June 1, 200718 yr Because I feel sorry for them. They get no forum love. I'm not going to sticky this thread, though. That would just be crazy. A few reasons you don't get any love from us in Youngstown? This site talks about the Big C's for the most part; and suburbs around there. You guys have not contacted the plethora of Youngstown area blogs; do it! If you do that; maybe you will see an increase in Youngstown members! www.defendyoungstown.com has a full list of Youngstown blogs! I post a TON of stuff about Youngstown and Warren. And you know what? Nobody reads or posts in those threads. It's basically just me posting to myself. Forums work better when people besides a select few start threads, including people in the Mahoning Valley. More forumers mean more content, period. However, I'm far too busy to go cruising through this multitude of Youngstown blogs. But you know about them, and you know about Urban Ohio. So my question is: What are YOU doing to bring Youngstown forumers over here?
June 4, 200718 yr From the 6/4/07 Warren Tribune Chronicle: Church group asking state’s help for senior housing By AMANDA SMITH-TEUTSCH Tribune Chronicle NILES — There are more than two dozen names on a waiting list for living space in Niles Central Park apartments. ‘‘There is definitely a need for more low- to moderate-income housing for seniors,’’ said Shelby Conn, manager of the senior apartment building. One new resident has moved into the building in the last year, Conn said. ‘‘People don’t leave us very often.’’ http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=18885 Zone change approved, Walgreens to be built Youngstown Vindicator, 5/30/07 A zone change for a Walgreens near Meridian Road was approved Tuesday by township trustees. Visconsi Companies, a retail real estate developer from Pepper Pike, negotiated a deal to buy lots from 10 property owners on the east side of Lexington Place, which is a side street off Mahoning Avenue behind the BP gas station on the corner of Meridian and Mahoning. New administration building to be built in township park Youngstown Vindicator, 5/30/07 Trustees have proceeded with plans for the new township administration building at the new township park on Herbert Road. Trustees voted on Tuesday to sign a contract for design work on the new building with architect Thomas Keller.
June 4, 200718 yr From the 2/21/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Council discusses WRAP WRAP supporters will be given more time to answer a councilman's questions. By AMANDA GARRETT VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF WARREN — One city council member called for an independent investigation of the Warren Redevelopment and Planning Corp., while other council members said the agency's services are vital to the city. Those were some of the comments during a special council meeting Tuesday to discuss the future of WRAP. The meeting had been called by Council President Robert Marchese to allow Community Development Director Michael Keys and WRAP Executive Director Anthony Iannucci an opportunity to answer 71 questions that Councilman Robert L. Dean Jr., D-at large, had submitted to them. Dean said most of the questions came from concerned citizens and surrounded the status of economic development in Warren — especially in the downtown area — and WRAP's role in revitalization efforts. Dean also planned to introduce an ordinance Feb. 14 that would reappropriate the $51,250 set aside for WRAP and its economic development assistance to a contingency fund in the Community Development Department. The Feb. 14 meeting was canceled because of a snowstorm. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/307027995278422.php
June 4, 200718 yr From the 3/29/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Warren will continue to contract with WRAP A councilman said an independent investigation would clear up lingering questions. BY AMANDA GARRETT VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF WARREN — Warren Redevelopment and Planning Corp. will continue to be contracted by the city after a councilman withdrew legislation Wednesday that would have removed its funding. Councilman Robert L. Dean Jr., D-at-large, introduced an ordinance Feb. 28 that would reappropriate the $51,250 set aside for WRAP and its economic development assistance to a contingency fund in the Community Development Department. Dean asked Community Development Director Michael Keys and WRAP Executive Director Anthony Iannucci to provide written answers to a list of 71 questions he had submitted to them regarding the status of economic development in Warren and WRAP's role in revitalization efforts. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/323833975185380.php
June 4, 200718 yr From the 4/10/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Warren council to vote on incentives package Incentives would reward businesses for upgrading vacant buildings. BY AMANDA GARRETT VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF WARREN — City council is scheduled to vote Wednesday on a business incentives package that one councilman said will be the first step in revitalizing Warren's downtown. Robert Holmes, D-4th, chairman of council's downtown revitalization committee, sponsored legislation along with six other council members that he believes will help attract and maintain businesses downtown. "The downtown has looked the same way for the past 30 years," Holmes said. "We've got to be able to have a package that we can show to potential businesses and say, 'Here's what we can do for you.'" Members of Warren GROWs (Grassroots Revitalization of Warren) and the Warren Redevelopment and Planning Corporation presented council members with the package of reimbursements, tax credits and discounts in November. The incentives are property tax reimbursements, a tax credit based on profits, discounts for building permits and discounts for sewer and water tap-ins. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/292569642964698.php
June 7, 200718 yr From the 6/6/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Mill Creek's Cinderella Bridge getting a face-lift Work on the $524,000 project begins Monday and continues through September. YOUNGSTOWN — One of the best-known symbols of Mill Creek Park is getting a fresh look. The Suspension Bridge, also called the Silver Bridge, Cinderella Bridge or Fairy Tale Bridge, will be rehabilitated to restore its beauty and structural integrity. The project starts Monday and will continue through September. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/317200071531728.php School officials break ground at elementary school East Liverpool Review, 6/6/07 School officials and project contractors held a ground-breaking ceremony at North Elementary School’s construction site on Tuesday to officially celebrate the building project getting underway. “It’s awesome; we’re totally excited about it,” said principal Andy Trotter. “We’re going to move out of what used to be to what can be.”
