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Just look up
Just look up
PHOTOS AND STORY BY
YOUNGSTOWN
Turn-of-the- century architecture had two main goals: Build it high; or, as in Youngstown, make the facades a tribute to the builders or artisan.
Most downtown workers and visitors walk from building to building without ever looking up to see some of the finest art deco and craftsmanship on many downtown buildings.
Buildings built downtown were usually constructed as a tribute to a person or family.
Because they were so proud of their accomplishments — oftentimes coming to the country with nothing and working hard and having their own business — they put their name on the building.
Other buildings were tributes to the craftsmen building them. Bricks and sandstone carvings were used to create geometric designs and shapes.
Several buildings used icons, such as a lion on a bank building, tires coming out of a former car dealership, and even the original Ford Motors emblem.
Most of the buildings have been saved and are being restored, preserving this craftsmanship and beauty.