4 days ago
Demolition underway to make space for Warren's Peninsula Project
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) — A major transformation is underway downtown Warren as crews have begun clearing the way for one of the largest redevelopment projects the city has seen in decades.
You may have noticed the skyline changing as demolition crews tear into the bones of the old Reeves Building along Market Street. Vacant for years, the building has become a public safety concern.
With the building's demolition, crews are making room for the much-anticipated Peninsula Project — an ambitious plan to turn the stretch of Warren into a vibrant hub for commerce, shopping and entertainment. Plans include opening a new hotel, a food hall and four restaurants.
'I think it's the most exciting thing that has happened to Warren in 100 years,' said Greg Thumm, a local business owner.
Thumm is the third generation of the family-owned Thumm's Bike and Clock Shop. Shifting gears since 1909 to stay ahead of the curve, the shop has seen the area come full circle with the planned $160 million transformation of the corridor.
'There's some cool things happening in downtown Warren now. You've got [CharBaney's Wine on the River] next door here, Robins Theatre is a great attraction for out-of-town weekenders that are looking for fun stuff to do,' Thumm said.
But the Peninsula Project sticks out. When it's combined with industry, such as Kimberly Clark's plans for Trumbull County, it's got business owners excited about the future.
'They didn't come here for an experiment. They came here for very serious business,' Thumm said.
Demolition crews say the teardown of the Reeves Building should take between 30 and 45 days, using powerful equipment to take down the building safely and efficiently.
'You start from the top and work your way down floor by floor,' said Cosmo Iamurri with Proquality Demolition. 'You have more control of the building. You're hitting a lot harder. You're reaching up to the top. It's coming down a lot easier. When you have a wrecking ball, it's like going to a gun show with a baseball bat.'
City leaders say the project represents more than just tearing down what's old. It's about laying a foundation for what's to come.
'This is kind of a ghost town over here right now. We think that the Peninsula Project is going to be 180 degrees from what it is,' Thumm said.
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