June 15, 200717 yr From the 6/15/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Judge stays renovations; JFS in limbo The Oakhill project depends on when the lawsuit ends, a building official says. By PETER H. MILLIKEN VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County Building Commission chairman and the county's architect say it's unlikely the county Department of Job and Family Services will move into its permanent offices at Oakhill Renaissance Place until June 2008. Atty. David Comstock Sr., commission chairman, and Tracie Kaglic, the architect coordinating renovations for JFS' permanent offices at Oakhill, gave that assessment after Thursday's building commission meeting. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/321400846197574.php Judge doesn’t stop site work Warren Tribune Chronicle, 6/14/07 Construction of the Willard Avenue K-8 School construction site will continue despite an effort by the former general trades contractor to void two contracts the Warren City School District signed since firing the company last month. Hively Construction Company Inc. of Canfield filed a request Tuesday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court for a temporary restraining order. The company claimed the school district illegally bypassed competitive bid laws by awarding contracts to Miller-Yount Paving Inc. and Lencyk Masonry Co. Inc. after Hively’s contract was terminated. Wetlands boardwalk coming Warren Tribune Chronicle, 6/13/07 If all goes as planned, area residents this fall will be able to view a Howland wetlands preserve from a boardwalk erected in its midst. Some 750 feet of boardwalk is to be installed at the Mosquito Creek preserve, which is 100 acres of land the county purchased for $150,000. Route 170 construction to continue East Liverpool Review, 6/13/07 Construction updates were presented to St. Clair Township Trustees by Chairman Jim Hall Tuesday at their regular meeting. The following list of updates were provided in regard to construction projects on state Route 170, and Calcutta-Smith Ferry and Sprucevale roads. Middle school going up fast Warren Tribune Chronicle, 6/11/07 They built it faster and cheaper than expected, and when it’s up and running, the new Austintown Middle School will cost less to heat and power than many other school buildings in the area, school officials say. The building, on pace to cost $24.5 million, according to school board President Michael Creatore, will cost $1 million less than anticipated. Dam has no effect on floods Warren Tribune Chronicle, 6/8/07 Concerns voiced for years were put to rest Thursday night as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers assured city officials that removing the Lower Girard Lake Dam would have no real impact on downstream flooding. ‘‘In a nutshell, that’s what we concluded. There’s really no difference,’’ project manager Kathy Anderson said.
June 22, 200717 yr From the 6/21/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Funds OK'd for JFS move Most of the county money spent on the move will be repaid within five years. By ED RUNYAN VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — After several months of planning and coordination, Mahoning County commissioners Wednesday approved spending about $500,000 to move the county's Department of Job and Family Services and Child Support Enforcement Agency into temporary quarters at Oakhill Renaissance Place. Commissioner Anthony Traficanti took an opportunity at the meeting, which was called to approve the contracts, to express his frustration with the roadblocks that have stalled the move into Oakhill. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/324202641078547.php From same: Hospital wants help with funds Work on a new long-term care facility in Boardman should begin this year. By WILLIAM K. ALCORN VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER BOARDMAN — Mahoning Valley Hospital, an area long-term, acute care facility, is seeking help from Mahoning County commissioners in obtaining $9.5 million in tax-exempt, low-interest bonds to build a new hospital on South Avenue. A public hearing on the matter is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. today in the commissioners' conference room in the basement of the county courthouse. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/324202641875596.php Schools project downsized Warren Tribune Chronicle, 6/21/07 The fears west side parents expressed last year may be coming true: The Ohio School Facilities Commission decided plans for new schools be scaled back because Warren’s enrollment is declining. Board member Linda Metzendorf said options include building smaller versions of the two planned schools, building only one larger school or renovating the former Warren Western Reserve. Royal Mall to get rehabilitation Warren Tribune Chronicle, 6/21/07 The state housing financing agency Wednesday approved $350,000 to be used toward the purchase and rehabilitation of the troubled Royal Mall Apartments. The award moves the prospective owners one step closer to investing $16 million to improve the buildings. Tours give sneak peek into future Youngstown Vindicator, 6/19/07 It's a little imposing, but in a cool kind of way. Maybe a little scary, too, but a fun kind of scary to think about. Donyce Johnson, who will be going into seventh-grade in the fall, is "a little nervous" about coming to the new Austintown Middle School on Raccoon Road. Youngstown Vindicator: FAST FACTS | New middle school (6/19/07) Plan may speed South Range construction Salem News, 6/19/07 It’s not certain, but school officials are hopeful that changes in state funding will mean their new K-12 school construction project can be completed all in one phase. Superintendent Dennis Dunham told the board of education at their meeting Monday that he and Treasurer Jim Phillips met with the Ohio School Facilities Commission last week to discuss the tobacco securitization plan currently being considered by the state legislature. Girard plans for school Warren Tribune Chronicle, 6/17/07 Now that property for a new junior/senior high school has been purchased, the district is asking for the public’s input on what they would like to see there. And that could include just about anything, said schools Superintendent Joseph Jeswald.
