By MARK C. PEYKO | Metro Monthly Editor
After decades of decline, an historic neighborhood surrounding Wick Park is beginning to show signs of revival. Recently new homeowners and small-property investors began restoring and rehabilitating houses in a neighborhood more commonly characterized by outmigration and near abandonment.
These new homeowners join neighborhood pioneers who began renovating houses in the early to mid-1980s – well before the creation of a formal historic district.
Once home to Youngstown’s wealthiest and most-influential citizens, the Wick Park Historic District is located directly north of Youngstown State University.
The historic district, which includes institutional buildings and a number of large, early 20th century homes, was created in 1990. A 2001 expansion roughly increased the district’s original boundaries to Broadway Avenue, Wick Avenue, Madison Avenue and Elm Street. Both are included in the National Register of Historic Places.
Recent developments, including a property-divestment initiative by the Northside Citizens’ Coalition, have brought new homeowners into the historic district. The non-profit organization also sold some of its property on Elm Street (south of Wick Park) to the NYO Property Group to facilitate commercial development. The divestment was funded through a grant from the Wean Foundation and led by the NSCC board. Richfield-based consultant Meg Slifcak and Youngstown Realtor Linda Blough assisted in the seven-year project.
Common Wealth, a local non-profit and founder of a weekly neighborhood farmers’ market, recently created “Resettle Youngstown” to promote home ownership in the district. The non-profit also redeveloped the Stuart Building on Elm Street for housing, a kitchen incubator and a potential cafe.
In addition, construction by NYO Property Group is currently transforming a section of Madison Avenue (east of Elm) into a new housing district for students attending Youngstown State University.
The Wick Park Neighborhood Association, a grassroots community organization, meets monthly to discuss progress, plan strategy and trouble-shoot. In recent years, the organization has monitored crime, organized neighborhood cleanups and planted flowers in Wick Park. The association’s service area is roughly bounded by the Madison Avenue Expressway to the south, Logan Avenue to the east, Lora Avenue to the north and Fifth Avenue. Meetings are open to the public.
The following slide show and photo album illustrate changes in the neighborhood. Electronic images are by Mark C.Peyko, Ron Flaviano, John J.R. Cumpston, Rob Pilolli, and Joe and Rachel Parent.
Disclosure: Metro Monthly Editor and Publisher Mark C. Peyko is president of the Northside Citizens’ Coalition and directed the property-divestment effort with the NSCC board.
© 2014 Metro Monthly. All rights reserved.
Wick Park Historic District Slide Show
Wick Park Historic District Photo Album
Metro Monthly 
Absolutely amazing..nearby park, YSU, Ursuline, hosp., Kravitz’s, downtown, museums, library, North Side Farmer’s Market, & neighbors who are like-minded..real treasures
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Very nice article. Grow Youngstown !!!
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LOOKS GOOD
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Heartening!
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Yes, it is!
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