Struthers leaders say McKinney Building will be demolished; lot will be temporary gravel parking while sewer work proceeds

Mayor Miller told council the city has secured funding to demolish the McKinney Building and that, after demolition, the site will be a gravel parking lot while a planned sewer/storm line replacement proceeds.

“We are at this point, it will be gravel parking lot because we will have a huge sewer line… and we don't want to put anything permanent down when we know we're going to be tearing it up soon,” Miller said. He added the city’s downtown safety study recommends some type of entry feature or brickwork so the temporary lot does not feel like an unregulated pull-in.

Council members and the administration discussed short-term appearance and longer-term planning. Mr. Brian (Brian Colombo) is working on adjacent properties and the administration said work on an alleyway and green space is planned with CIC funds; Colombo’s improvements to nearby buildings and doors were commended at the meeting.

Speakers acknowledged the demolition will create an immediate eyesore but argued it could free space for parking and improve access at a congested intersection. Council members discussed options including façade grants, a mural or a landscape architect to design a cohesive downtown treatment rather than piecemeal fixes.

Officials said they are communicating with downtown business owners about timing and impacts and that the demolition aligns with broader efforts to make downtown buildings viable for new tenants.