June 27, 200717 yr From the 6/26/07 Youngstown Vindicator: The yo-yo factor comes into play in Valley home sales and prices Statewide, both home sales and average selling prices were down for the month. By DON SHILLING VINDICATOR BUSINESS EDITOR Home sales in Trumbull County are up, but prices are down. In Mahoning County, the opposite is true. The average selling price for homes in Trumbull County in May was $87,428, down 9 percent from the same month last year. Trumbull County lost nearly 5,000 jobs last year when General Motors and Delphi Packard Electric offered buyouts and early retirement incentives to their workers. Home sale prices have been down each month this year. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/326534809906426.php Courthouse renovations near completion Youngstown Vindicator, 6/24/07 Renovations to the Columbiana County courthouse are coming to an end, although it might not look that way. The two Common Pleas courtrooms on the second floor are still full of wood as workers complete the trim. New school design is under way Youngstown Vindicator, 6/22/07 The schematic design phase for a new Jackson-Milton High School/Middle School has been submitted and a second, more detailed design portion is under way. Superintendent Buck Palmer said at Thursday's board of education meeting that the schematic needs the approval of the Ohio School Facilities Commission.
June 28, 200717 yr From the 6/27/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Developer to withdraw, resubmit annex request There would be 50 single-family homes on the land, the developer said. By JEANNE STARMACK VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER CANFIELD — A hearing on whether the city will be able to annex 18 acres from the township is likely moot. Would-be developer Sebastian Rucci, who plans to subdivide the property owned by his father, Victor Rucci, said after the hearing Tuesday before county commissioners in township hall that he plans to withdraw his annexation petition. He will resubmit it after addressing a boundary issue, he said. The acreage, at 6445 state Route 446, is mostly fallow farmland with a residence on it. Just south of the city, it is near the Mill Creek MetroParks experimental farm and state Route 466 and U.S. Route 62. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/327014626053863.php 11 proposals for new school offered in Columbiana Lisbon Morning Journal, 6/27/07 Schools Superintendent Ron Iarussi has received 11 architect proposals for the proposed K-8 school building that would be placed near the high school. Now Iarussi and Treasurer Lori Posey will be assessing the proposals from the companies and narrowing their number down to three or four. The Board of Education will interview those architects in public meetings.
July 12, 200717 yr From the 7/11/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Society wants to name bridge after educator Renaming the bridge would 'keep the McGuffey legacy alive,' a historian says. By PETER H. MILLIKEN VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — Noted educator William Holmes McGuffey is going to be honored once again. The designation of a bridge that spans Crab Creek and connects the city's North and East sides as the William Holmes McGuffey Memorial Bridge would be a fitting tribute to the 19th century educator whose readers were standard textbooks in American schools for many decades, according to the president of the historical society that bears McGuffey's name. "He literally educated millions of illiterate people," said Richard Scarsella, president of the William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society, whose membership includes 10 McGuffey descendants. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/304321353258362.php Residents keep heat on board Warren Tribune Chronicle, 7/10/07 About 100 people gathered in Courthouse Square Monday once again rallying for equality on both sides of the city and urging the Warren Board of Education to keep promises made when the bond issue passed. All 100 present signed letters addressed to Gov. Ted Strickland, which called for an investigation into the board’s spending of taxpayer dollars, said Darryl Parker, a west-side resident who circulated the letters. Warren Tribune Chronicle: Soil debate raged for nearly a year (7/8/07) Council trying to replace old school Youngstown Vindicator, 7/10/07 After years of discussion, city officials are trying to move closer to replacing the old North Avenue School building with a second facility for senior citizens. Members of council gave a first reading to legislation that would authorize the service director to enter into a contract with Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority and Dr. Chander Kohli, current property owner, for the demolition of the run-down school building on North Avenue. Austintown to OK zone change Youngstown Vindicator, 7/7/07 Township trustees are expected to pass a zoning change this month for about seven houses that are surrounded by business and industrial properties. The lots, on the west side of Lexington Place off Mahoning Avenue, remained residential while those on the east side were zoned business.
