Construction begins at Taft Technology Center

YOUNGSTOWN — Construction crews have begun laying the foundation for the $3.74 million Taft Technology Center on West Federal Street.

The 30,000-square-foot building, to be constructed between the Youngstown Business Incubator and the vacant Semple Building, “is the next step in the progression of technological development in downtown Youngstown,” said Community Improvement Corporation acting president Reid Dulberger.

It will house burgeoning high-tech companies, like current Business Incubator tennant Turning Technologies — named the 7th fastest-growing small business in the nation by Entrepreneur Magazine, said Dulberger. It will also provide a range of incentives to high-tech upstarts, from human and communications resources to reduced or free rent, he said.

CIC expects the center to open in March 2008.