Plans in the works to redevelop another downtown historic high rise building

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — As the debate continues on whether to demolish or save Youngstown’s Realty Building , plans are in the works to redevelop another of downtown’s historic high rises right across the street.

“How are the bones of the building? Absolutely incredible. They don’t build them like they used to as they say,” Canfield architect Annissa Neider said.

Neider walked around downtown Youngstown’s Mahoning National Bank Building, the oldest section of which was built in 1910.  Neider is working with a New York City-based development company to turn the 13-story building into 71 residential units, with commercial development on the first four floors.

“I mean it’s an architect’s dream, right,” Neider said. “We love working on these buildings.”

Neider showed what was the lobby of the bank — with its wood walls, antique chandeliers, and hand-painted signs leading people to the Safe Deposit Vault.  Earlier this week, the project received a $2 million historic tax credit from the State of Ohio to help with the $12.9 million cost of renovation.

“So the historic lobbies on almost all the floors are lined with marble and marble flooring and beautiful woodwork, so maintaining all of that is part of the requirements from the state,” Neider said.

The Mahoning Bank Building is located directly across from the Realty Tower, which was also renovated into housing units before the explosion that heavily damaged it. At 71 units, the Mahoning Bank Building will have three times the units of the Realty Tower. Neider hopes to have the first tenants in a year.

“We have everything from studio to two-bedroom units, like a higher-end unit, sort of your young professionals probably living here, kind of living that urban lifestyle, empty nesters, sort of everyone in between,” Neider said.

Huntington Bank is in the process of renovating part of the ground floor for its downtown offices.  As far as the building’s owners and developers, Neider is confident they have the best of intentions.

“They love Youngstown. They enjoy being here, enjoy buying property here,” Neider said. “They’re committed to the downtown area and just making it a better place.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.