New tech center opens downtown

bit by bit, a growing tech cluster is emering dowtown.

More on the grand opening here.

"Since 2000, said Garry Mrozek, chairman of the incubator board and area president of National City Bank, the incubator has contributed to the creation of 250 jobs and 17 patents. The success of incubator, he noted, has forced the organization to revisit its plans for growth. “We’re more of an accelerator rather than an incubator,” he stated.

Future endeavors call for working with the CIC to transform the Semple Building into new offices for technology-based companies.

Much of this growth has been fueled by Turning Technologies, which officially moved into the Taft Center two weeks ago.

Turning Chief Executive Officer Michael Broderick said the building is critical to the continued growth of his company. Five years ago, Turning consisted of a handful of employees. Today, it employs more than 135 -- 120 of whom work from the corporate headquarters downtown.

Broderick reported the company topped $28 million in sales least year and expects to increase revenues by 50%, or $14 million. The company occupies portions of all three floors of the new building."

2nd YBI building open for business

Turning Technologies heads to its new home
from the Youngstown Vindicator

"The company’s local staff has grown from 50 to 125 in the past two years as schools, universities and corporate trainers have rushed to adopt its audience response system. It allows presenters to receive real-time feedback from audience members using small response cards.

All of the new workers have been shoehorned into small offices on four separate floors of the Youngstown Business Incubator on Federal Plaza West.

The adjacent Technology Center offers a much different environment. The front and back walls are made mostly of glass, allowing plenty of natural light to spill into the offices. A glass-enclosed shaft has been built through the third floor to allow sunlight to reach into the middle of the second floor.

For Broderick, the best feature is the open-floor environment. Most of each floor is without interior walls, and the work stations have movable petitions so that workers can easily gather in teams.

“There aren’t any private offices in the building, not even for me,” Broderick said.

The design is meant to help people in the same department share ideas and work together."

Last month, the Shout Youngstown blog reviewd the design of the new building. Check out the photos here

jaci's review of the stage

Some incredible photos were just posted from the latest Stage. See one woman's many steps to becoming a drag queen.

"I had a great night! BTW...the next Stage will be May 22nd at 8:00pm so if you're local, get your bootie down to the Oakland!"

More here.

follow the comments on federal street

The Reason blog considers if moving forward on the West Federal Street plans are the best move for the city at the present moment.

Looking at some of the comments . . .

"Substandard ideas breeds substandard cities. We can be small, but something completely different from other cities if we have planners who are bound to banality."

Read more here.

OMG, it's the RJW.

The Raymond John Wean Foundation is stepping up big-time to the plate to assist the urban communities in the Mahoning Valley. You can go to their website for more information about this great organization and the grant programs they offer, especially for neighborhood development.

Here are some highlights of their recent March 2008 awards:

"A group that has created a national model fighting foreclosures will receive $50,000. The group, based in Cleveland and known as the East Side Organizing Project, brings subprime lenders to the table through organizing. Homeowners who have mortgages with ballooning payments are then offered an opportunity to renegotiate their loan. The money will be used to hire an organizer for the Mahoning Valley.

Lien Forward is Mahoning County's effort to return vacant lots to usage. After the properties become abandoned, the County Treasurer is able to pass the lots on to local residents who own adjacent property and are seeking to use the lots. A grant of $50,000 will allow Lien Forward to expand its outreach capability.

Three groups in Youngstown will receive funding to hire community organizers. These grants are part of a neighborhood organizing initiative that the Foundation is supporting. The Northeast Homeowners and Concerned Citizens Assn. will receive $65,000, and on the North side a group of stakeholders will oversee an organizer ($60,000), as well as the 7th Ward Citizens Coalition ($60,000) on the City's Southeast side.

The Youngstown-Downtown Revitalization Committee is a project to bring residents and stakeholders together to discuss improving Wick Park. A grant was made to support Youngstown Cityscape's involvement in the process. The Kent State Urban Design Coalition will also be a resource to the group in its efforts ($70,000)."

more here.

tonight's event is free, no euros needed

First off, Art Youngstown is having a community-wide gallery showing tonight, March 14th from 7pm to 10:30pm in the Ohio One Building downtown.

