 

Music Pavillion Proposal:

 

"Collaboration Center" Proposal:

 

"Business Collaboration Center" Proposal:

Amphitheater Construction to Begin June 1

By George Nelson | April 6, 2018

 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – What started out as a project to provide a venue for small and inexpensive events has evolved into a new “front door” to the city, said Eric Ryan, president of JAC Management and JAC Live, this morning.

 

Construction of the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater in the riverfront park will begin June 1, Ryan told guests this morning at Stambaugh Auditorium as part of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber’s Good Morning, Youngstown! Breakfast.

 

https://businessjournaldaily.com/amphitheater-construction-to-begin-june-1/

A citywide vacancy survey was completed in February 2018 that identified 2,686 vacant residential and commercial structures. The number of vacant properties is down significantly since 2016 when 3,910 structures were identified as vacant. Read more: https://t.co/vFjBn8bUDp

HomeGoods withdraws Lordstown zoning application

Published April 20, 2018 at 10:36 a.m.

 

LORDSTOWN — HomeGoods said today it plans to back out of its plans to build a 1.2 million-square-foot warehouse/distribution center in Lordstown.

 

The company released this statement to The Vindicator:

 

"We have appreciated hearing from the Lordstown community over the past month and understand that a group of neighboring residents continue to have concerns about our HomeGoods distribution center project. At HomeGoods, having a strong relationship with our communities is important to us and a core part of who we are and how we do business. Given this, we are respectfully withdrawing our zoning application from the Lordstown Planning Board and are reconsidering our options for this distribution center project. We want to offer our most sincere thanks to the entire Lordstown community, especially those who provided their support for our project.”

 

Throughout the Valley, people have responded to the news.

 

MORE:

http://www.vindy.com/news/2018/apr/20/homegoods-withdraws-lordstown-zoning-application/?nw

WOW

 

Lordstown Residents ‘Disheartened’ at Opposition to TJX

By Dan O'Brien | April 21, 2018

 

LORDSTOWN, Ohio – George Vasko, a resident of the village of Lordstown for 22 years, says he’ll probably lose his job along with 1,500 others when General Motors Co.’s Lordstown Complex sheds its second shift in June.

 

With this sort of pressure facing the community, he said he’s even more frustrated as to why a small number of residents here have effectively squashed a $160 million project that would bring 1,000 new jobs to the village, and at least blunt some of the impact from GM’s latest downsizing.

 

The land is directly across from the Imperial Communities mobile home development, and abuts residential land along Hallock Young Road. Some of these residents here led vocal opposition to the project site, claiming they would like to see the center built somewhere else in the village that is already is zoned industrial.

 

https://businessjournaldaily.com/lordstown-residents-disheartened-at-neighbors-opposition-to-tjx/

Homeowners Closest to Site ‘All for” TJX Project

By Andrea Wood | April 30, 2018

 

LORDSTOWN, Ohio – Fred Price and Marilyn Whipkey own the only house and property on Hallock Young Road that directly abuts the site where TJX Companies still could build its $160 million HomeGoods distribution center. And they are the only homeowners on this stretch of the road, which would be rerouted to make way for the project, that have posted “Welcome TJX. Right Project. Right Property” yard signs.

 

Hundreds of “Welcome TJX” signs, passed out at the rally Sunday to many of the more than 600 people who attended, are now visible elsewhere in this small village.

 

https://businessjournaldaily.com/homeowners-closest-to-site-all-for-tjx-project/

That whole story is just sad -- that a competing company with a distribution center in town was what was actually behind this "grassroots" opposition effort. If the competitor is doing the right thing, then why the need for the subterfuge? In the end, the community ultimately suffers from this "grassroots" opposition to the distribution center.

That whole story is just sad -- that a competing company with a distribution center in town was what was actually behind this "grassroots" opposition effort. If the competitor is doing the right thing, then why the need for the subterfuge? In the end, the community ultimately suffers from this "grassroots" opposition to the distribution center.

 

It's frankly disgusting how much NIMBYs opposed this. At least now they get a new chicken farm on the property instead. Yay.

