Mahoning Valley History Center Harry Burt / Ross Radio BuildingYoungstown, Ohio

Project Description

The Mahoning Valley Historical Society acquired the Historic Harry Burt/Ross Radio Building on West Federal Street in Downtown Youngstown for its use as a “History Center for the Mahoning Valley.” The four story building containing 24,000 square feet underwent a major renovation to convert the historic structure into a State of the Art archival storage, research, exhibit, educational and meeting facility.

The building was constructed in 1922 with Harry Burt operating a confectionary/restaurant until 1935 when it was sold to Ross Radio. Harry Burt was the originator of the “Good Humor” bar, still in existence today. Ross Radio occupied the building from 1935 until 2008.

The adaptive re-use of the building into a “History Center” features the restoration of the Central skylit grand staircase, the historic second floor ballroom and the third floor existing glass paneled rooms into an “education center.” The basement level houses climate controlled archival storage and research rooms with the first floor containing the main entrance, museum shop, and permanent exhibit of the ‘History of the Mahoning Valley.” The 2nd and 3rd floors features meeting and exhibit spaces.

The $3,000,000 historic project was ready for occupancy in the summer of 2010.