'World-class' terra cotta arriving for Mahoning courthouse restoration

YOUNGSTOWN

The first shipment of terra cotta has arrived and awaits installation at the Mahoning County Courthouse.

The terra cotta is fired, ornamental clay masonry that will be placed at or near the roof of the 105-year-old building, whose $6 million, two-year restoration is to be completed this fall.

The first installment, consisting of 124 creamy-white glazed pieces, each bearing an identifying number indicating where it is to be placed, was delivered

April 28 encased in foam in 16 plastic-covered wooden crates.

Shipments will continue during the summer.

A total of 730 pieces of terra cotta, made from 105 molds, will be delivered from Boston Valley Terra Cotta of Orchard Park, N.Y.

“It’s world-class,” said architect Paul Ricciuti, the county’s project manager, of Boston Valley’s work. “We’re very fortunate that the people that are making the terra cotta are the best in the United States.”

Read more about the project in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.