YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Electrical work by MG Electric is underway as part of the renovations at the Youngstown Business Incubator, with upgrades focused on modernizing lighting and improving functionality throughout the space.
The majority of the work is being done on the first floor, where MG Electric is installing new lighting circuits, outlets, and smart control components to accommodate the updated office layout.
“We’ve been down here for a few weeks now,” said Rob Mistovich, foreman at MG Electric. “It’s been a steady job, which has led to other little projects on-site.”
The lighting upgrades include the addition of can lights, decorative fixtures, and a touchpad system that allows for control by zone.
“There’s a lot of changes happening. We’re adding can lights and some decorative lighting, and everything is being set up on a touchpad system with different zones,” Mistovich said.
The smart lighting system will give YBI staff the ability to manage preferences room-by-room.
“It’s going to be nice because they’ll be able to set each zone, or even program certain lights to come on or turn off at certain times,” he said.
Renovations also include updates to the lounge area, which now features accent lighting and an open layout. Some original elements, such as pendant fixtures, will remain in place but have been upgraded with LED bulbs.
Electricians have had to work around some structural challenges due to the age of the building. Adjustments included rerouting circuits and making changes in the basement and upper floors.
“There was some demo that needed to happen. We had to reroute some circuits and refeed what was already there because a wall was taken down,” Mistovich said. “The basement was a little tricky, so there was some extra time spent there.”
MG Electric has also completed smaller tasks throughout the building, such as adding outlets and modifying existing wiring. While a firm completion date has not been set, Mistovich said the project is nearing its end.
“We’re just waiting on fixtures and other items to come in. Once those are here and installed, we’ll be close to being done,” he said.
In addition to work at YBI, MG Electric also handled the electrical upgrades at the TBB5 building around the corner, formerly home to The Vindicator. That project involved lighting and power installations to support tech-focused tenants.
“That work took almost a year. There was a large freight elevator installed, but we had to tear the old one out first. It caused some delays because we had to redo everything,” Mistovich said.
Mistovich said working on both buildings has helped the company expand its presence downtown and build relationships with local organizations.
“It’s been great because we’ve picked up a lot of work just by being here,” he said.
MG Electric is a member contractor of NECA-IBEW Electricians, an association that includes IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown, IBEW Local 573 in Warren, and signatory contractors across the Mahoning Valley.
Pictured at top: A new line runs to the main electrical panel for the upgrades made at the YBI offices.