Saving the former Kress Building on West Fed will get a look

YOUNGSTOWN — A downtown property redevelopment agency will hire a structural engineer to determine what can be done to save a dilapidated West Federal Street building.

The Youngstown Central Area Community Improvement Corp.’s executive committee agreed today to permit the agency’s staff to hire an engineer for no more than $10,000 to examine the former Kress Building.

“It is in an advanced state of deterioration,” said Reid Dulberger, the CIC’s acting president and the Regional Chamber’s executive vice president.

The building’s steel frame is in good shape, but it has significant damage to its roof, floors, ceilings and walls, he said.

The agency will hire a structural engineer in the next three to four weeks, with an assessment taking a few more weeks, Dulberger said.

The 87-year-old building was last occupied in September 2000.

For the complete story, read Tuesday’s Vindicator or vindy.com