Butler officials to inspect Salem-branch damage

Staff report

SALEM

Officials from the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown will be at the Salem branch next week to determine the latest damage to the building.

The Salem Fire Department has determined that bricks and water from an adjoining building again are falling on the Salem branch of the Butler Institute of American Art., 343 E. State St.

The branch is closed, according to Kathy Earnhart, who handles public relations for the institute.

The Salem Branch is run by the Salem Community Foundation. Its president, John Tonti, said Friday that the Butler is important to many people because it focuses on American art.

The fire department inspected the Butler building Thursday at the direction of city fire Chief Jeff Hughes. Water was found on the second floor.

Tonti said the building was closed for about six months in 2009 to 2010 to make repairs because of the water and brick problems.

Tonti said, “There was a lot of work. A significant amount.”

The owners of the building at 363 E. State St. are Timothy and Deborah Smith. They could not be reached.