For Immediate Release:
Youngstown, OH (November 11, 2019) – Stambaugh Auditorium has received a grant of $500,000 from the Hine Memorial Fund of The Youngstown Foundation to support the Monumental Staircase and Facade Restoration Project. Overall, the purpose of the staircase and facade restoration project is to return the monumental staircase, grand entrance, and promenade to its original splendor. The cost of the project is estimated at $5 million and will include razing and replacing the Fifth Avenue monumental staircase and promenade, reconstructing retaining walls, cleaning the exterior facade of the building, adding dimensional exterior lighting to the entrances and facades, and restoring all decorative metalwork at the grand entrance. Additionally, the grant from the Hine Memorial Fund will be used to increase accessibility to the grand entrance promenade from the north end as well as to construct an ADA compliant accessibility ramp leading from the south end of the promenade to the current handicapped entrance in the formal garden area. The project will be completed utilizing historically guided materials and in accordance with standards set forth by the Historic Preservation Office of the State of Ohio and the National Register of Historic Places.

Crissi Jenkins, Program Coordinator for the Hine Memorial Fund, said, “The Hine Memorial Fund of The Youngstown Foundation is honored to support Stambaugh Auditorium’s efforts to create an accessible and universally designed space. It is our hope that this gift will make it possible for all individuals, most especially those with disabilities, to enjoy all that Stambaugh Auditorium has to offer.” The mission of Stambaugh Auditorium, a cultural and historic landmark in the city of Youngstown since 1926, is to present events for the enjoyment, entertainment, and education of the people of Youngstown and surrounding communities.

JoAnn Stock, Chief Development Officer at Stambaugh Auditorium said, “We are very grateful for the support of the Hine Memorial Fund of The Youngstown Foundation which will ensure that all will be able to enjoy the entertainment, social and educational opportunities provided at Stambaugh Auditorium for generations to come.” For more information about the campaign, contact Stock at 330-747-5175 or [email protected].