Noticeable improvements are being made to the historic Foster Theater in Youngstown's Glenwood Avenue Corridor.

 

In June, 21 News reported that the theater had been taken over by the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation.

 

On Tuesday, the revitalization group shared on Facebook an updated picture of the theater's marquee with new lights.

 

In the post, the non-profit group said "YNDC intends to light and fully restore the marquee and façade so that it can serve as a source of pride for Youngstown’s south side once more."

 

Opened in 1938, the theatre in the city’s Fosterville neighborhood became the Foster Art Theatre in the 1960s showing European films before switching x-rated adult films on the big screen and coin-operated “peep shows”.

 

The theatre has been on the YNDC’s radar since at least 2016, mentioned in a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization proposal as one of the few remaining structures of historical significance along the Glenwood Corridor.

 

At the time, the proposal called for restoring the theatre into a Youth Theatre and Arts Facility, saying that “The existing pornographic theatre reflects badly on the neighborhood and brings undesirable elements into the neighborhood.”

As of this week, YNDC said more than 60 people have made individual donations to the campaign to fully restore the historic marquee.

 

YNDC said once restored, the marquee will be used to display inspirational messages while the future reuse of the building is planned and developed.

 

Funds will be used to re-wire the marquee, to install new energy-efficient lights for the display boards and canopy, to restore the neon accent lights, and to purchase new lettering for displaying messages.