RBF CoLab Honored for Restoration of Stambaugh Building
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — For Paul Hagman of RBF CoLab Architecture and Design, 2018 was a year of education, accolades and celebration.
“My priority this past year was to continue to grow my knowledge and enhance my expertise in historic building restoration,” says Hagman, whose Youngstown firm has renovated city buildings and historic homes in the region. “Continual education has allowed me to optimize processes specifically to my clients’ needs.”
Since 2013, RBF CoLab has provided architectural services for historical restoration projects, fine homes, feasibility studies and more.
One of Hagman’s recent renovation projects is the Stambaugh Building, which was constructed in 1907 and reopened in 2018 as the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. The 125-room, full-service hotel is the culmination of five years of consultation and planning and received the Merit Award from the Eastern Ohio Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
“The hotel project is a hallmark example of mixing high design with preservation practices,” Hagman says.
Hagman also received the 2018 Best Traditional Home award from Fine Homebuilding Magazine for the resurrection of a Greek Revival home in Poland. Originally built in the mid-1800s, the home underwent years of restoration before a fire destroyed the house beyond repair.
Hagman worked with the owners to rebuild the home, incorporating a modern floor plan while staying true to the Greek Revival style.
Hagman also oversaw the rehabilitation of several century homes in the region and became a member of Heritage Ohio, the state’s official historic preservation organization.
“I’ve always loved working with historic buildings,” Hagman says. “Outside of the physical, concrete work, there is a magic in hearing the stories that get revealed throughout the project. You discover something that can’t help but influence the way you approach the work.”
Hagman recently began work on the Harshman Building, formerly the East Ohio Gas building, for the expansion of Eastern Gateway Community College. He also has groundbreakings scheduled this spring for several traditionally styled houses.
He says he plans to continue growing in education and affiliations that focus on historic structures.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
