YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown CityScape plans to upgrade the former Briel’s Flowers & Greenhouse and use it for several purposes.

The downtown beautification organization purchased the closed West Side flower shop and greenhouse at 23-26 S. Belle Vista Ave. on July 27 for $145,000.

“CityScape’s acquisition of Youngstown’s last urban greenhouse is the next logical step for the organization following a 24-year commitment to beautifying the city,” Sharon Letson, CityScape’s executive director, said. “We have project plans and partners ready to move forward at the site.”

The organization’s next step, she said, is “to give the building TLC (tender love and care), undertake renovations and upgrade critical systems.”

CityScape plans to return the building to being a greenhouse as well as to sell flowers and seasonal items, have a retail area, and offer workshops, events and educations programs focused on horticulture, flowers and gardening, Letson said.

Briel’s closed Dec. 31, 2019, after being in business for 96 years.

“We are excited to continue the legacy of the Briel family operating as a greenhouse and florist resource for the community,” Letson said.

CityScape will discuss its plans further at a news conference next Tuesday.

CityScape is a nonprofit community development organization dedicated to the revitalization of the greater downtown area as well as its corridors.

It runs the annual Streetscape program that cleans up and beautifies downtown, surrounding areas and stretches into the city’s neighborhoods.