July 13, 200717 yr From the 7/13/07 Youngstown Vindicator: County OKs payment for Oakhill The county auditor says he'll cut the check if the court orders it. By PETER H. MILLIKEN VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County commissioners have authorized county Prosecutor Paul Gains to formally agree to pay $75,000 for the county's purchase of Oakhill Renaissance Place — the former Forum Health Southside Medical Center. In Thursday's resolution, the commissioners responded to a bankruptcy trustee's complaint demanding payment and agreed the purchase price is "a moral obligation of the county," said George Tablack, county administrator. Tablack said he expects U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kay Woods to order that the money be paid for the 353,184-square-foot Oakhill building, at 345 Oak Hill Ave. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/301163588323499.php Struthers' Depression-era stadium coming down Youngstown Vindicator, 7/12/07 The east stands of Struthers High School Football Stadium had stood since the Great Depression but started coming down Wednesday. The demolition is the beginning of Phase I of the stadium renovation project. The board of education awarded contracts totaling $285,603 for the first phase June 26.
July 16, 200717 yr From the 7/14/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Oakhill payment held up by judge The county tried 'to make an end run around' the trial court, the landlord says. By PETER H. MILLIKEN VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — A visiting judge has issued a temporary restraining order barring the Mahoning County commissioners and county Auditor Michael Sciortino from issuing a $75,000 check for the county's purchase of Oakhill Renaissance Place. Judge Richard M. Markus orally issued the order, which remains in effect for 14 days, during a Friday telephone conference with county Prosecutor Paul Gains; Thomas Anastos, a lawyer representing Ohio Valley Mall Co.; and Atty. John B. Juhasz, who represents Sciortino. Gains confirmed that the judge issued the order in the late afternoon teleconference. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/302096092701414.php Schools had support across town Warren Tribune Chronicle, 7/15/07 The Warren City School District’s recent announcement that declining enrollment figures require a change in the construction plan for the remaining K-8 schools has divided the district geographically, with west side residents saying they are getting the short end of the stick. Over the last month, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People held a picket in front of the Board of Education offices and a rally in Courthouse Square, both urging the district to build two new schools on the west side as promised and eliminate the disparity between the east and west sides of town.
July 19, 200717 yr From the 7/18/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Both sides confident going into Oakhill trial The lawsuit trial will be an eye opener, a commissioner says. By PETER H. MILLIKEN VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — The chairman of the Mahoning County commissioners said he supports having the county take the risk of moving its Department of Job and Family Services to Oakhill Renaissance Place. Commissioner Anthony Traficanti said he is confident of the merits of the county's defense against a high-stakes taxpayers' lawsuit by the Ohio Valley Mall Co. Traficanti said the county is still planning to have JFS open for business Monday in temporary quarters at Oakhill — the former Forum Health Southside Medical Center — which the county bought last summer in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/305792650627420.php
November 29, 200717 yr http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/313104422492444.php Old store to become 'exciting' new library Thursday, November 22, 2007 The South Library, at 1771 Market St., will remain open while renovations are completed. By ANGIE SCHMITT VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — Construction is under way to transform a former grocery store into a state-of-the-art library at the corner of Market Street and Midlothian Boulevard. Officials from the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County expect the $3.6 million renovation project to result in one of the most widely used libraries in the system. The new library will include two meeting rooms, a children's area, a teen area, computers with Internet access, audio-visual materials and a Chapters Cafe. The branch will also be the area's first to include a special area dedicated to early literacy. ... [email protected]
November 29, 200717 yr This isn't a comprehensive list of what's happening on W. Federal. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/315939114685282.php City making progress on West Federal Street Wednesday, November 28, 2007 By DAVID SKOLNICK CITY HALL REPORTER YOUNGSTOWN — It wasn't that long ago that boarded-up buildings dominated a key section of one of downtown Youngstown's busiest streets. That area is now the scene of scaffolds, plastic fences and construction sites. The dilapidated structures lined the south side of West Federal Street from near Vindicator Square to Hazel Street — except for a few notable exceptions such as Home Savings and Loan, the Youngstown Business Incubator, the Downtown Draught House and the First Educator's building. But in about two years, 13 of those vacant structures are gone. In their place are the 7th District Court of Appeals, a parking lot ready for future development and a construction site where the 30,000-square-foot Taft Technology Center is being built. The Taft center is set to open no later than March 15. ... [email protected]
November 29, 200717 yr Is this on the northwest quadrant of the intersection? I'm trying to place this - I know Wyld Stylz (the most kick@ss vintage store on earth) used to be close to that intersection but I don't think their space was a grocery store. clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
November 29, 200717 yr ^ Yes, it is the location of a former Phar-Mor and Giant Eagle. It sits back from the road.
