The future of the long-vacant building at 231-237 Pennsylvania Avenue West will once again take center stage when the Warren Redevelopment Authority meets Wednesday, July 22, at 1 p.m.

The property is listed under old business on the authority’s agenda, with Warren Heritage Community Alliance representative Ron Peterson scheduled to address the board as discussions continue over whether the historic structure should be redeveloped or demolished.

The meeting follows the authority’s decision at its previous special meeting to decline awarding a demolition contract, effectively delaying plans to destroy the building and reopen negotiations with the local nonprofit organization seeking to preserve and redevelop the property.

The issue has drawn significant public interest. At the last meeting, attendance was large enough that proceedings were moved to the second-floor Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.

The authority had been prepared to award a $130,350 demolition contract to Fox and Sons Excavating after City Engineer Chad Yurisic recommended accepting the company’s bid. However, after nearly two hours of public comment from residents, business owners and preservation advocates, board members reconsidered the motion. The demolition proposal ultimately failed, with all three members present deciding they were not prepared to move forward.

Instead, the board agreed to continue discussions with the Warren Heritage Community Alliance, a nonprofit coalition that hopes to transform the building into a community-focused facility.

At the previous meeting, the authority offered to transfer the property to the organization under two conditions: that the redevelopment project be fully operational within three years and that the group obtain a $200,000 developer’s bond to cover demolition costs if the project failed or the organization dissolved.

Alliance representatives argued the requirements were too restrictive, particularly the bond requirement, which they said would hinder fundraising and grant opportunities. The group requested additional time and proposed establishing project benchmarks instead of requiring full completion within three years.

The building has remained the focus of redevelopment discussions since October 2024, when the authority regained control of the site following the collapse of the Eagles Crest development project. City officials later sought redevelopment proposals but ultimately shifted toward demolition after receiving no formal responses and citing concerns about the building’s deteriorating condition.

Opinions remain divided. Preservation advocates have argued the building is an important part of Warren’s historic downtown and deserves another opportunity for rehabilitation, while neighboring property owners have expressed concern that continued deterioration is affecting surrounding buildings.

Wednesday’s agenda also includes updates on properties at 1311 1/2 Sill Street and 219 Liberty Street and consideration of appointing a new solicitor.