A new era is coming for the former Wedgewood Lanes and nightclub space on South Raccoon Road in Austintown. Boot Electric, of Columbiana, is playing a part in the renovations.
The company has been working there for three months, and it’s come a long way.
“When we started, it was basically bare bones. The whole electrical infrastructure needed replacing,” said Jamie Henderson, foreman, Boot Electric.
The owners of Body Shop Total Fitness bought the property and started fixing it up in late 2023. They’re moving the gym to the new building from its current spot – which is in the same plaza next door.
In addition, the old nightclub area is being turned into an athletic center with a court that connects to the gym. On the other side of the plaza, there will be a smoothie shop and room for more tenants where the bowling alley used to be.
Managing materials
Part of the job for Henderson and his crew has been wiring up service outside and installing new panels inside the building.
“Each disconnect feeds one of the suites. We can shut them off separately if something happens,” he said.
Henderson notes having to pivot slightly on the project due to issues getting materials.
“We had to make changes at the service connection because it’s still hard to get certain equipment. We had to go with individual disconnects. Usually, it’s one box with different breakers in it.”
He said many electrical contractors are dealing with equipment shortages these days.
“Otherwise, this is a nice job. It’s been a quick turnaround, but it’s going smoothly.”
Lighting up Wedgewood
Most of the lighting fixtures have been installed in the athletic center and gym. It’s all high-efficiency LED.
“We have limited power right now, but the full service will be turned on soon,” Henderson said.
PJ Beres, a second-year apprentice, has been spending time on the lift handling some of the overhead lighting. He started with Boot Electric while in the electrical program at Mahoning County Career and Technical Center. He graduated in 2023 and stayed with the company.
Electricians hope to keep the pace as the project completion date is fast approaching.
“The owners want to be open by the end of June,” Henderson said.
Boot’s balancing act
As if this job isn’t enough, it’s not the only one Boot Electric has going on. Henderson says lately the company’s electricians have been scattered across the area and beyond.
“We’ve been working on an old high school in Cleveland that’s being turned into an apartment complex. We also did a little addition for Second Harvest Food Bank. We’ll also be at Beaver Local and Warren schools for renovations.”
Boot Electric is a member contractor of NECA-IBEW Electricians, an association of IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown, IBEW Local 573 in Warren and signatory electrical contractors throughout the Mahoning Valley.