November 29, 200717 yr Some older Youngstown news: http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/289677370623685.php Developer plans residences downtown Sunday, August 26, 2007 Youngstown can be great again, developer Louis A. Frangos says. By DAVID SKOLNICK CITY HALL REPORTER SOME PEOPLE DON'T SEE much when they look at downtown Youngstown. When Louis A. Frangos looks, he sees opportunity. Frangos, of Cleveland, has bought some of downtown's most prominent properties in less than a decade; several of them were bought in the past two years. He's bought so many that he is one of the major nonpublic owners of property in the city's downtown. ... [email protected] -------------------------------- http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/290128556505359.php New life for Kress facility? Wednesday, October 24, 2007 An artist wants to turn a clothing store into a gallery and bistro. By DAVID SKOLNICK CITY HALL REPORTER YOUNGSTOWN — A company wants to turn a downtown vacant building into a multipurpose facility. The Anderson Development Group, which moved from Michigan to Youngstown earlier this year, is seeking to renovate and develop the dilapidated Kress Building on West Federal Street, just east of the 7th District Court of Appeals. The 45,000-square-foot building is owned by the Youngstown Central Area Community Improvement Corp., a downtown property redevelopment agency. The CIC acknowledges that there is major damage to the building and that it would take a significant investment to repair it. ... [email protected]
December 3, 200717 yr "Youngstown isn't what it used to be," he said. What city is? A pointless dig, IMHO. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 2, 200817 yr Realty Towers work to start this month By DAVID SKOLNICK CITY HALL REPORTER YOUNGSTOWN — With about $3.1 million in state and federal grants, the redevelopment of Realty Towers, one of the largest buildings in the city’s downtown, is to begin this month. The Ohio Department of Development awarded $1.9 million to the $8.3 million project through the state’s historical preservation program. The Realty project was among 11 to be selected Friday by the state to receive money through the program. The money means the 12-story building, mostly vacant for several years, will finally undergo improvements, said Louis A. Frangos, who owns the 47 Central Federal St. building. Frangos purchased the building with three nearby parking lots for $540,000 on Dec. 14, 2000. The project should take about 10 months to finish, Frangos said. “It’s a significant investment in the central business district,” said city Finance Director David Bozanich. “It will improve the quality of life there, and it helps a building in need of significant repair.” The plan is to convert the upper 11 floors into about 25 condominiums or apartments for young professionals who want to live downtown. It could also include a community room or health club, Frangos said. Frangos said he’s finalizing a deal to open Cafe Maria, a restaurant, in the location of the former Bean Counter on the building’s ground floor. Improvement work at Realty, which was slow going, came to a stop in the summer as Frangos, with the help of the city, applied for the state and federal grants. ... [email protected]
January 3, 200817 yr Just adding a photo of the Realty Building in Youngstown: clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
January 3, 200817 yr Thanks for adding the picture, MayDay. handsome It is, but you should see it's neighbor to the right... some of the worst design the 50's/60's had to offer. (IMHO)
January 10, 200817 yr Old Woolworth’s to open as Rosetta Stone Cafe YOUNGSTOWN — After a $600,000 remodeling job, a former drugstore will reopen Monday as a full-service restaurant. The 7,200-square-foot Rosetta Stone Cafe and Lounge, 110 Federal Plaza West, held an open house on New Year’s Eve to showcase its continental cuisine menu, dining space, meeting rooms, full bar, lounge area and wine room. The owners, George Lenahan of Canfield and Greg Sop of Hubbard, hope to serve their first breakfast Monday. The restaurant was once home to a Woolworth’s drugstore and a Rite Aid Pharmacy. The building served as office space until 2004. The city of Youngstown contributed about $100,000 to the renovation. The loan will be forgiven provided the restaurant is still in business in three years and has met its commitment to create 14 full-time and 30 part-time jobs. http://new.vindy.com/news/2008/jan/06/old-woolworth8217s-to-open-as-rosetta-stone/ --------------------------------- Some pics here: http://shoutyoungstown.blogspot.com/2008/01/fourth-look-at-rosetta-stone.html#links
January 10, 200817 yr Woolworth’s drugstore? Maybe in England. It is the former F. W. Woolworth Company aka Woolworth's. My sister worked there when she was in High school. It is nice to see people from outside of the city investing in downtown.
April 3, 200817 yr Ross Radio Building to become history center YOUNGSTOWN — A building recognized for its role in the nation’s history will be transformed into a regional history center and a potential tourism destination, under plans announced Wednesday. http://www.vindy.com/news/2008/apr/03/ross-radio-building-to-become-history-center/
April 9, 200817 yr I'm one of the biggest proponents of preserving history and making it available to the public, but I have to ask: how many historical centers does Youngstown need? "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 10, 200817 yr I don't know. But, according to the article, the Mahoning Valley Historical Society feels that they need the additional space.
