YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – With its classic but modern decor, central location and chef-inspired catering, The Apollo Event Center is poised to become a premiere destination for upscale receptions and meetings.

The venue at 117 S. Champion St., downtown Youngstown, had its grand opening ceremony on March 7. The large vertical sign that hangs over its entrance was lit for the first time that night.

There is already a lot of consumer interest in the center, said Lucia Martuccio, director of sales and marketing. Wedding receptions, showers, graduation parties, Christmas parties and corporate events are already on the calendar.

The room has a capacity of 150 people, with the potential to double that by using the courtyard next to it.

Elegant but understated, the hall’s quality can be seen in its details.

The original wooden flooring of the 1900 building has been restored, and replicas of its original molded tinplate ceiling tiles have been installed. The exposed red brick walls are set off with black wooden pillars, and artistic light fixtures hang over the seating area.

The room also has a dance floor, a bar and a warming kitchen. A full commercial kitchen and offices are currently under construction in the basement.

The bathrooms are comfortable and finely appointed with full-length mirrors for brides and guests. 

The eye-catching room makes a powerful first impression. Martuccio tells of one bride who had no interest in having a wedding or reception until she toured The Apollo Event Center.

“When she saw this place, she became excited,” Martuccio said. “Now she wants to have a wedding, and have it here. She said it’s not  overpowering and is very intimate.”

To provide catering, clients can choose from six of the Mahoning Valley’s finest chefs:

• Prima Events by Josh Santangelo.

• Station Square Catering by Ottavio Musumeci.

• Jeffrey Chrystal Catering.

• Mark Canzonetta Catering.

• Chris Bonacci Catering.

• Elmtree Catering.

DJ Puff Entertainment is the house DJ. The hall also features state-of-the-art sound and lighting for receptions, weddings and corporate presentations. 

Ample parking is included in a lot a few hundred feet away at the end of South Champion Street.

Apollo will take advantage of its location in downtown Youngstown in several ways. 

It is working with the DoubleTree by Hilton Youngstown Downtown hotel to offer discounts to wedding reception clients if they use the hotel to house visiting guests.

“One bride who booked her ceremony and reception at the hotel heard about us and decided to have a cocktail hour here [between the wedding and reception],’’ Martuccio said.

The Apollo also plans to open for pre-show parties for folks attending concerts and other events at Covelli Centre, the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, the DeYor Performing Arts Center, Stambaugh Auditorium and other center-city venues. 

“We definitely want them to pregame here,” Martuccio said. “Maybe we will sell tickets so they can reserve seating. Because when people think of going downtown to a concert or show, they like to stop somewhere first to grab something to eat or drink. Why not come here?”

The Apollo Event Center is the final piece and the crowning touch of the renovation of the former Rica Building, which has been renamed the Apollo Building by owner Tim Huber.

The upper floors of the building already house the offices of BSHM Architects and apartments used by visiting guests of Steelite Inc., a maker of fine restaurant glassware that is headquartered in downtown Youngstown.

Huber renovated or replaced every aspect of the building, taking care to save or preserve its historical features and maintain its original charm.

He commissioned a four-story mural of the Greek god Apollo on the rear wall of the building.