Warren’s property footprint expands

WARREN — The Warren City Council recently approved a request from the Downtown Development Authority board to purchase two buildings in Warren.

A request to purchase the building located at 8777 Common Road for $1.4 million was approved. The council also approved a request to amend the DDA’s budget in the amount of $700,000 to facilitate the purchase of the Warren Racquet and Fitness Center at 29901 S. Civic Center Blvd.

The planned use for the Common Road Building is still very early in the planning stage, according to Warren Mayor Lori Stone.

“This property was identified as a key location in the Downtown Development area because of the proximity to city court, City Hall, and having this parcel is part of that development plan (and) is key to a comprehensive use of the area,” Stone said. “There have been several things discussed including potential housing, senior housing.”

There are many ideas for the building, but nothing has been finalized yet, according to the mayor.

“What kind of free amenities would they like to see here? What kind of things would they like to come and spend money on? Is it restaurants? Is it entertainment? That will be part of that reimagining piece,” Stone said.

The Warren Racquet and Fitness Center will serve as additional parking for the court and Police Department as the courthouse is under construction.

“That is a stopgap measure for the purpose of using that parking lot in order to accommodate police parking. Once that construction is completed that parcel will be part of that reimagining of what happens next. Is it residential? Is it commercial? Those are some of the things considered in the use of this development,” said Stone.