YOUNGSTOWN - A long-planned vision to transform the historic grounds of the former South High School fieldhouse into a multi-million-dollar athletic complex is poised to take a significant step forward next week.

City Council will vote Wednesday on legislation authorizing the sale of 5.6 acres at 1840 Erie Street to Valley Legends Sports Complex, Inc. for $64,460.00. The purchase agreement lists Michael Pecchia as the contact for the buying entity.

Pecchia, the president of Valley Christian Schools, first unveiled plans for the site in September 2023. At the time, the school proposed a $10 million investment to construct "Valley Legends Stadium," a state-of-the-art facility designed to serve Valley Christian Schools and the broader community.

While original projections from 2023 estimated the first phase could be completed by August 2025, the project timeline has shifted. The legislation pending before Council notes that the city demolished the field house building and football bleachers on the site earlier in 2025, leaving the property as vacant land.

The proposed development agreement requires Valley Legends to construct a project consisting of three specific components: football field and running track improvements, bleachers on one side of the field, and a new entranceway at Erie Street.

The 2023 proposal outlined a two-phase approach. Phase one included the field, an eight-lane track, and 3,000 stadium bleachers. Phase two called for the construction of "Legends Gateway," a two-story concession facility honoring eight of Youngstown's past and present high schools: Ursuline, South, East, Chaney, Wilson, North, Rayen, and Mooney.

Under the new purchase agreement, the developer must break ground on at least one component within 24 months of acquiring the title. The project must reach "substantial completion"—defined as being ready for its intended use—within five years.

The city has structured the deal to ensure the property is developed as promised. If the developer fails to meet the construction milestones, the city retains an exclusive option to repurchase for the greater of two amounts… either a market value appraisal, or he purchase price plus the cost of improvements.

Additionally, the entire transaction hinges on parking. The deal is contingent upon Valley Legends securing an option to acquire an adjacent 8.4-acre vacant parcel across Erie Street from the Mahoning County Land Bank to serve as a parking lot. If the developer cannot secure the rights to the parking land before closing on the city property, the agreement will automatically terminate.

The legislation notes that the sale price represents the appraised value of the property.