YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Mahoning Valley Historical Society recognized five projects in which buildings have been renovated, preserved and adapted to show their uniqueness and importance to the Valley.

The projects were recognized during the historical society’s annual meeting and Historic Preservation Awards event Tuesday at Tyler History Center.

The 2026 Historic Preservation Awards recipients are:

  • Commercial Revitalization Award: Joshua and Jennifer Isley, along with Joshua’s parents, Ralph and Gerna Isley, for the preservation and restoration of the Von Isley Estate in Niles, transforming it into an event venue.
  • Community Revitalization Award: Boardman police Chief Todd Werth and architect Douglas Sipp for the restoration of the former Clarence R. Smith Jr. family home, which was transformed into the Clarence R. Smith Jr. Family Mahoning Valley First Responder Wellness Center in Boardman. 
  • Community Achievement Award: Warren Mayor Douglas Franklin for the restoration of the Perkins Mansion, which serves as Warren City Hall. The restoration project was completed in two phases between 2021 and 2025.
  • Board of Directors Award of Achievement: Sarah Wilschek and Rabbi Courtney Berman for the revitalization and adaptation of Ohev Beth Sholom (formerly Rodef Sholom) in Youngstown; and Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown for the transformation of the Ursuline Motherhouse convent into a resident care facility that offers assisted living. 

Also during the event, several individuals were elected to the MVHS Board of Directors. New to the board are Mary Baumeier, community volunteer; Andrew Danus, community volunteer; Virginia Draa, community volunteer; Betty Jo Licata, retired dean of Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University; and Deborah Liptak, retired, Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County.

Returning for another three-year term are Donna Buzulencia, community volunteer; Frederick Coombs, retired attorney; Mary Dennis, architect at BSHM; Brian Macala, attorney; Anna Torres, co-director of Maag Library at YSU.

Pictured at top: The Von Isley Estate in Niles.