You can't think of downtown Youngstown's heyday without thinking of the chocolate malts, a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, and a different way of life.

"All the memories of Santa, going to see Santa Claus or going to the Strouss' Mall remnant room with grandma," says urban planning consultant Hunter Morrison. "This building has a deep sentimental history in Youngstown and people want to see it come back."

And the time for that may be now.
The Youngstown Design Review Committee wants to redevelop 20 West Federal Street so that a new generation can make memories of its own there.

"We saw a promising future and that's what was presented today, how we might present this building to the market," said Morrison.

Plans laid out in a presentation Tuesday by consultants from Steadfast in Saint Louis include restaurants, office spaces, and apartments.
A new food court and outdoor dining area are also on the table.
In the basement - where you could once buy one of those famous malts - could soon be bowling lanes and retail space.
A visitors center would serve as a focal point for showing off all that Youngstown has to offer.

"I think it has a lot of potential as the presentation showed today, and I think that potential is unlimited and I view it as being successful in the future," says Youngstown deputy director of public works Chuck Shasho.

The Steadfast group will soon begin seeking investors for the project and hopes to start work this fall.