Paramount Theatre facade to be reserved in demolition

YOUNGSTOWN — The board of control signed professional contracts as it moves closer to demolishing the former Paramount Theatre, except its facade, in the city’s downtown.

The board today approved a $19,500 contract with Strollo Architects to have the Youngstown firm develop a plan to take down the 94-year-old building, except the front exterior.

“Not saving the facade isn’t up for discussion; it’s a matter of how to do it,” said Charles Shasho, deputy director of the city’s public works department.

Also, the board — composed of the mayor, law director and finance director — agreed to hire Brownfield Restoration Group, a Canandaigua, N.Y., company, for $56,028 to supervise the environmental cleanup of the building and make sure the city is in compliance with Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund policies.

For the complete story, read Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com