YOUNGSTOWN – The city’s design review committee approved a request from the Mahoning Valley Historical Society to make exterior improvements to the former IBM Building downtown.

The committee approved the proposal Tuesday to replace windows and steel lintels and restore masonry at the building at 250 E. Federal St. The work is to begin in July and finish in November.

The historical society purchased the building Nov. 20, 2023, for $1.9 million from the Mills Community Urban Development Corp. The society also received more than $1.3 million from the state last year for upgrades and improvements to the building.

The society is using the 44-year-old building to store artifacts. It eventually plans to also use it to display items from the former Idora Park.

The committee Tuesday approved a redevelopment project for Spring Commons Park, 534 Mahoning Ave.

Hired by the city, MS Consultants Inc., a Youngstown company, plans a project that includes a kayak launch, a prefabricated restroom, a wooden pergola, new pavements and sidewalks, the redevelopment of the parking lots, retaining walls and improved lighting.

The committee on Tuesday approved a $20,000 facade grant to Ryan’s Chair Barber and Beauty Salon, 2925 Glenwood Ave.

The business is planning a $40,279 project to renovate the building. That includes new signs and windows and resurfacing the front and side parking lots.

City council in December 2022 approved setting aside $1 million of Youngstown’s $82.7 million in American Rescue Plan funds for the business facade program. It allows eligible companies to receive up to $20,000 each to help pay for the cost of exterior improvements.

In order to get the grants, companies have to obtain permission from the design review committee. Companies must show they are paying at least half of the cost of the work being done.

The facade grants are forgivable loans with a five-year term. Every year a business remains open at its location in the city, 20% of the loan is forgiven until it reaches 100% in five years.

With this project, the committee has authorized 55 businesses to receive grants from the program.