Historic Preservation Guidelines

“Rehabilitation means the process of returning a property to a state of utility, through repair or alteration, which makes possible an efficient contemporary use while preserving those portions and features of the property which are significant to its historic, architectural, and cultural values.”

The following “Standards for Rehabilitation” shall be used by the Secretary of the Interior when determining if a rehabilitation project qualifies as “certified rehabilitation” pursuant to the Tax Reform Act of 1976, the Revenue Act of 1978, and the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981. These standards are a section of the Secretary’s “Standards for Historic Preservation Projects” and appear in Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 67 (formerly 36 CFP Part 1208).

1. Every reasonable effort shall be made to provide a compatible use for a property which requires minimal alteration of the building, structure, or site and its environment, or to use a property for its originally intended purpose.
2. The distinguishing original qualities or character of a building, structure, or site and its environment shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should be avoided when possible.
3. All buildings, structures, and sites shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that have no historical basis and which seek to create an earlier appearance shall be discouraged.
4. Changes which may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a building, structure, or site and its environment. These changes may have acquired significance in their own right, and this significance shall be recognized and respected.
5. Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a building, structure, or site shall be treated with sensitivity.
6. Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced, wherever possible. In the event replacement is necessary, the new material should match the material being replaced in composition, design, color, texture, and other visual qualities. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features should be based on accurate duplications of features, substantiated by historic, physical, or pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or the availability of different architectural elements from other buildings or structures.
7. The surface cleaning of structures shall be undertaken with the gentlest means possible. Sandblasting and other cleaning methods that will damage the historic building materials shall not be undertaken.
8. Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and preserve archeological resources affected by, or adjacent to any project.
9. Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing properties shall not be discouraged when such alterations and additions do not destroy significant historical, architectural or cultural material, and such design is compatible with the size, scale, color, material, and character of the property, neighborhood or environment.
10. Wherever possible, new additions or alterations to structures shall be done in such a manner that if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the structure would be unimpaired.

2025 Award Winners

COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION AWARD

Apollo Building

“The Apollo Building is now a landmark fixture within the City’s fabric and it is testament to Youngstown’s resilience, commitment to the past and a vision for the future.”

COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION AWARD

Apollo Building-Suite 201

“When BSHM decided to relocate their offices to the second floor of the Apollo Building, the move represented not just a fresh start, but also an opportunity to embrace the unique character and historic charm of the space.”

COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION AWARD

The “Little Church” at Forest Lawn Memorial Park

“The chapel provides a quiet, sheltered, respectful, gathering space for families and friends to honor the lives and memories of deceased relatives and friends.”

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AWARD OF ACHIEVEMENT

White House Fruit Farm

“With its roots in early Ohio and Green Township settlement, its evolution through every major phase of Ohio agriculture, and its current role as an agricultural landmark and educational site, White House Fruit Farm is a true Ohio original. It tells a story of resilience, innovation, and cultural continuity that reflects the broader Ohio experience over its 216-years-and-counting history.”

AWARD OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE

Braceville African American Heritage Museum

“The house is a symbol of the resilience and strength of a family that overcame immense challenges to build a better future for themselves and their community.”

Previous Winners (2005-2024)

2024

Trek Coffee House

Woodland Estates

222 South Broad Street, Canfield

2023

Penguin City Brewing Company

3711 Glenwood Avenue-Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation

Henry H. Stambaugh Auditorium Association-Monumental Staircase

Ford Nature Center-Mill Creek MetroParks

Reuben McMillan Free Library Association-Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County

2022

Good Intentions Market & Cafe

Glenwood Grounds

2118 Glenwood Avenue- Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation

Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

2021

The Monastery

Mahoning County Courthouse Exterior

Eastern Gateway Community College

Isle World Headquarters

2019

City of Youngstown City Hall Annex Building – Municipal Courts

Wick Park Recreation Center

650 Clearmont Drive – Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation

St. Anthony of Padua Bell Tower

DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Youngstown

2018

Mahoning County Courthouse Statues

The Manchester Room – Youngstown YMCA

Jones Hall – Youngstown State University

J.R. Cumpston & 1229 Elm St. Youngstown

2017

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Basilica

Lewis House – Poland Preservation Society

St. Patrick Church – Stained Glass Windows

Peter Allen Inn

2016

The Tech Belt Energy Innovation Center

The Wells Building

The Wick Tower

2015

Smoky Hollow War Memorial

The Raymond John Wean Foundation – Market Block Building

Mahoning Dispatch Building & Canfield Historical Society

2014

Erie Terminal

C.S. Lewis Institute at Trinity United Methodist Church

Coffelt Hall

Austin Log Cabin & Austintown Historical Society

2013

Henry Barnhisel House, Girard

Brookfield Township Cemetery

Pollock Mansion, Youngstown

North Bloomfield Town Hall

Idora Historic Homes (YNDC), Youngstown

2012

Federal Building, Youngstown

Youngstown YWCA

E.M. Skinner Organ – Stambaugh Auditorium

2011

Alma Frankfort House

2010

John Stark Edwards House & Museum

National McKinley Birthplace Memorial

Realty Tower Apartments – Exterior & Lobby

2009

The Davis Building

Spring Commons Bridge

2008

Moss Ancestral Home

Wick Pollock Inn Sunken Gardens

Mill Creek MetroParks Suspension Bridge

Tod Mausoleum at The Tod Homestead Cemetery

2007

The Newport Village Allotment Historic District

Ward Thomas Museum Greenhouse, Niles

Tod Homestead Cemetery Chapel & Office

Mahoning Valley Sanitary District Head House Roof

2006

Kinsman House, and adjacent land office, Warren

Mill Creek MetroParks Kirk Road Trailhead, Austintown

Youngstown Water Works Building

Volney Rogers Memorial Statue

2005

Youngstown City Council Chambers

Jane Wooley Residence, Florencedale Ave., Youngstown

Stambaugh Auditorium Ceiling Restoration Project

Powers Auditorium Facade/Adler Building Renovation

McCrory Building Restoration, Youngstown

Forest Glen Estates

Southern Park Stables, Boardman