Stambaugh, Butler each receive $500K grants

By GUY D’ASTOLFO

dastolfo@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Stambaugh Auditorium and the Butler Institute of American Art each will receive a $500,000 capital grant from the state for physical improvements to their buildings.

Stambaugh will use the money for the complete restoration of the Fifth Avenue entrance facade, according to Kelly Fertig, spokesperson for the hall.

The Stambaugh project will include:

Cleaning the columns, stone work and cornice work.

Restoration of damaged masonry and repointing of masonry.

Replacement of the front entrance doors to replicate the original entrance doors.

Implementing a comprehensive LED lighting design to improve safety concerns and energy efficiency.

Adding a bird deterrent to protect the building.

At the Butler museum, the grant will be used in a three-part project, according to spokesperson Wendy Swick.

The specific improvements include:

Restoration of the marble and masonry of the main museum structure facade.

Installation of air conditioning in the public meeting room, performance space and classrooms in the adjacent Butler North Education Center (formerly a church building).

Replacement of aging and discolored safety glass covering the stained glass windows of the Education Center.