Participants explore commercial spaces on tour with downtown Sharon developers

Business owners opened their doors and welcomed back developers showcasing properties in downtown Sharon, Pennsylvania. JCL Development invited community members on a tour through several properties to showcase how they’ve worked to redevelop while keeping historical elements.

On Oct. 12, JCL Development started at Allie’s Sweet Tooth on East State Street at noon. The tour continued on to the Jolley River Apartments, Evolve Gym, The Flats Sports Complex and the 98 East Co-Working Space.

At each stop, participants learned about the history behind each building, as well as the properties’ amenities and design features. JCL Development owns over 100 properties and has several other projects in the works including a cookie plant, an Italian restaurant, offices and rental properties, according to Kelly DePreta.

“Over 150 people attended the tour and the response was fantastic,” DePreta said. “All positive feedback and 5/5 stars. Families and all ages are excited for what is to come.”

There are 6 projects in the works expected to be completed by the end of 2025 and early 2026. JCL is working on transforming 297 Shenango Ave., the former Carine & Co, into a new family-friendly business called The District Sports & Gaming. The District Sports & Gaming will have six indoor and six outdoor pickleball courts, an 18-hole indoor mini golf course, a 10,000-square-foot turf field for multi sports and arcade games.

“98 East State St. is becoming a co-working space and 23 Chestnut Ave. is becoming Café Lulu & Lulu’s Social Kitchen + Bar,” DePreta said.

The JCL Development team is putting finishing touches on 22 apartment units at 105 Agate Way in Sharon, the site of the former Jolley Industrial Building next to Evolve Training Gym and The Flats sports complex.

Jim Landino and Jen Krezeczowski operate JCL Development in Sharon, Pa. JCL Development Sign-ups for the Jolley River Apartments wait list are open, according to JCL Development co-owner Jim Landino.

“One of the things we realized in all our revitalization efforts is that the Flats here in downtown surrounding Penn State really was one of the best areas for us to do a new building,” Landino said. “We expect it will be an 80% occupancy within the first three months on the market.” Landino operates JCL Development with Jen Krezeczowski. “Every time we fix a building up, there’s no question it’s raising the expectation and the bar of the area,” Landino said.

Read more at: https://www.mahoningmatters.com/news/business/article312541964.html#storylink=cpy