Federal Street has long been at the heart of downtown living in Youngstown.
But over the years and through periods of financial hardships, many of the businesses that once brought life to the area have sat vacant.

The same was the fate of the Silver's building, with its storied history since 1929. Following its 2021 acquisition by Brick Print, LLC, the building will soon see a new life as a business, corporate, and residential space.

A team of local experts are leading the charge in partnership with the property owners. They plan to transform the ground floor into a retail space focused on lifestyle, and the second floor into a six-unit apartment complex. The lower level will serve as headquarters for QuickMed, offering urgent care services, corporate offices, and shared conference rooms.

"It's been hard to upkeep these structures in downtown. So I think now that we have the opportunity to reinvest back into our downtown infrastructure, the time is now to do so," project manager Amber Bodrick tells 21News.

The project is a major undertaking, with infrastructure, asbestos and lead paint among concerns for the building in its current state. The team is in the process of securing multiple grants to supplement their renovation efforts, while preserving some of its historical features. 

Tipping Point President Jim Ambrose adds, "It's important that we take a redevelopment strategy through preservation because it will help future generations appreciate what Youngstown was like whenever it was first becoming a major city, at the height of industry."

The redevelopment project is estimated to cost $10 million. Pending grant approval, the team estimates the building's completion in 2025.