That whole story is just sad -- that a competing company with a distribution center in town was what was actually behind this "grassroots" opposition effort. If the competitor is doing the right thing, then why the need for the subterfuge? In the end, the community ultimately suffers from this "grassroots" opposition to the distribution center.

Wow, missed that part.

 

 

Public Officials Hail TJX Decision to Stay the Course

By George Nelson | May 4, 2018

 

“Our numbers have been under estimated [sic] in the media and within the village,” she continued. “Village residents support TJX for the value it brings to the village, but don’t support re-zoning residential land, she said in the email. The chamber was wrong to suggest any of the properties were available for purchase as industrial sites.”

 

Dickson and her husband, Brett, live on a relatively affluent street that abuts a large wooded area that would serve as a buffer to the TJX project. Brett Dickson is the associate vice president of distribution and fulfillment at the nearby Things Remembered warehouse, 500 S. Bailey Road in North Jackson, which presumably would compete with TJX for skilled warehouse workers. The couple moved to Lordstown about two years ago.

 

https://businessjournaldaily.com/public-officials-regional-chamber-hail-tjx-decision/

Well that was a quick turnaround.

 

 

Lordstown Commission OKs Rezoning for TJX Project

By George Nelson | May 9, 2018

 

LORDSTOWN, Ohio – The TJX Companies Inc. cleared a key hurdle Tuesday evening in its plan to develop a 1.2-million-square-foot regional distribution center here.

 

The Lordstown Planning Commission last night voted unanimously in favor of rezoning seven parcels of land from R-1 Residential to I-1 Industrial. The followed a 2½-hour hearing attended by more than 100 village residents and others.

 

https://businessjournaldaily.com/lordstown-commission-approves-rezoning-tjx/

YSU to Begin Media Center Project

May 14, 2018

 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio– Youngstown State University’s Stambaugh Stadium is getting a new multimedia center on its east side.

 

Construction of the Don Constantini Multimedia Center is one of multiple campus improvement projects to begin this summer. Funded in part by a $1 million gift from YSU alum Don Constantini, the multimedia center will house a classroom, space for YSU’s Sports Broadcasting program and football radio booths. It’s expected to be complete by August 2019.

 

https://businessjournaldaily.com/ysu-media-center-project/

DoubleTree Adds Final Touches Ahead of Opening

By George Nelson | May 15, 2018

 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Workers scurried around the new DoubleTree by Hilton Youngstown Monday in preparation of the arrival of its first guests.

 

Contractors were putting the finishing touches on the exterior of the downtown hotel as painters and other work crews completed the interior work, barely a day ahead of its official opening today.

 

https://businessjournaldaily.com/doubletree-adds-final-touches-ahead-of-opening-day/

DoubleTree Adds Final Touches Ahead of Opening

By George Nelson | May 15, 2018

 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Workers scurried around the new DoubleTree by Hilton Youngstown Monday in preparation of the arrival of its first guests.

 

Contractors were putting the finishing touches on the exterior of the downtown hotel as painters and other work crews completed the interior work, barely a day ahead of its official opening today.

 

https://businessjournaldaily.com/doubletree-adds-final-touches-ahead-of-opening-day/

 

The hotel is actually open today. I'm going to be making a detailed post about it when I get a chance.

Fantastic!

So happy to finally see this.

I have a lot of news out of Youngstown today....

 

Downtown's DoubleTree Hotel Now Open!

 

The new DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Downtown opened yesterday in the historic Stambaugh Building. The building had been mainly empty and in a state of disrepair for years until it was purchased by NYO Property Group. They had been working for years to turn the building into a hotel.

 

The entrance of the Stambaugh Building:

 

The first floor has four retail spaces, the lobby is on the second floor. The first restaurant, Bistro 1907 will open on May 23rd. It will be an upscale Parisian bistro inspired restaurant owned by a reputable local chef. Another restaurant, YOSTERIA, will eventually open. It will be an upscale Tuscan restaurant. It is currently running a test kitchen out of Downtown's B&O Station. The third business will be Branch Street Roasters - an award winning Boardman based coffee shop. The fourth business will be a bank.

 

The lobby of the hotel:

 

The top floor is a large ballroom and conference center. There are future plans for a rooftop bar and pool. The hotel is already nearly booked in its first week and will have its grand opening on May 30.

