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YSU postpones tower makeover
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NEW LOOK: Youngstown State University has teamed up with AT&T to revamp the AT&T tower on the corner of Phelps Street and Lincoln Avenue. This artist's rendering shows the tower, 200 feet tall, as it will appear: painted a few new colors and with internally lit YSU signs on each side.
By KATIE SEMINARA
The four YSU signs to be placed on the AT&T tower will be unveiled in the spring.
YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University has postponed the project that would give an AT&T tower a makeover with a touch of YSU pride.
The original completion date was scheduled for mid-October, but May 2009 is the new proposed unveiling time.
Because of weather conditions and scheduling conflicts with the companies and individuals donating time and resources, the project was set back.
The project involves repainting the 200-foot tower that sits at the corner of Phelps Street and Lincoln Avenue.
Each side of the tower will have an internally lit YSU sign that will be visible all over town and from Interstate 680.
“It’s going to be spectacular,” said John Hyden, executive director of university facilities and support services.
The decision to wait until spring was a result of wanting the project to be done the right way, he said.
In order to paint the tower properly, the temperature must be at least 50 degrees. Work will start when the weather is warm enough for crews to work a full day.
When the tower-improvement project begins, there is a possibility that the section of Phelps Street between Rayen Avenue and Lincoln Avenue could close temporarily, said Hyden.
The tower is currently painted a “harvest gold” color, which Hyden thinks is outdated and unappealing.
The body of the tower will be coated in an off-white, and the top section of the tower, behind the signs, will be black.
The letters will be 5 inches thick, 8 feet tall and 20 feet wide.
“It will really be exciting, and we are trying to [unveil the tower] in conjunction with spring commencement,” said Hyden.
The city’s Design Review Committee approved the project back in August and fully supports the idea of the tower’s getting a face-lift, said Brenda Williams.
“I think it’s going to create a city landmark,” she said, adding that it will be an asset to the YSU campus as well.
“The whole design review is really excited,” Williams said.