×

Downtown is the place to be

Redevelopment has city tapping into its potential

Tribune Chronicle / R. Michael Semple Adam Keck, owner of Modern Method Brewing Company, talks about his new downtown Warren brewery located off David Grohl Alley. Keck said the brewery’s name comes from a 1909 sign that called Warren “the city of modern methods.”

WARREN — After returning to the area from Bowling Green State University nearly 20 years ago, Jim Fogarty, owner of 2 Ticks and the Dog Productions, saw untapped potential in downtown Warren.

“I remember thinking, ‘This place could be so cool if people would reinvest and start some stuff,'” Fogarty said.

After decades of hard times and dwindling foot traffic, downtown Warren has become a hot spot for millennials and young entrepreneurs. Bars, restaurants and art galleries now abound on Courthouse Square.

Adam Keck, owner of Modern Methods brewery located in Dave Grohl Alley, also saw the possibility for a transformation and had no doubt where he wanted to place his brewery.

“When I drew up the business plan, I specifically wanted to be a five-minute walk from the Courthouse,” said Keck.

Keck says the brewery’s name comes from a 1909 sign that called Warren “the city of modern methods.”

Warren native Mark Marvin, president and owner of the Downtown Development Group, left the area but returned nearly a decade ago and knew what Warren had to offer.

“I knew we had a good base here from the auto industry and steel,” he said. “I wanted to come back to be part of Warren’s revitalization.”

Marvin returned to the area eight years ago to build a factory on the city’s west side along West Market Street across from the old Austin Village Plaza. That factory, Reinforcement Systems, was later bought out by Dutch interests and was resold to Engineered Wire Products of Upper Sandusky.

Marvin said business owners have tried to make the downtown area more attractive to young people.

“Millennials don’t want to live in the suburbs anymore,” Marvin said. “They want to walk out of their apartment and go to a brewery or restaurant. We are trying to gear toward them.”

Marvin has invested in several projects in the area, including the renovation of the Robins Theater and several condos.

Keck said there is a certain camaraderie among new businesses downtown. He regularly talks to colleagues at Nova Coffee, the Lime Tree Sandwich Gallery, Speakeasy and Beautiful Whirl’d.

Fogarty agrees.

“Everybody downtown knows each other and tries to support each other,” he said.

While some are bringing new businesses to the area, others like Greg Bartholomew have weathered the area’s ups and downs for decades. Bartholomew, who owns All American Cards and Comics, has maintained his business on West Market Street in Courthouse Square for 25 years. When he first opened his shop, things downtown were very different.

“Some places would open on North Park Avenue and they would be gone within six months,” Bartholomew said. “Now, it’s nice to have neighbors on both sides with some long-term skills to stay.”

In his vision for the future, Bartholomew sees Warren as a destination similar to the Short North in Columbus and East Fourth Street in Cleveland.

“I’m very optimistic. We’ve taken some nice steps in the last three to five years,” Bartholomew said.

Keck encourages others who have been away from the area for a while to experience the new vibe. “Come downtown and enjoy.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
     

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.85/week.

Subscribe Today