 

One of the hotel rooms:

 

Inside Bistro 1907 on the first floor:

 

The Enclave Project Drops Retail Plans:

 

There's some bad news coming out of the YSU neighborhood - The Enclave project's developers have dropped plans for a retail building along Wick Avenue in favor of building a 4,500 square foot student health center for YSU. I'm a bit dissapointed that there will no longer be any retail there - it could have been a good way to slowly link YSU's campus with Downtown via Wick Avenue. Nonetheless, the project is going strong and the apartment portion is nearing completion. It looks great to see some density on that corner. The apartments are almost fully reserved.

 

The health center taking shape with the apartment portion in the background:

 

A drone photo of The Enclave from this week:

 

Phelps Street Pedestrian Plaza:

 

The City will be holding a meeting on May 23rd to receive public opinion on closing North Phelps Street to traffic in order to make it into a pedestrian plaza similar to Cleveland's East 4th Street. I'm really happy that the city is going this route, especially since this option didn't seem to popular. It could still be blocked, but I haven't heard any significant NIMBY opposition, and the restaurants on the street seem to be in support.

 

The non-pedestrian plaza proposal rendering:

 

Wick Tower (on corner of Federal and North Phelps), owned by NYO Property Group, has been trying to attract a business to the first floor without success. A restaurant was supposed to be opened last fall, but as usual in Youngstown, the owner got indicted and is getting his assets seized. NYO has this listing on Loopnet and area using the future pedestrian plaza as a selling point. Another planned development for North Phelps Street was the relocation and expansion of Circle Deli & Hookah Bar into a new building - but the owner, Adi Othman, was deported. I'm not sure if his kids still plan on expanding the business to Phelps Street.

 

Wick Tower's first floor retail space with North Phelps Street construction to the left:

 

Coffee Shop Relocation & New Smoothie Bar in Downtown

 

And one more random piece of news: Joe Maxx Coffee Company (A nationwide chain based in Youngstown) was forced out of their space at the Realty Building by NYO Property Group. This is possibly due to NYO bringing in Branch Street Roasters across the street... but NYO already has a new tenant secured, The Smoothie Bar on Central Square. The good news is, Joe Maxx decided to stay in Downtown and have reopened in the Youngstown Business Incubator Campus on the west end of Downtown! It'll be great to have a coffee shop down there.

Sweet!

Gorgeous renovations!

And now, here the come....

 

TJX to Seek 75% Abatement, Offer $500K to Schools

By George Nelson | May 22, 2018

 

LORDSTOWN, Ohio – TJX Companies Inc. will seek a 10-year, 75% property tax abatement for its proposed $160 million distribution center, village and school district officials disclosed at meetings Monday. The company also said it would provide a total of $500,000 to the school district for security upgrades and athletic improvements.

 

Bradford Dunn, TJX vice president and property tax director, met Monday with the Lordstown Board of Education and the school district’s superintendent and treasurer to outline the company’s tax abatement request and gift.

 

https://businessjournaldaily.com/tjx-to-seek-75-abatement-offer-500k-to-schools/

 

 

Court OKs AutoParkit Buying Former Delphi Site

By George Nelson | May 23, 2018

 

WARREN, Ohio – Once the paperwork with U.S. Bankruptcy Court is completed, Christopher Alan said he can move forward with work at the former Delphi Packard Electric property at 402 Dana St. and “start the investment that we wanted to make from the beginning,” he said.

 

Bankruptcy Judge Kay Woods Tuesday approved the purchase of the property by Alan, CEO of AutoParkit LLC, from Maximus III Properties LLC. Maximus, which is owned by businessman Sergio DiPaolo, is in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

 

https://businessjournaldaily.com/bankruptcy-court-oks-autoparkit-buying-delphi-site/

^ that appears to be very welcome news

Phelps Street Pedestrian Mall News:

 

City officials are holding a meeting tonight (May 23rd) for public input on the proposal to close North Phelps Street in Downtown to create a pedestrian plaza inspired by Cleveland's East Fourth Street. The hope is that it will help attract more pedestrian traffic from YSU's campus into Downtown's entertainment district and then further down Phelps Street to the new amphitheater and riverfront park being built. Fortunately, I think this will end up happening. The mayor has announced that he is in support of it and the businesses on the street are enthusiastic. The only real issues with it I can find are people saying it will "increase loitering" or create a "hangout for beggars and criminals." - Typical anti-development attitudes from suburbanites who haven't been Downtown since the 80s. So without a solid reason to oppose it, it should go forward!