This event is free and open to the public.

If it's similar to the last gallery event on Federal Street, there will be plenty of people, art covering every corner of the space, food, drink, and excitement.

Everyone in Ohio and Pennsylvania is welcome to attend.

The Youngstown Artblog has been really cranking out posts recently. First, here is a post about the space for the reception this evening:

"Art Youngstown is having what promises to be a great show. How could it be otherwise in a venue known as The Great Room?

This fantastic space is five thousand square feet , has 25 foot high ceilings and is completely decorated in heavy wood work to nearly the ceiling. There are even hand carved wood griffins above the entry. The lighting is seductive and warm and the space is an incredible place to display original art. If you have never seen the Great Room in the Ohio One building this is your chance to enjoy the splendor and grandeur of Old Youngstown."

more on the space here.

Next, he shows his love for the interesting lady known only as Rita.

"I receive so many benefits from the city that at times I am actually glad to pay. These days so many organizations get a chunk of my money, including the Church and various art and cultural organizations, that I figure I am paying my dues to be a part of a club of 85,000 members.

Consider what you are getting for your money: great location in the state, great inner city parks, a convocation center, impressive downtown events to name just a few. So take my advice: pay it, shut up and enjoy the city."

This post made me chuckle. Read more here.

And next, a very interesting post on the devaluation of the dollar, the rise of the euro, and how Youngstown artists can take advantage of this:

"The American Dollar continues to fall like so many dead leaves from Autumn trees and a cold winter wind is blowing. The Euro however is rocketing into prominence like a 4th of July firework. Many reports are coming out of Manhattan stating that Europeans are spending Euros like mad on American Art and Antiques, because of their currency's strength against the feeble Dollar. In fact signs saying "Euros Only" are appearing in gallery windows."

"To reiterate what I have been saying in this blog, we have a tremendous resource in the artists of our Valley. Many of us have been selling our work to those very collectors for years now. We can easily tap into the National and International Art Markets in a much more profound way if we can work together and get REAL support from the powers within our community.

Here is a list of things I would like to accomplish in the next 6 months: Create a stronger unity amongst Valley artists, Use this unity to promote Valley art nationally and internationally, establish strong contacts with European collectors, and establish Youngstown in the Manhattan and European mindset as a Cultural Mecca. To help assist in accomplishing these goals I would be happy to hold meetings to discuss and formulate plans.

Email me: Artbake777(at)aol.com."

more on this topic can be found here.

If you are surfing the internet instead of being downtown tonight, well, then you need to get out more. (if you are physically capable)

Yes, that means you Aunt Betty.

If I can do it, you can do it.

support the arts in downtown youngstown

what to do on friday

The Youngstown Moxie blog writes:

"I have sometimes heard people in the Youngstown area complain about the lack of things to do. I've even heard people say they are bored. Well, as Dorothy Parker said, "The cure for boredom is curiosity..." Obviously, the bored folks around here merely need a good dose of it.

I then recommend they have an adventure. "But where?" you say?

Downtown Youngstown of course.

Let me offer a suggestion or two for an adventure in Youngstown next Friday night, March 14th.

read Moxie'sitenary here here.

Plus, a bonus post on artist and entertainers from youngstown was also posted. read this list here.

news: 28 Feb 2008

Youngstown approves contract to aid YSU project
in the Youngstown Vindicator

"The city’s board of control approved a $393,000 contract to have six structures demolished and asphalt removed from a parking lot.

The work is needed for a $30 million Youngstown State University building and a street extension project."

CIC Suspends Rules on How It Sells Properties
in the Business-Journal

"The board of the Youngstown Central Area Community Improvement Corp. placed its purchase program in abeyance Tuesday, that is, it suspended its procedures on the sale of the 12 remaining properties it could offer in the downtown.

Last week, the CIC’s counsel, Edwin Romero, advised the property committee that the commercial real estate in the downtown is rebounding, becoming a sellers’ market. The redevelopment agency, he said, should reconsider how it transfers ownership of the properties in the Masters block, the Kress Building and Two Guys Clothing Store."

