EAST LIVERPOOL - Some changes for downtown East Liverpool are one step closer to reality, and city officials say the change is welcome.
The East Liverpool Design Review Board gave its blessing Thursday night for the demolition of one building and start to what could be a new downtown landmark.
American Spirit Initiative-Soaring Eagle - led by Craig Newbold - now has the ability to tear down a building at 111 West Fifth St. It's just the first step in a lengthy process, Newbold acknowledged.
After the building is gone, the focus will be on restoring the facade to the building at 115 West Fifth St., also owned by Newbold.
After that, the most ambitious part of the plan will take place. A crossover bridge extending from the 114 West Fifth St. building to a new stair and elevator tower at 115 West Fifth St. will be constructed.
The crosswalk will be made from a pre-engineered steel frame and will span approximately 15 feet above West Fifth Street, connecting the two buildings.
Architect Douglas D. Sipp said the plan will tie the two buildings across the street together seamlessly.
"By enlivening the facade of the buildings, it will help identify the buildings through the use of unique colors of glass," Sipp said.
The hope is to eventually use the buildings for the approximately 165 East Liverpool Christian School students. That school is now known as American Spirit Academy.
Along with the elevator tower, a couple of courtyards are included in the plans. One courtyard area turns into a spot where parents can pick up children at the end of the school day.
Right now, the Christian school's high school children attend classes in one of the downtown buildings. The American Spirit Initiative-Soaring Eagle and New Life Academy offices are also located on the upper floors.
"We're excited and pleased to have the support of the city," Newbold said after board approval. "What we want to help do is help revitalize downtown and bring jobs back to the city."
Eventually, Newbold said he may move the American Spirit Initiative-Soaring Eagle offices to another downtown building under his ownership like the former YMCA along East Fourth Street or the former Crooks building.
"The project we're going to be a part of will be world class," Tim Ginter, a member of the American Spirit Academy Board of Directors, predicted. After the downtown expansion, the private school could have a potential enrollment of 216.
Members of the East Liverpool Design Review Board threw their strong support behind the initiative.
"I think something like this downtown will be a welcome addition, I really do," East Liverpool City Planner William Cowan said. "Anytime you have an organization looking to fix up some of these buildings downtown and make a new use for them, it's worthwhile."
Mayor Jim Swoger said he supports the notion of improving the downtown district and said he likes the idea of East Liverpool becoming an educational hub.
With the local Kent State campus expanding and making improvements and with the presence of the Buckeye Online School for Success, downtown East Liverpool is ready for a transformation, according to Swoger.
"I think this type of thing is exciting and things are getting done," Swoger said.
The demolition of the building at 111 West Fifth Street can begin as soon as all the safety permits are in place. The American Spirit Initiative-Soaring Eagle group will have to cross a few more hurdles for the glass-covered crossover bridge. The East Liverpool City Council must vote on a variance.