May 11, 200817 yr Construction to begin at Realty Towers YOUNGSTOWN — The Frangos Group will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday to announce the start of construction at Realty Towers, 47 Central Federal St. The company plans to convert the building into 25 upscale apartments, primarily to attract young professionals to live in the city’s downtown. The public is invited.
May 11, 200817 yr Awesome! Take pictures please!!! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 13, 200817 yr Movin’ way up http://www.vindy.com/news/2008/may/13/movin8217-way-up/ Published:Tuesday, May 13, 2008 By Don Shilling Downtown to get upscale housing The mayor said he’s considering moving into the downtown apartment building. YOUNGSTOWN — The phrases “penthouse apartments” and “downtown Youngstown” aren’t often found together, but developer Lou Frangos is about to change that. He is starting massive renovations that will turn the vacant, dilapidated Realty Towers into an upscale apartment complex. On the 13th floor, the two largest and most deluxe units —the penthouse apartments — will have a bird’s eye view of the downtown square. “It’s just fabulous,” said Bill Sperlazza, development project manager for Frangos, as he looked from the top floor windows at the traffic and pedestrians below. “Without overexaggerating, it’s almost breath-taking.”
June 3, 200817 yr $17M student housing proposal ignites debate Published:Monday, June 2, 2008 By David Skolnick YSU and Stambaugh Auditorium oppose the project. YOUNGSTOWN — A major collegiate residency development company wants to demolish dilapidated and vacant structures that front Fifth Avenue and build a 109-unit, $17 million housing project. The project, proposed by Place Properties of Atlanta, would be marketed toward and designed for Youngstown State University students and medical residents at St. Elizabeth Health Center. http://www.vindy.com/news/2008/jun/02/17m-student-housing-proposal-ignites-debate/ Park Place tax break expected Published:Tuesday, June 3, 2008 By David Skolnick The company would shovel the walkway if it’s needed. YOUNGSTOWN — The construction of a proposed 109-unit, $17 million housing facility on the North Side is based on the city’s providing a 75 percent tax abatement to the project’s developers. That shouldn’t be a problem, said Councilwoman Carol Rimedio-Righetti, D-4th and chairwoman of the finance committee. http://www.vindy.com/news/2008/jun/03/park-place-tax-break-expected/
July 7, 200816 yr Author From the Youngstown Business Journal. This article costs money to read, so I will post it free for you guys to read! You'll be surprised to hear all the good in Downtown Youngstown!! Downtown Youngstown Bustling with Projects By Dan O’Brien YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- The “Road Closed” signs, earthmovers, backhoes and bulldozers, construction fences, bright orange cones, and scaffolding wrapped around downtown buildings strike some as aesthetic and logistical nuisances. To others, they’re welcome and tangible signs that the central business district continues to draw interest -- and dollars -- on its path to revitalization. “We’re excited to be on the West End, where there’s a lot of activity,” said Paul Hagman, a principal of Sweet Jenny Land Co. and an associate at Ronald Cornell Faniro Architects Inc. “All of our neighbors here have been very welcoming.” A decade ago, the West End was the poster child for urban blight. Today, it’s enjoying a commercial and aesthetic renaissance, thanks to investors such as Sweet Jenny. Last year, Sweet Jenny bought the landmark John R. Davis building on West Federal Street from the Youngstown Central Area Community Improvement Corp. Over the last eight months, the company has spent nearly a half million dollars to renovate the structure and relocate the Faniro firm to its new offices there. Earlier this week Faniro moved into the second floor of the Davis Building from the Ohio One Building, where it was a tenant 19 years. The first floor is open for lease; Hagman lives in an apartment on the third. “We did this with our own money,” Hagman said. “We’re now in a position where we feel we can actively participate in the renovation of downtown.” Sweet Jenny’s development is one of several projects under way in the central business district. Since 2000, more than $100 million has been spent on or committed to new projects -- most funded by public sources -- that are either finished or in various stages of development in or near the downtown. Among these projects over the last decade were a slew of new government buildings: the George V. Voinovich Government Building, the Mahoning County Children Services Board Building, the Ohio 7th District Court of Appeals courthouse, and the Nathaniel R. Jones Federal Building and Court House for the U.S. Northern District of Ohio. In addition, infrastructure improvements such as the reopening of Federal Street to through traffic played an important role in changing the landscape of downtown. And, downtown investment numbers were clearly boosted in 2005 with the completion of the $45 million Chevrolet Centre – the majority of which was funded through a $26.8 million federal grant. Meantime, new restaurants, taverns, and entertainment venues, such as the expansion of the DeYor Peforming Arts Center two years ago, helped resurrect the once-dormant central business district as a premier nightspot. “We’ve got enough to keep us busy here,” said T. Sharon Woodberry, city economic development