 

I'd like to really thank the Planning Commission for pushing the pedestrian plaza idea since it was nearly dead in favor of just having a streetscaping project instead. The city has identified four vacant spots on the street and three potential storefronts in a building next to Wick Tower. A major component to the plan would be spaces for food trucks to park. With all these new developments planned for this side of Downtown, I think it is time for the city to consider building a new parking garage.

 

Here's a very basic plan for the plaza - honestly this plan confuses me, but here it is anyways:

 

The Kitchen Post Now Open in Downtown:

 

A popular local restaurant, The Kitchen Post, has closed it's Struthers location in favor of moving Downtown into Erie Terminal Place (Interestingly, they will be across the street from the proposed Phelps St. Pedestrian Plaza). I'm glad that they are opening here - it is a very prominent space that was previously vacant. Now with them, One Hot Cookie next to them, and the restaurants and developments on Phelps Street, this will be a great walkable part of Downtown in the coming years. They are open for business but will have strange hours until the end of May.

 

Erie Terminal Place:

 

The Kitchen Post is very well know and is one of the few "hip" restaurants in town. They are best known for their simple yet creative dishes and brunch selections. In particular, they are known for Taco Tuesdays, Ramen Thursdays, chicken & waffles, and more. They also serve craft beer from two local breweries: Noble Creature Cask House and Birdfish Brewery.

 

Inside the Kitchen Post:

 

New Golden String Radio Studio:

Iron String Life Enhancement (ISLE) is a local group that helps people that have disabilities. One of their programs, Golden String Radio (online radio), is moving to a new building on South Phelps Street in Downtown. The building will house the recording studio as well as space for Purple Cat Records - another branch of their program. This will have more recording studios for musicians such as the Purple Cat Band and will feature a record store. The building will also feature an art gallery from local artists and classrooms for art and music lessons. ISLE hopes to attract musicians with disabilities from across the country to this new studio.

 

The new ISLE Music Building on South Phelps Street:

 

I can't find any photos of the inside, but it is a pretty impressive space. It's definitely a good use for this old building. ISLE is working to renovate another group of buildings in Downtown and will be relocating their administrative offices to there.

 

The Fifth Avenue Buildings that will be renovated:

 

Silver's Building For Sale:

The Silvers Vogue Shop building is up for sale in Downtown. It is a historic building on a very prominent corner (West Federal & Phelps). The first floor tenant, Silver's Vogue Shop will remain open and has been an important Downtown shop for decades - but the building could really use some TLC. I'd love to see some apartments go in upstairs and a new storefront on the side of the building - or at the very least, I'd like to see the boards come off the windows! So if anyone has the money, please fix up this building  ;D

 

The exterior of the building from last year:

 

Also, I'm working on a website that will be a hub for info on Youngstown development news, neighborhood info, and anything else related to revitalizing the city into a healthy urban area. Stay tuned!

Excellent!

This is all just great!

Ok, so apparently the meeting went well. Almost no one there opposed the North Phelps Street plan.

 

There was one priceless NIMBY quote though....

 

Madeline Beaulieu, owner of Ado’s Alterations in the affected section of North Phelps, said she has mixed emotions about closing the street to vehicles.

 

“I don’t want people sitting in front of my store looking at me all day,” she said.

 

I mean seriously?!  ;D She doesn't want people "looking at her?" That's the best she can come up with? And that's a reason she believes is valid to shoot down the pedestrian mall plan? NIMBY's never fail to confuse me  ::)

 

And more good news: The owners of Suzie's Dogs and Drafts intend to open a new German pub style restaurant and bar on North Phelps Street next to Suzie's. This will be awesome and will bring more viability to making N. Phelps an entertainment district. The city will make it's final decision about the street by July, but I don't see any major opposition so it should happen!

