Historical society seeks approval for Youngstown IBM Building renovations

The Mahoning Valley Historical Society is seeking the Youngstown Board of Control's approval of plans to renovate the exterior of the former IBM Building at 250 East Federal Street.

According to documents submitted to the board, the historical society is requesting permission for building envelope renovations and repairs to the structure it purchased in November 2023. The proposed work aims to restore and preserve the building’s character while ensuring its long-term durability.

The plans call for the repair of exterior windows and masonry. The historical society intends to use new materials to match the building design and masonry.

The Youngstown Design Review Committee met on Tuesday at 9 a.m. to review the plans for the exterior renovations to the building.

The decision to approve the planned renovations to the windows, lintels and masonry was unanimous among the Design Review Committee.

A proposal from BSHM Architecture outlined the scope of the work, including an intent to maintain the building’s integrity and design, recognizing its significance within the city’s urban renewal architecture. The work is described as a “replacement-in-kind,” focusing on maintaining the current design, materials, color, texture, and aesthetic.

The predesign phase included matching brick veneer. The proposal also notes the potential presence of cement asbestos panels in the garage ceiling, requiring testing.

The MVHS announced the purchase of the 46-year-old IBM building in late 2023, stating the acquisition was two years in the making. He noted the building’s potential for housing the historical society’s three-dimensional collections, creating new museum exhibition space, and undergoing exterior repairs. The historical society launched a $10 million capital funding campaign to support these projects, as well as renovations to the Arms Family Museum and the parking lot next to the Tyler History Center.

The Board of Control is expected to review the historical society’s request at its regular Tuesday meeting.