director. Projects such as the Frangos Group’s $7 million renovation of the Realty Towers building into upscale condominiums has finally begun, while a host of other infrastructure and small-business development is also evident downtown. Woodberry reports that a new tenant for the food court at 20 Federal Place should be arriving soon, and Denise Powell, president of James & Weaver office furniture, is performing renovation work on a building that once served as storage for a downtown dentist. “She’s well under way for the improvements she needs to do,” Woodberry noted. “Now, she’s looking to secure a tenant for that building.” Other projects completed this year include the $5.8 million Taft Technology Center and the Rosetta Stone Café, Woodberry said. Both projects received help from the city. Mahoning County’s $5.3 million rehabilitation of the Fifth Avenue Bridge, scheduled to wrap up this November, should improve the flow of traffic into and out of downtown. Simultaneously, work on the $500,000 reconfiguration of West Federal Street is moving along and workers believe the new brickwork that will line the sidewalks could be finished within two weeks. Another project the city supported through its incentives programs is the Lemon Grove, a coffee shop and bistro slated to open along West Federal Street. Entrepreneur Jacob Harver said he is putting about $100,000 of his own capital at risk to renovate a building and start the new shop next door to Imbibe, a nightclub that opened three years ago. “Hopefully, in the next two months we’ll be open,” he said. Harver said the café will feature a variety of artistic performances that include live music, one-act plays and other forms of entertainment. “It’s going to have a more mellow atmosphere than other bars or clubs in the downtown,” he says. Workers were busy renovating portions of the building Wednesday. Harver intends is to strip off what he describes as the “wretched tile” from the front of the building and restore the brick façade. “We need a place that reflects the atmosphere of downtown Youngstown,” he said. “We’re working in concert with other clubs to create a downtown community – that’s the main reason.” And, the attraction of downtown prompted the Mahoning Valley Historical Society to purchase the Harry Burt/Ross Radio Building on West Federal and convert the three-story structure into a new Mahoning Valley History Center. The building is a piece of Youngstown and American history because it is where the Good Humor Bar – vanilla ice cream on a stick dipped in chocolate – was invented during the 1920s. Still, downtown has seen its share of challenges in recent weeks. About a month ago, downtown’s largest landlord, Lou Frangos, president of The Frangos Group, approved a plan to remove some 500 windows from the 12-story Stambaugh Building. As workers were removing a window from the ninth floor, a pane of glass fell and shattered on East Federal Street, prompting the city to place a stop-work order on the project and close that segment of the thoroughfare for public safety. As a result, the downtown landmark sat blighted and exposed to deterioration from the elements. The city then forced Frangos to resecure the 500 windows that had been removed. Last Friday, workers began to reinstall them and by Thursday had nearly finished the side of the building that faces East Federal Street. Frangos noted the window replacement is proceeding on schedule, as are his other projects. Workers this week began tearing off portions of the roof of Realty Towers – the start of his $7 million project to convert the landmark office building into upscale apartments. “They’re going like gangbusters now,” Frangos said. Frangos, a Cleveland-based investor who controls a large parking operation in that city and Youngstown, has also said he has plans to rehabilitate the Wick Building on Federal Street and the Erie Terminal Building on Commerce Street by turning them into residences. The Erie Terminal project, he noted, would be geared toward housing students who attend Youngstown State University, thus helping to forge a stronger link with the central business district and YSU. Strengthening the link between downtown and YSU is one justification for the university’s decision to build its $34.3 million Williamson College of Business Administration in a section just north of the central business district. Demolition work on five buildings to make way for the new business school has begun. Workers started to remove asbestos from the buildings last week. The new business school is expected to open by the fall semester of 2010.
July 20, 200816 yr Author New Article on all the new restaurants in Downtown Youngstown! Link: http://www.vindy.com/news/2008/jul/20/eateries-energize-hub/
August 7, 200816 yr Hollow project awaits more funds http://www.vindy.com/news/2008/aug/07/hollow-project-awaits-more-funds/ Published:Thursday, August 7, 2008 By David Skolnick The project’s first phase is set to begin as early as seven months from now. YOUNGSTOWN — The long-awaited redevelopment of the Wick District-Smoky Hollow area is going to have to wait a little longer, but officials with the organization spearheading the effort say progress is being made. About $5 million is needed for the first phase of the $100 million neighborhood with housing and retail businesses. That would include about 55 townhouses and single-family houses as well as infrastructure, said Margaret Murphy, executive director of Wick Neighbors Inc., which is organizing the redevelopment effort.
