YOUNGSTOWN — Work is ongoing at a long-vacant building near the Youngstown State University campus to open under the Pogo’s Pub name, which was used several years ago.

The city’s design review committee on Tuesday approved requested exterior improvements to 214 W. Rayen Ave., where the bar is planning to open.

The work includes replacing three windows, painting, an exterior sign, lighting, an enclosed patio and fencing improvements.

Beth Baker, speaking for Pogo’s Pub, said: “This business has been closed for a very long time. A lot of improvements are needed.”

Hadi A. Hadi, who is opening Pogo’s Pub, also owns the Bull & Bear Neighborhood Grille and Tavern, which opened in August 2024 on Elm Street, near YSU.

Baker said Hadi also leased 218 W. Rayen St., next door to where Pogo’s Pub would be located. A project will be proposed at next month’s design review committee meeting, she said.

“He just really wants to utilize the spaces that are kind of sitting there and get everything cleaned up and updated,” Baker said. “He’s such a supporter of YSU and he thinks that it’s so important to get those businesses in there for everybody.”

Charles Shasho, the city’s deputy director of public works and a design review committee member, asks, with a laugh, if the bar will still offer penny draft beers, which it was known for at its previous location, also at 214 W. Rayen Ave.

Also Tuesday, the committee approved a mural for the exposed side of the Purple Cat Disco Garden, 107 W. Federal St.

The mural will say, “Greetings from Youngstown, Ohio,” with various images of the city in the Youngstown block letters, said Pat McGlone, who has painted several other murals in the city.

McGlone said he is collaborating with three other artists on this mural, which will be part of the America250 celebration.

The committee also voted to permit the Western Reserve Port Authority to update the landscaping for the parking lot of the City Centre One building, 100 E. Federal St.

Large, overgrown spruce trees will be replaced by beds of hostas with future landscaping planned for the proposed Mahoning County government center building that is to be located nearby at the former Eastern Gateway Community College location.