Many Youngstown natives are aware of the changes occurring in the downtown area, whether they hear about it from family still living in town or read about it in national publications.
But on Monday, about 40 people took a break from their holiday festivities to see the transformation firsthand, joining the Youngstown Business Incubator on a Tech Tour.
"I've never actually been over to the space to see that before, so this was great, this morning, to come in and you know put a building and a location to what I've been reading about," said Adam Russ, formerly of Lowellville.
But YBI officials said the tour is not just for former residents. It benefits their companies as well, allowing them to further expand their network.
"One of the new models of economic development is to really focus on getting people who lived in the community but moved away to either consider moving back or act as resources for our community," said Barb Ewing, YBI's CCO.
They want potential entrepreneurs to realize Youngstown can be more than the place they grew up; it's a place where ideas are formed and businesses grow.
"We've got all types of technology being developed here from education software to new communication platforms to landscape and design software," said Ewing.
Those on the tour said the Youngstown Business Incubator is the perfect example of taking an old steel town down a new path and diversifying the local economy.
"There's a lot of positive news about it," said Patrick Lombardo, formerly of Campbell. "You hear about the brain drain, and it's nice to hear something positive going on."
The tour wasn't limited just to adults. The Oh Wow! Children's Center for Science and Technology opened its doors to families.
They said their science-based curriculum fits in perfectly with the goals of the Youngstown Business Incubator and Youngstown State University's STEM College.
Officials at Oh Wow! wanted to make sure those returning home for the holidays to see downtown's transformation included children and young adults.
"We have a world class facility here in downtown Youngstown, Ohio, and unless you come in and tour the facility you have no idea that it is world class," said Suzanne Barbati, executive director of Oh Wow! "So we encourage folks to come in and visit and tour the facility."
Oh Wow! will be open this week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Thursday, and then 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.