Singer finds Self in Youngstown
in the Youngstown Vindicator

"Youngstown even inspired one song on the record. “‘Just Plain Whiskey’ was written while reflecting on that lost month in Youngstown,” said Palka. “You can almost hear the crackling ice drenched in whiskey on this jazzy midnight groove.”

Palka and The Caravan will give a preview of the new album, including “Just Plain Whiskey,” when the band performs at Cedars Lounge in Youngstown on Saturday."

The Youngstown Moxie blog reviews the Colored Museum:

"Let me say this, there is humor and satire and then there is "The Colored Museum". The satire in this play is brilliant! It will make you laugh, and then five minutes later have you crying because of sadness of it all. It is nothing short of an emotional roller coaster ride.

The author of this play is George C Wolfe. Mr. Wolfe is not a timid writer; he manages to convey the unthinkable with great wit and humor. The play was written in 1985 during the post-Vietnam War era. It is comprised of eleven vignettes which are actually a series of eleven live exhibits in the Colored Museum. The director of the play is Johnny Herbert. This is his directing debut at the Oakland. He has brought together an amazing cast and creates magic on the Oakland stage."

Moxie writes more about the actors, the art in the Oakland's Gallery, and her night out in downtown Youngstown.

see all of her thoughts here.

his night on the streets of the Yo

Matt Palka describes his recent return to Youngstown and the recording studio (and downtown establishments):

"I've been back in the studio in the YO (Youngstown, OH) adding brass, keys, harmonica and vocals. What was supposed to be one full day of recording turned into a week of adventures."

"Working with engineer Pete Drivere was a privilege. He gets the classic, timeless landscape that I inhabit and captured that in the recording. I even got Pete to lay down some guitar licks on a couple tracks, which really glued the whole composition together.

Local keys wizard Chris Leonardi worked his magic armed with a 1971 Hammond B3 w/ Leslie, Fender Rhodes, and piano to boot! The result being - half of the record sounds reminiscent of the late 60s and early 70s. Rounding out the caravan of musicians was Fredo on Saxophone from local jam band Jones 4 Revival. What a positive personality to add to the mix, not to mention soulful phrasings."

and then after some film editing . . .

"I was locked out of his apartment complex. By 3 AM I was wandering the Youngstown streets among snow flurries . . .

Then salvation came in a phone call. My heavy boot steps plodded over the snow dusted sidewalks. Minutes later my limp body fell into the couch and I was out. I think I've earned my Youngstown stripes."

read more on Matt's adventures here.

her new resolution

Mahoning Valley View writes:

"A snowy trek back up Wick to my office is always made better by a steaming cup of java, one of my two favorite beverages. Kudos to Greg and George -and pastry chef beyond compare Barry, though I gave up sweets for Lent. Thanks for taking a chance on Downtown Youngstown and providing the atmosphere about which I've been reminiscing since I moved back to Ohio."

read more here.

inside a downtown artist's studio

Shout Youngstown takes a look at a you tube video posted from a downtown artist's studio:

"Located at the intersection of Federal Street and Phelps, the space works great for this Youngstown artist's larger pieces. Jim has moved back to Youngstown after spending a large part of his career in NYC."

accent media reviews the new restaurant

Here is the first review I've seen online for the Rosetta Stone Cafe by Accent Media Matters:

"I hope readers know that Accent Media and especially myself, are very Pro-Youngstown, and most definitely pro Downtown Youngstown. That being said, I have promised a review of the new Rosetta Stone Cafe that opened just half a block from our wonderful 20 Federal Plaza West building, and I have to say that is decidedly mixed."

you can read the culinary tour and assessment here.

will The Stage be at the Yo Club?

Will she, or won't she?

"In its exclusivity, the Yo Club becomes both desirable and intimidating. I want to go there, but I am terrified I won't fit in. I'll show up underdressed and over potty-mouthed, and the whole scene will end badly.

But, as an effort to dispel that myth, the Youngstown Club is planning a series of open-to-the-public-events to draw in new potential members or just people who are eager to taste the cuisine and soak up the environment.

