Youngstown hires firm to see if Paramount facade can be saved

YOUNGSTOWN

The city’s board of control hired a company today for $10,000 to determine whether the front of the former Paramount Theatre can be saved when the rest of the dilapidated building is demolished.

Atlantic Engineering Services, a consulting structural engineering firm with an office in Pittsburgh, will start the work next week and will have results to the city within 30 days, said Charles Shasho, deputy director of the city’s public works department.

A preliminary inspection determined the front of the downtown building couldn’t be saved, but recommended a more-detailed study.

It likely would cost $900,000 to $1.2 million to secure and save the front of the structure, if it can be saved, an official with Strollo Architects has said. The city hired Strollo to develop a plan to take down the building and save the front portion.

The Paramount Project, a group seeking to turn the property into an amphitheater and outdoor gathering space, is considering walking away from the proposal if the front can’t be saved.

For the complete story, read Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com