Mocha House Relocates to Youngstown Wick Tower

The Western Reserve Port Authority approved the cafe's move as local demolition efforts move forward.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Mocha House Relocates to Youngstown Wick Tower

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Should local governments relocate established businesses to make room for new public office buildings?

The Western Reserve Port Authority has cleared the Mocha House to relocate from its current spot at 120 E. Boardman Street to the historic Wick Tower. The cafe will take over the space formerly occupied by the West 34 restaurant.

Why it matters

This move is part of a larger redevelopment effort, as the site currently housing the Eastern Gateway Community College is slated for demolition to make way for a new county government center.

The new government facility is projected to take at least 1.5 years to complete, with full operations expected by May 2029.

The players

Western Reserve Port Authority

This public agency manages infrastructure projects and economic development initiatives in the region.

Mocha House

This established local cafe chain operates multiple locations and is currently moving its downtown Youngstown presence.

Eastern Gateway Community College

This educational institution is vacating its current building as part of a significant downtown property redevelopment.

The details

The Mocha House will move into the corner of West Federal Street and North Phelps, a location vacated by the West 34 restaurant in May 2026. The future Mahoning County government center will eventually house Jobs and Family Services, building and planning departments, and county commissioners.

May 2026: West 34 restaurant closed.
Nov. 15, 2026: Demolition of the Eastern Gateway Community College building begins.
May 2029: Expected completion date for the new government center.

Market Landscape

This relocation reflects a wider trend of shifting commercial tenancies in downtown Youngstown as legacy sites are repurposed for large-scale government infrastructure. The move positions the Mocha House within a newly centralized civic district that replaces aging educational facilities.

Downtown visitors should anticipate construction-related traffic adjustments near the former college site starting in mid-November. The relocation ensures the Mocha House remains open for customers despite the upcoming changes to the immediate neighborhood.

The takeaway

Large-scale urban redevelopment projects often require local businesses to relocate to accommodate new civic infrastructure. Residents should keep an eye on project timelines to stay informed about street closures during the multi-year construction process.

What happens next

Demolition of the Eastern Gateway Community College building is set to begin on Nov. 15, 2026, marking the first major phase of the government center project.