Friday, March 9, 2001
In 1996, Southside Medical Center closed its doors. The first hospital in Youngstown was no longer in the business of saving lives.
The massive structure lay barren. The tall, center tower bearing its name, visible from just about every vantage point when entering Youngstown, was doomed to become another vacant landmark.
The board of Western Reserve Care System was in a quandary. Razing the building would cost millions. It was determined to give the structure a second life.
In September 1998, the board approved conversion of Southside Medical Center. Oak Hill Renaissance Center was born.
"The board of trustees wanted to convert Southside into something positive," said Myrle Hovanec, general manager of Oak Hill Renaissance Center. "A center that would provide assistance and community services."
Two years later, the project has accomplished just that.
It is a story that some people know in bits and pieces. A short story or news brief as each new tenant takes possession.
The big picture: Yet, walking the halls, seeing the diversity, noticing the changes all the while cognizant of the fact that this building could be standing empty, wasting away -- that is when the immensity of the vision hits and the bits and pieces become whole.
The conversion of Southside Medical Center is a huge victory for Youngstown. A shining example that revitalization and second chances are here.
Myrle has been a driving force behind the success of the conversion.
"Myrle's biggest blessing to Oak Hill is her ability to develop and maintain relationships," said Greg Smith, board member of Southside Community Development Corp. "She is always looking globally -- how a possible tenant will impact the area and benefit other tenants."
Myrle was working in Cleveland when murmurs of a conversion were rising. A native of Youngstown, she was determined to become a part of this renaissance.
As we walk the floors of Oak Hill, it becomes clear that this is more than just a job for Myrle. It is a mission.
She shows me the newly renovated Hitchcock Auditorium with its state-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities. From conferences to banquets, Oak Hill is equipped to handle every need. "Look at the synergy that can happen here!" she exclaimed.
A walk through the Life Skills Learning Center finds many students at the 45 computer cubicles.
"These students were at risk of dropping out of school, or they did drop out," Myrle explained. "But now, they are here getting their high school diploma -- not a G.E.D. -- a diploma."
She opens her arms wide, "Can't you just see an entire learning center here?"
I look around. I don't see it, but Myrle does, and I'm beginning to catch her visions.
Caring for the needy: Next, we walk through the former Southside Medical Center emergency waiting room. Now, it is the lobby for Grace Place Medical Services. Grace Place was born out of the Christian Coalition movement and provides primary medical care to area residents on a sliding scale payment plan.
Adjacent to Grace Place is the Oak Hill Professional Pharmacy. "We don't want to lose this pharmacy," Myrle said. "It is the only drugstore in this neighborhood."
That is when I stop and look at her.
This young woman, who could have made it anywhere, has such passion. But her passion isn't completely about Oak Hill. It is about her home -- her hometown -- Youngstown. She has chosen to return to Youngstown and champion a portion of its revitalization.
"There is so much good about Youngstown," she said. "But nobody talks about it. We always hear the bad."
It's time we all start thinking like Myrle. Youngstown is a great place to raise a family. It is a great place to call home.