This Friday, February 1, is one such opportunity to check out the space. Starting at 5 pm, the Club will host Bourbon Street Blues, a celebration of Creole. Free hors d'ourves, half price drinks, and a special menu ($18-$24) will be available, and mood music will be provided by blues artist Julius Veal."

read more on the subject here.

trying to get a Trader Joe's downtown

Youngstown Moxie describes the steps some are doing to get some two-buck-chuck for the emerging downtown neighborhood.

"There is a movement afoot to convince Trader Joe's that downtown Youngstown should be their next store site."

Follow the link here.

news: 25 jan 2008

New Research Center at YSU Opens
from the Youngstown Vindicator

"Youngstown State University’s Center for Transportation and Materials Engineering, funded through a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, is now open and ready for business."

"The YSU center’s theme is “Transportation: Mobility, Longevity and Sustainability.”

Research will focus on increasing the longevity of the nation’s transportation infrastructure, developing sustainable designs with minimal environmental and ecological impact and identifying new materials and new applications for materials and manufacturing processes for use in all modes of the transportation industry."

deadlines for the upcoming round of research proposals is February 11th.

you can read more here

Chevy Center Profits Up, 4Q Results Posted
from the Business-Journal

this thread within the sotry caught my eye:

"Council President Charles Sammarone inquired Thursday whether the parking lot on the arena grounds could be expanded so the city could collect more revenue.

“We think that the additional acreage at the site has a higher use,” Bozanich said. The land around the Chevy Centre that the city controls could be used for an outdoor amphitheater or hike-and-bike trail. “Our re-development plan also calls for more commercial development,” he stated.

Moreover, downtown businesses enjoy higher traffic because the USA lots are closer to restaurants and taverns. Creating a larger parking lot at the arena could hamper business for these establishments.

“I’ve talked to nearly every business downtown and they’ve told me business increases 25% to 40%” on event nights, he said."

Bike trail?

Let's do this!

three next steps from the first week

The city's new Director of Downtown Events and Special Projects outlines the first steps as begins his time in that position:

1. Build a team. To do this, I am . . .

2. Create an interactive website/blog with event calendar - Create email mailing list - Devise a format for a weekly “Downtown Schedule of Events” email listserv. These tools will . . .

3. Establish/reestablish a business and entertainment monthly meeting/forum. For the sake of preventing the reinvention of the wheel . . .

"So, in addition to continuing to learn all of the formal aspects of my job (i.e. permits, security, contracting, etc.), I'll be working on these initiatives as well. I hope to have at least a large portion of the work complete over the course of the next several weeks. It's a significant initial task, however, once accomplished, we will have successful model that we can operate from. This will make the work being done in my capacity (and others that follow) clearly definable, manageable, transparent and effective. That is something we can all be proud of. I thank you for your time and, as always, Defend Youngstown!"

read more here.

and the past weeks updates from Defend Youngstown can be read here, here, and finally here.

up to bat

The Youngstown Moxie blog reviews a recent city council appointment.

"This position requires great skill in organizing, knowledge of marketing and promotion, budgeting, and most importantly this job requires a skilled negotiator. I think it is important that council recognize the fact that it is through events and special projects that Youngstown can acquire a reputation for being a progressive city and attract the attention of those who have not in the past made Youngstown a destination for night life or culture."

Big Splash in the Mahoning River

The Youngstown Steel Heritage Preservation blog post a really cool video of the trusses of the Marshall Street bridge falling into the river during its demolition.

That was a very structurally distinct bridge. I wonder why the unique shape on a major road into downtown was not preserved like the Mahoning Avenue Bridge is currently experiencing.

Watch the video here.

news: 4 Jan 2008

20 Federal Place Will Be 85% Occupied, City Says
An architectural and engineering company and a call center is approved to move into what used to be the Strouss' Department Store.(from the Business Journal)

"A five-year lease for space begins at $2.25 per square foot the first year and rises incrementally each year to a maximum of $5 per square-foot. An additional $1.75 per square foot is assessed for common area maintenance.

The formula has worked, Woodberry stated. Since the city acquired the building three years ago -- then, mostly vacant -- 20 Federal Place has leased 85% of its space."