STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — As city officials continue addressing safety concerns at two deteriorating Steubenville properties, the differing responses have become a growing topic of discussion among residents.
The Fort Steuben Mall has remained at the center of public attention for months after city inspectors identified numerous structural and maintenance concerns throughout the property. Earlier this spring, officials issued notices requiring the owners to address roof leaks, deteriorating storefronts, damaged skylights, uneven flooring, water intrusion and other code violations.
The mall’s current owner, Total Finance, has maintained that it inherited years of deferred maintenance after acquiring the property through foreclosure rather than purchasing it outright. In previous statements shared with River News, the company said it had already invested more than $300,000 in repairs, primarily on the roof, while seeking additional time to fully evaluate and stabilize the aging facility.
Company representatives also told River News they had retained professional property management assistance and requested a six-month compliance period to complete engineering studies, repairs and redevelopment planning. Total Finance previously stated it intended to cooperate with the city while working toward long-term rehabilitation of the mall.
Despite those assurances, city officials initially issued a 30-day deadline before later granting an additional 30-day extension after learning the owner intended to move forward with engineering evaluations and investigative work.
During a Steubenville City Council meeting last week, City Manager Mike Johnson said communication with the property’s ownership had become limited as the extended deadline approached. Officials indicated they had not received recent updates regarding the progress of repairs.
When inspectors returned for a follow-up evaluation this week, they reported finding no visible evidence that corrective work had begun.
According to city officials, active roof leaks remained throughout portions of the building, structural movement had continued, additional ceiling damage was observed and previously identified concerns involving water intrusion and deterioration remained unresolved. Officials also said required engineering reports, repair plans and corrective action schedules had not been submitted.
City leaders are expected to determine what enforcement action, if any, should follow.
Meanwhile, another deteriorating property has prompted a different response.
After large pieces of concrete fell from the exterior of the Sinclair Building at Fourth and Market streets, city officials closed nearby sidewalks and portions of surrounding roadways while warning pedestrians to avoid the area. Fencing is also being installed around the building as officials evaluate additional legal options and attempt to communicate with those connected to the property.
The two situations have generated discussion among residents, many of whom have questioned the apparent contrast between the city’s handling of the mall and the Sinclair Building.
City officials have said the two properties present different public safety concerns. The mall involves an occupied commercial facility where businesses continue to operate in portions of the building, while the Sinclair Building presents an immediate exterior hazard due to falling concrete over public streets and sidewalks.
Even so, the differing responses have left many residents questioning the city’s priorities. If the Sinclair Building presents what officials themselves have described as an immediate threat to pedestrians and motorists, why does the mall appear to be facing the more aggressive enforcement timeline?
As city leaders consider their next steps for both properties, many in the community will be watching closely to see how Steubenville balances public safety, code enforcement and the future of two of the city’s most prominent deteriorating buildings.