October 2, 200816 yr I always forget about this thread. Watch the new Williamson College of Business Administration building being built on this live webcam: http://webcam.ysu.edu/view/view.shtml
October 2, 200816 yr Developer abandons student housing plan http://www.vindy.com/news/2008/sep/26/developer-abandons-student-housing-plan/ Published:Friday, September 26, 2008 By David Skolnick A local developer is interested in another housing project. YOUNGSTOWN — A proposed $17 million, 109-unit housing facility, primarily for Youngstown State University students, on the city’s North Side is dead. Place Properties, a major national developer of student housing, has opted to scrap its plans for its proposed Park Place project. More at http://www.vindy.com/news/2008/sep/26/developer-abandons-student-housing-plan/ ...
December 5, 200816 yr Council OKs loan for housing http://www.vindy.com/news/2008/dec/05/council-oks-loan-for-housing/ Published:Friday, December 5, 2008 By David Skolnick U.S. Campus Suites plans to build four student housing complexes. YOUNGSTOWN — City council gave the go-ahead to a $2 million loan for a student housing complex near Youngstown State University. The housing developer, U.S. Campus Suites, plans to spend $7.3 million to construct the building, with about 115 beds, on Elm Street near Youngstown State University. Construction is expected to start in April and take about a year to complete. The company also plans to build three other student housing complexes nearby in the city’s Smoky Hollow area. Overall, the Flats at Wick project will cost $26 million to $30 million and have about 450 beds, said Dominic Marchionda, the head of U.S. Campus Suites. The plan is to permit the company to borrow the money at 0.25 percent interest for up to 18 months.
December 16, 200816 yr A little out of order... State Theatre razing on track, officials say http://www.vindy.com/news/2008/nov/28/state-theatre-razing-on-track-officials-say/ By KATIE SEMINARA YOUNGSTOWN — The final stages of the State Theatre demolition need to go slowly, but will still be completed on time, said development project manager Dave Kosec. Crews are working to remove the bridge component and the rear of the theater, said Kosec at a Youngstown Central Area Community Improvement Corp. meeting recently. The rear portion of the building is in close proximity to the Oakland Center for the Arts, thus making crews work at a reduced speed to assure no damage to surrounding structures, said Kosec. Dec. 15 is the deadline for the demolition and remediation of the State, Armed Forces building and the Semple building, which are all part of the Tech Block project. I've attached some renderings of what the Semple building will look like. The goal is to get [the Kress and Wells] buildings to a condition where a private or public entity could take advantage of the space.
February 22, 200916 yr Restoring Wick-Pollock http://www.vindy.com/news/2009/feb/22/restoring-wick-pollock/ Published: Sunday, February 22, 2009 By Harold Gwin Reopening the inn has long been a goal for YSU President David C. Sweet. YOUNGSTOWN — The historic Wick-Pollock Inn has sat vacant for the last decade, and a study of its potential re-use shows it will cost close to $2 million to renovate and restore the mansion to its former grandeur. The study, done by Faniro Architects of Youngstown, offered three possible scenarios for the project that include various levels of improvements to the mansion property as well, with total costs ranging between $3.9 million and $4.3 million. It was presented recently to the Youngstown State University Board of Trustees, which has tentatively earmarked $3,950,000 for the job as part of the $47 million being borrowed to improve various campus facilities under the YSU master plan. A tentative timetable shows the work beginning in the spring of 2010.
February 27, 200916 yr YSU OKs deal for student housing http://www.vindy.com/news/2009/feb/27/the-75m-first-phase-of-the-complex-should-be/ Published: Friday, February 27, 2009 By Harold Gwin The $7.5M first phase of the complex should be open for the fall 2010 semester. YOUNGSTOWN — US Campus Suites LLC will pay Youngstown State University $110,000 for the right to build a 115-bed student apartment building on the north side of campus. The private developer is leasing six parcels totaling just under one acre from the university at the corner of Elm Street and the Madison Avenue Expressway West Service Road for the first phase of a proposed four-building complex that will eventually provide 450 beds in 216 apartments. It will be called The Flats at Wick.
February 28, 200916 yr Blog article about the new Newport (south side) library with some pictures: http://shoutyoungstown.blogspot.com/2009/02/big-box-store-deconstructed-and.html Sorry I neglected to keep this site updated. As I've written previously, I often forget about this thread. Here is an article from the Vindy: http://www.vindy.com/news/2009/feb/21/new-library-branch-dedicated/
March 21, 200916 yr Lower construction costs give Wick Pollock project green light http://www.vindy.com/news/2009/mar/21/lower-construction-costs-give-wick-pollock-project/ Published: Saturday, March 21, 2009 By Harold Gwin Some YSU trustees thought a different project should have moved up the list. YOUNGSTOWN — The construction industry is hungry for work in this period of economic hard times, and that’s good news for Youngstown State University. University officials say it means the university can get more construction projects done for less money, because contractors are paring their bids to the bone in an effort to keep their people working. More at http://www.vindy.com/news/2009/mar/21/lower-construction-costs-give-wick-pollock-project/
March 21, 200916 yr Wonderful news about the Wick Pollock! clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
Create an account or sign in to comment