 

EDIT: The owner of One Hot Cookie on Phelps Street (not even in the project zone) opposes it because she's tired of having construction and development projects around them...... I guess she doesn't see that making Downtown better through development projects actually does benefit them? Again, I don't understand NIMBY's.

I'm still floored at how quickly downtown Youngstown has gone from being left for dead to being such a lively place. For a city that fell as hard as it did, this is all incredibly impressive.

I'm still floored at how quickly downtown Youngstown has gone from being left for dead to being such a lively place. For a city that fell as hard as it did, this is all incredibly impressive.

 

Exactly! People still automatically write off Youngstown (especially local suburbanites), but Downtown is honestly doing amazing for a city this size that fell so hard. It's very walkable, has a good amount of daytime office workers, good restaurants, a good amount of apartments, a thriving nightlife/bar scene, an up and coming arts scene, and more. Once the riverfront park is done, it will be even better. Now we just need a grocery store and maybe some newer buildings.

 

EDIT: To be honest, good old fashioned Youngstown corruption got the ball rolling in Downtown (Look up the NYO Property Group scandals.) But in all honesty... it worked. So I'm not complaining at all!

So, this isn't exactly Youngstown news, but I decided I'd still post it here because it's close enough and doesn't have it's own thread.

 

Revitalization Efforts in Historic Lisbon, Ohio:

Source: Business Journal Daily

 

Lisbon, Ohio is the a village located in Columbiana County, about a half hour south of Youngstown. It is the county seat of Columbiana County. Lisbon is a very unique town - it is located at the edge of the Appalachian foothills and is the second oldest town in Ohio (Founded in 1803). It has some great historic buildings that are very underutilized. If properly revitalized, Lisbon's historic district could be a great destination. Fortunately, the new mayor as well as many locals are looking to help turn the city's Downtown area around and make it vibrant once again.

 

Courthouse Inn Revitalization:

 

Built in 1802, the Courthouse Inn is Ohio's oldest brick building. The inn has seen many famous guests during its early days: Thomas Jefferson signed the first deed for the building; Lewis & Clark stayed here on their way to St. Louis to explore the Louisiana Purchase; Abraham Lincoln stayed here on multiple occasions, and his Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, had offices in the building for 30 years. After being vacant for decades, local developer Renee Lewis completed renovations on the building in mid-2016. There are are around 6 rooms that can be rented for the night, including the Stanton Suite. The first floor has a bar, cafe, and a popular vegetarian restaurant.

 

The outside of the building:

 

The inside of the restaurant:

 

The outdoor patio:

 

More Lisbon Renovations:

 

Renee Lewis has purchased another building at 136 S. Market Street that was set to be demolished. The 1805 building was purchased this year for $10,400. Lewis hopes to renovate the two story building as well as a small one story building next door. She hopes to make the first floor a coffee shop and the second floor space for a law office. Due to the very bad conditions of the building, it is unlikely we will see the project completed anytime soon.

 

Proposed Boardman Meijer's Re-Zoning Controversy:

Source: Boardman Township

 

This isn't major news, but it just demonstrates why nothing gets done in the Youngstown area. Meijers (grocery store chain) is having a hard time trying to open a store in Boardman at the corner of US-224 and Lockwood Boulevard. The store would create around 300 jobs, but NIMBY's are absolutely committed to destroying the proposal. Meijers needs to rezone a small 4 acre plot from residential to commercial which is causing everyone to freak out. The Zoning Commission turned it down 4-1 after several tear-ridden testaments about how Meijers will ruin their neighborhood, bring traffic, and be a danger for pedestrians - but funny enough, the project doesn't intersect any neighborhood, only two main roads - plus there's no sidewalks so it's not like Boardman can pretend to care about pedestrians for once. Meijers is getting a 30 day extension period where they will conduct a few studies then bring it back to the Township. What most NIMBY's don't realize is that either way the land will get developed - either Meijers moves in and takes an extra 4 acres, or a plaza moves in without any rezoning. It pains me that they are blocking out the business that will bring in more jobs, when a typical plaza will just show up instead.

 

 

I know this isn't urban development, but it just shows why Youngstown suburbs are so behind. I was thrilled when Boardman got a new planning commissioner this year who is working on a plan to bring in bike lanes, mixed use development on Market Street, ect - but since the township can't even get in a flipping Meijers without NIMBY's throwing a tantrum, I can't foresee any mixed use development on Market Street sadly. Frankly, I can't wait to move out of Youngstown.

