STEUBENVILLE - Real estate deals worth more than a half-million dollars will see immediate creation of expanded business in the city.

Local Realtor Anthony Guida of Guida Realty announced in a City Hall press conference today:

The former AAA at 2716 Sunset Blvd. will become the new Rehab Plus location.

The former Hardee's at Fourth and Washington streets will be seeking tenants.

The former Rite Aid/McCrory's building at Fourth and Market streets will become a new antique store.

The former Goodyear Auto Center, owned by Schiappa Development, at Fourth and Adams streets will be the home of Doyle Refrigeration, a commercial refrigeration firm.

"It definitely is encouraging to see people purchasing buildings to run their businesses in our city," Guida said. "People are investing in the downtown area of our city and the hilltop. The key here is that these people are investing their dollars in our area and that is great to see. Our market is showing improvement from both the commercial and residential standpoints."

The former AAA is being purchased by Rehab Plus, which will move from its 2,800-square-foot location in the Kmart Plaza at 4217 Mall Drive.

The 7,000-square-foot AAA building will allow Rehab Plus to expand services, according to owner and operator Dr. Robert Runkel. He said the new facility will feature a state-of-the-art aquatic therapy service, with a pool that is the same kind used by several professional sports teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Runkel, a Steubenville native who earned his physical therapy doctorate from Chatham College, said people will be familiar with the pool as being the exact kind used on the TV show, "The Biggest Loser." The pool uses an underwater treadmill.

Rehab Plus also will feature a new cold laser system, which is successful in treating people with neuropathy, offering pain relief.

Runkel said he had put the idea of expanding his business on hold for several years because of economic conditions.

However, he said, "There has been some economic recovery, this opportunity came along and I decided to move forward with the purchase."

Rehab Plus currently has five employees but some job growth is anticipated. Renovations to the building also are anticipated.

Runkel plans to open the new Rehab Plus on Oct. 1, 12 years to the day after he assumed ownership.

He said his business is dedicated to the memory of the late Jeannie Staffilino, the original owner of the business, whom he said was his mentor.

Jim Saltsman, president of J&S Rentals, which has purchased the former Hardee's, said he is working to clean up the building and plans to install new siding and to dress up the location.

He has no immediate plans but is looking for potential customers.

"We are willing to do whatever it takes to secure a tenant for the location," he said.

Wintersville native James Ludewig said he will open an antique store at 141 N. Fourth St. next to Frank and Jerry's in August and plans to move into the Fourth and Market location after refurbishing the former Rite Aid/McCrory's building.

"I remember visiting downtown Steubenville as a child and I always wanted to live there and have a store there," he said. Ludewig, who relocated to Jefferson County from New York, said, "I just decided now was the time to do it."

He expects to spend between $150,000 and $200,000 on refurbishing the building. Ludewig, who spent 20 years working in design architecture and antiques, said he has no timetable for finishing the work.

Ludewig also recently purchased a home in the historic district on North Fourth Street and is restoring it.

Doyle Refrigeration is a commercial refrigeration firm founded in 1999 that will move into the former Goodyear store at Fourth and Adams.

Dan Doyle, owner, said his firm serves customers mainly from the Pittsburgh area all the way to Princeton, W.Va.

"I am a Steubenville guy and I really like this location," he said.

"Being close to the bridge is good for me and my employees to do business."

Doyle has been renting space for his business. He has plans to begin renovations in the fall. Doyle Refrigeration has six employees.

Ed Looman, executive director of Progress Alliance, the economic development organization for Jefferson County, said, "This definitely is wonderful news. We look forward to helping all those involved move forward. We welcome their commitment to our area and congratulate them for making the decision to invest in our area."

(Giannamore can be contacted at pgiannamore@heraldstaronline.com.)