YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Plans for exterior upgrades at the Mahoning Valley Historical Society’s newest building and improvements at Spring Common Park both were approved by the city’s Design Review Committee during its monthly meeting Tuesday.
The plans for the former IBM Building, 250 E. Federal St., include upgrades to exterior windows, steel lintels and masonry to match the existing building design and masonry materials intended to restore and preserve the building’s character.
MVHS purchased the building in 2023 and has been using it for artifact storage. It announced plans last year to develop part of the space to display artifacts from the Idora Park experience donated by Jim and Toni Amey. In addition, MVHS leases space in the building to Youngstown CityScape.
The plans approved Tuesday don’t directly align with the historical society’s eventual plans for the building as it relates to the Idora Park collection or storage but represent the “first step” for the property in terms of securing and weatherproofing the exterior, said Bill Lawson, MVHS executive director.
“We’re working from the outside of the building inward,” he said. Because of the complicated nature of the project in terms of the brickwork, replacing the steel lintels and deconstructing and installing new steel supports, he said he expects the exterior work to cost in excess of $1 million.
Lawson said he wants to put the work out for bid as soon as construction drawings are complete, which he expects to happen within the next month. Design work is going “along pretty well” on the collections storage center on the building’s third floor.
“We also are looking to bring on an exhibit design firm to work with our architects and staff, and other consultants later in the summer,” he said.
Other Projects
Just under a year ago, the city received a $3.89 million Wonderful Waterways Initiative grant from the Appalachian Community Grant Program.
The plan approved for Spring Common Park includes new pavement, sidewalks, retaining walls, kayak launch, prefabricated restroom, site lighting and wooden pergola. Parking areas would be upgraded at both Spring Commons Park and the West Avenue boat launch, and a pathway between the two sides would be improved as well, according to Kevin Drozin of MS Consultants Inc., design profit manager for the park project.
Additionally, members of the committee approved a $20,000 façade grant to support exterior improvements totaling $40,278.81 at Ryan’s Chair Barber Shop and Beauty Salon, 2935 Glenwood Ave. The upgrades will include new signage over the main entrance and on the building’s sides, and resurfacing of the front and side parking lots.
They deferred action on a façade grant sought by Angelilli Industrial LLC, which sought a $20,000 grant for exterior renovations totaling $43,725 at 107 N. Hine St.
The company did not send a representative to Tuesday’s meeting to respond to questions regarding its project, which included repair or replacement of six garage doors, siding repairs and painting the building.
Members of the committee also were concerned about what they cited as code violations related to the site of the former Realty Tower downtown, which reportedly shares ownership principals with Angelilli Industrial.
“We want some intention brought to us about the Realty Building lot. Using it as a gravel parking lot is not acceptable,” committee member Bill D’Avignon said.
Pictured at top: The Mahoning Valley Historical Society’s building at 250 E. Federal St.