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Vacant downtown property may be used for artwork
YOUNGSTOWN
A vacant property on West Federal Street will be converted by next spring into space for artists and arts and entertainment organizations to lease with an art-consignment store and stage on the ground floor.
The work at 107 W. Federal St. will cost about $250,000 to $300,000, said building owner Jimmy Sutman, who also is president and founder of Iron and String Life Enhancement. ISLE is an agency that provides job skills and education to the mentally and physically impaired.
The city’s design review committee approved the exterior improvements of the building Tuesday, including replacing the broken glass sign on the storefront, removing security grills and gate and adding lights.
“I’ve had many overtures to put in a bar/restaurant, but I live right behind there, and the prospects of a bar next to my living room is not what I want,” Sutman said.
The second floor would be leased space for artists, arts and entertainment groups, nonprofits and not-for-profits, he said.
The ground floor would include space for art-consignment sales and a stage for poetry readings and other art events, Sutman said.
“I’m hoping the arts community will expand and come to Federal Street,” he said.
Two Guys Clothing occupied the building for 20 years until Sutman didn’t renew the lease in June 2011. At the time, Sutman wanted to use the location as a diner, but that never happened. ISLE opened Gallagher’s Lunch Bucket, a breakfast and lunch cafe in the basement of Oakhill Renaissance Place a year ago.
Two Guys relocated to 20 Federal Place and in 2012 opened a second clothing store, Two Girls Clothing, also at 20 Federal Place.
Also, the committee agreed to allow the city-owned Covelli Centre to display two signs – at a combined size of 26.5 feet wide and 33.5 feet in length – on the east side of the building.
One of the signs would advertise the facility as the home of the Youngstown Phantoms hockey team, and the other would promote upcoming events at the center. The signs would be changed depending on the events.
The committee also approved the demolition of a vacant four-bay garage on the western part of the Youngstown Business Incubator newest acquisition at 252 W. Boardman St., the former Vindicator office building.
YBI is removing the garage structure to provide more space for larger vehicles to gain access to its loading dock.