Doctor plans business suites, apartments in former Silver's store
A woman whose business is helping the Valley navigate through the pandemic plans to bring affordable living space and new businesses to an iconic corner of Downtown Youngstown.
Dr. Lena Esmail, whose Quickmed clinics offer COVID testing and other medical services, has purchased the building that once housed Silver’s Vogue Shop clothing store at the corner of Phelps and West Federal Streets.
Barry Silver closed the store in 2019 after 49 years in business, leaving a vacuum in an important part of the city’s business district.
Dr. Esmail says she plans to invest at least $1.5 million in renovating the two floors.
In the next six to eight months, Dr. Esmail wants to convert the first floor into commercial suites. She is working with the mayor’s office to find tenants, suggesting that some businesses may be looking for brick and mortar facilities.
In eight to twelve months, Esmail plans to renovate the second floor to create loft apartments that will have affordable rent to attract people to live downtown.
