A vacant, dangerous building in Warren that began construction 87 years ago is officially expected to be torn down next year. 

The Old Saint Joe's hospital building is a major eyesore you can't miss on the Northwest Side of Warren. It's been vacant since 1995 and construction originally started in the 1930s. 

"We've tried to board it up and seal the entry probably 20 times over the last 15 years," Warren Mayor Doug Franklin said.

Not only has it caused property values to decrease, but there have been fire hazards, homeless sheltering, and drug activity, among other unsafe burdens.

"There's been a lot of vandalism, some small fires set in the building, we have rescued dogs out of elevator shafts in that building," Fire Chief Ken Nussle said, "It's extremely dangerous. You have open elevator shafts, standing water, multiple hazards, the size, especially at night. We don't want to send anybody into that building."

However, now, the city turns the page. Mayor Doug Franklin and city council members signed legislation to request a state grant for asbestos abatement to prep the 270,000 square-foot structure to be demolished.

"It's a big day for us," Franklin said, "To remove this...It's going to help stabilize the neighborhood..."

The city is requesting $2.5-million for the asbestos abatement and around $5-million for the actual demolition.

Franklin said he's confident they'll receive the funds needed through the Ohio Development Services Agency and said they do not plan on using COVID funds for the project. They hope to turn the 15 acres into green space or potential housing.

The city said the asbestos abatement will start this fall and the actual demolition is set to happen next year.