YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Loop Youngstown, an organization of regional artists, has found a home.

The group has purchased a building at 805 Mahoning Ave. that it will use for artists’ studios, classrooms and performance space. The deal closed Monday, according to Shea MacMillan of Platz Realty, agent for the seller. The sales price was $325,000.

The building formerly housed Comfort Keepers, an in-home service provider for the elderly that moved out late last year. It had been owned by the Mirkin family, which built it in 1946 to house the Mirkin Motor Car Co.

Located in the Mahoning Commons neighborhood near downtown, the structure is just two blocks away from the Ward Bakery Building, which formerly housed studios for many artists. The Ward Building was sold in 2024 and the new owner, U-Haul, evicted all tenants in preparation for its new usage goals. Some of those artists will rent space in the new building.

Karen Schubert, chairwoman of Loop Youngstown, said renovation work will begin soon. Once a few of the artists are in their new studios, Loop will have an open house, she said.

The building will serve mainly as a space for working artists and will be open to the public only for sales, open houses, presentations and other events, according to Schubert.

A mural designed by regional artist Mike Egan will be painted across the building’s front wall to make it more visible to passersby.

Artists who want to inquire about renting studio space in the building can learn more by filling out the survey at LoopYoungstown.org.

Those interested in donating to Loop for the project can email admin@loopyoungstown.org.

The total cost of the project, including the sale price, closing costs, renovations, insurance and operational costs, is $644,000, according to a prospectus issued by the organization.

The organization had been looking for a building since the Ward Bakery Building evicted its tenants, according to Schubert. The Comfort Keepers building is exactly what it was looking for, she said, noting that it is in very good condition.

“We had been looking at buildings and [were] smitten with schools, churches and industrial buildings in charming neighborhoods and revitalizing corridors,” she said. “This feels like an excellent fit with its proximity to downtown, theaters, the B&O [Station], the Calvin Center, Fellows Riverside Gardens and other gems of our community.” 

The 11,400-square-foot building is a warehouse-like structure. Its interior has been modernized and divided into 36 smaller rooms that can be turned into studios and offices. A large garage will be transformed into spaces for ceramicists, a blacksmith and artists who need space with a tall ceiling.

“The beating heart of our project is artist studios, and beyond that, we have several ideas to try,” Schubert said. “We are pleased with the layout for 30 or so interior artist studios and the raw garage space.”

The purchase will fulfill Loop’s goal of owning and maintaining an arts and culture center that can be used for studios, classes, rehearsals, performances, galleries, mentoring and residencies, according to the prospectus.

It will also add life to the artsy Mahoning Commons neighborhood, which is already the home of the Hopewell Theatre; Calvin Center, which has multiple short-term apartments for rent; Nexxus Sound Studio, a recording facility; the Maennerchor club; and B&O Station and the adjacent riverfront park, which is currently being renovated.

Here is a closer look at the cost of the purchase and Loop Youngstown’s operational expenses for the first year: 

  • Purchase price of property: $325,000.
  • Other sales costs: $49,000. This includes closing costs, inspection, architectural services, asbestos survey, site engineering, lender fees and legal fees.
  • Renovation: $150,000, to add 220-volt lines in the garage, LED lighting, indoor locks, ventilation system upgrades, repair of lintels, door, tuckpointing and constructing interior walls.
  • Administrator: $60,000 for hiring of Carrie Leonard, of the Loop capital team, as director of operations and communications.
  • Operating costs: $42,000 for utilities, insurance and maintenance.
  • Contracting: $18,000 for hiring of a consulting firm to develop and submit capital grants.

Pictured at top: Loop Youngstown has purchased this building on Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown and will transform it into an arts and culture center, with multiple artists’ studios.