With most of the demolition now done at the site formerly known as the Armco 2 Plant in the City of Butler, officials say there is interest in building at that location.
Mark Gordon is Butler County’s Chief Economic and Development Officer and he says five businesses are exploring the option of moving there.
“We’re looking at building design right for these five locations, the largest of which would be a 300,000 square foot building which is obviously a sizable building,” Gordon said.
Gordon said these businesses would be all from the manufacturing sector.
Gordon said the next steps are making sure the properties are clean and appropriate to build on; that includes doing environmental testing.
But, if all five businesses decide to move into the location, it could bring 250 to 350 jobs.
“This might bring revitalization to the Island area. We’re looking at how we can keep young people here. Some areas of the country, the cost of entry into a home is just unworkable,” Gordon said. “And there’s an opportunity here for homes in the $250,000 range that could be really terrific starting homes for our young people.”
The demolition of the area was aided in part by federal funding and working with private investors to help take down the former buildings.