 

The plot that would be rezoned. The red part below it is already zoned commercial. Most NIMBY opposition is coming from Alissa Place (The cul-de-sac at the top):

Hate to tell ya, Dblcut3, but this stuff happens everywhere. When you have an hour or two, let me tell you about the horrific battle involving the plan to build Crocker Park in pro-development Westlake.

Hate to tell ya, Dblcut3, but this stuff happens everywhere. When you have an hour or two, let me tell you about the horrific battle involving the plan to build Crocker Park in pro-development Westlake.

 

Yeah... Im aware lol. I just cannot for the life of me understand why rezoning 4 acres is a big deal and would bring people to tears....  I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

It would be preferable if Meijers could reuse a vacant commercial site on 224, but I’m sure that isn’t the concern.

 

Yeah... Im aware lol. I just cannot for the life of me understand why rezoning 4 acres is a big deal and would bring people to tears....  I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

 

In my 20 years as a reporter, I've seen people so angry/emotional/irrational at rezoning meetings that they've had to be arrested and forcibly removed by police.

It would be preferable if Meijers could reuse a vacant commercial site on 224, but I’m sure that isn’t the concern.

 

I agree. There's a lot of vacant land - but they say they are only interested in that plot.

SMAR2T Transit Grant News:

 

The city is trying to re-apply once again for the SMAR2T Transit TIGER grant and it's honestly horrendous. The original plan called for several complete streets, bike lanes, and a bike share program. Well, for some reason, the city now wants an "autonomous shuttle." This shuttle is pathetic in my opinion - it will start at St. Elizabeth Hospital, go down Fifth Avenue, and then stop at the WRTA station in Downtown. Then a second route would go down Rayen to the University and the Chill Can Factory on the East Side.... I don't see why a new factory for a gimmicky product in the most distressed part of town should be a part of some high tech autonomous transit system. Instead, the shuttle should go into Downtown on Commerce or Front Streets - that way it would actually help link University students to Downtown. The autonomous transit shuttle would only hit the very western edge of Downtown proper.

 

The revised SMAR2T Corridor Plan:

 

There will be a public feedback meeting at the 10th floor of City Center One (100 E. Federal St.) from 4-6pm on July 5. I still hope this goes through though because Downtown really needs complete streets. I was in Downtown recently, and outside of Federal Street, the pedestrian infrastructure is really lacking.  In all honesty, I see why the city has been denied the grant twice already - the plan is just all over the place and Youngstown's history of corruption and bad usage of money which continues to today doesn't help.

 

And here's some older plans/renderings of SMAR2T which I hope are still a part of the new proposal:

 

Bike lanes connecting Mill Creek to Downtown and Downtown to Youngstown State University Campus:

 

Road Diet on Fifth Avenue:

 

Commerce Street road diet:

Great stuff!

Here are couple of photos from Downtown Youngstown from last week. The last time I was downtown was about 10 years ago. I saw 3 or 4 people on the same route that I took last week. I was pleased to see a fair amount of pedestrian activity and people out and about.

 

New DoubleTree Hotel:

 

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The Federal Restaurant:

 

 

Looking west on Federal St:

 

 

The day before this photo was taken, someone jumped from the top of the bridge in the distance. Thankfully they survived.

 

 

That's the Lake Erie & Eastern Railroad, built in 1910 as a 2- to 6-track-wide bypass of the Mahoning Valley's congested railroads, from Girard to Campbell. Instead of going around Youngstown's congested railroads, it went over or under most of them.

Smart2 Planners Preview Fifth Avenue Upgrades

By George Nelson | July 6, 2018

 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Imagine Fifth Avenue rebuilt as a boulevard, with a median in the middle, multiuse lanes for biking and other activities in each direction and tree lawns on both sides of the street.

 

Then contemplate adjacent streets upgraded to accommodate current traffic, as well as driverless shuttles conveying riders to destinations around the greater downtown area.

 

https://businessjournaldaily.com/smart2-open-house-previews-upgrades-to-fifth-avenue/