FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2009
Contact:
Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission: Jessica Fagan – 614.995.7552; jfagan@culture.ohio.gov
Stambaugh Auditorium: Paul J. Ricciuti, FAIA – 330.744.4401; pjr@bshm-architects.com
Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission Approves
$925,000 for Stambaugh Auditorium
Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission approved $925,000 at its quarterly meeting today for Stambaugh Auditorium.
State capital funds will contribute to a number of improvements at the performing arts venue, including replacement of 80-year-old stage rigging with a state-of-the-art system, restoration of the auditorium’s original 1926 Skinner Organ Opus 582, and reimbursement for recently completed exterior improvements, including replacement of historic copper built-in roof gutters and construction of a 205-space parking lot. Located in Youngstown, Stambaugh Auditorium hosts numerous community events and performances, ranging from ballet and opera to popular music and stand-up comedy. It is home to the Opera Western Reserve, the Monday Musical Club and the Stambaugh Youth Band. The Italian Renaissance-style building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
The Commission approval, coupled with the signing of legal agreements, allows the Stambaugh Auditorium Association to be reimbursed on a pro rata basis with funds appropriated in Am. Sub. H.B. 699 of the 126th General Assembly and Am. Sub. H.B. 562 of the 127th General Assembly. Mahoning County General Assembly members who voted in favor of the bills include Representatives Ron Gerberry, Robert Hagan and Mark Okey, former Senator John Boccieri, and former Representatives Kenneth Carano and Sylvester Patton.
The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission is a state agency that supports economic development, expands educational opportunities, and enhances the quality of life for Ohioans by improving the state’s cultural facilities. Since 1988, the Commission has disbursed more than $400 million in capital funds appropriated by the Legislature and Governor for facility improvement projects at nonprofit theaters, museums, historical sites and publicly owned professional sports venues. The Commission partners with nonprofit groups and local governments on more than 300 projects in 72 of Ohio’s 88 counties. For more information on the Commission, visit www.culture.ohio.gov.
