Id like to thank everyone who is supporting the Save the State Theater…sadly, we have ran into some “bumps” along the road. Mr. Bob Fitzer, a long time supporter of the city and downtown activist has passed away after his battle with cancer. We are all mourning the loss of such a wonderful, brave person.
Secondly, to save the whole building will take millions of dollars, the roof is caving in, and to save the whole building they would have to raise the roof to take pressure off of the walls. Its estimated over a 20 million dollar project to restore.
We opted to if anything save the beautiful terra cotta facade, which with a lot of help from the community we have accomplished.
I once saw a picture of a New York marquee, circa 1960 and it said, “If you think your good, trying playing in Youngstown, Ohio.”
Paul do you remember when we first met? Ideas were buzzing, contacts arose, and different tactics were approached? It was a wonderful thing indeed!
Like we said, Its hard to be out of town and try to win the hearts of people in Youngstown, unfortunatly you’ve seen it first hand. Even when Frangos came into the city people were skeptical, and they still are.
For some reason people from our area feel they must see visual improvement before ever wanting to lift a finger (or in your case a wallet).
We have promised to help if you if any type of improvements have been made, I know that its not an overnight thing, but we are busy also with film festivals, music venues, art shows etc.
We’ve also got some ideas that we’d like to run by you in the way of raising finances.
Thank You. I am relieved that we can all be mature and civil about this, there is no reason to point fingers or throw muck around about anyone or anything, the city is a hard critic to please and we are all trying vigorously.
I had recently heard from a reliable source (my good friend who is a professor at YSU and wonderful Youngstown enthusiast.) that GVI has given up on the L-P project deeming it as economically unfeasable. Lou Frangos, who owns the Wick, Realty and Erie Terminal in Youngstown has taken over and has committed to “buttoning up the facade and giving it a new roof” but doesn’t have any plans further than that.
What will become of this building now? If anyone would like to e-mail me with further questions feel free.
Please also note we are not “bashing” Grande Venues Inc, they attempted to come into our city and see historical value in this building but indeed it is true that we are a malnourished city, we are attempting to pick ourselves up and it will take some time. Patrons of Youngstown Arts commends them for their effort.
I’m co-owner of Patrons of Youngstown Arts, which supports historical theaters as well as theatre groups in the downtown area. I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Paul Warshauer, first off I would like to say that my organization in no way is affiliated with his, we are two separate organizations and at this point- doing two different projects.
My question to you all is- I am doing a little research on Grand Venues, Good & Bad- does anyone have any information, legal battles etc on this organization? If you could please e-mail me at I would be more than pleased to talk to you further!
Thank you to all who attended the meeting at Cedar’s! We had such a beautiful turnout and I am very optimistic with the future to come! You can contact me anytime at
My Name is Jaime Hughes, and I currently live in the city of Youngstown. My partner and I are in the process of purchasing the State Theater and renovating it. We would like to make it non-profit where my partner and I wouldn’t make any money, but would have a place for local productions to house their plays. A portion of their royalties will go to the upkeep up the building. We are currently involved with the current owners of the building, many local businesses interested in donating time and supplies, as well as Government officials.
If any of you are willing to help, or know of someone who could help, please contact me.
Id like to thank everyone who is supporting the Save the State Theater…sadly, we have ran into some “bumps” along the road. Mr. Bob Fitzer, a long time supporter of the city and downtown activist has passed away after his battle with cancer. We are all mourning the loss of such a wonderful, brave person.
Secondly, to save the whole building will take millions of dollars, the roof is caving in, and to save the whole building they would have to raise the roof to take pressure off of the walls. Its estimated over a 20 million dollar project to restore.
We opted to if anything save the beautiful terra cotta facade, which with a lot of help from the community we have accomplished.
If you have questions feel free to e-mail us
Thanks!
Jaime & Corey
I once saw a picture of a New York marquee, circa 1960 and it said, “If you think your good, trying playing in Youngstown, Ohio.”
Paul do you remember when we first met? Ideas were buzzing, contacts arose, and different tactics were approached? It was a wonderful thing indeed!
Like we said, Its hard to be out of town and try to win the hearts of people in Youngstown, unfortunatly you’ve seen it first hand. Even when Frangos came into the city people were skeptical, and they still are.
For some reason people from our area feel they must see visual improvement before ever wanting to lift a finger (or in your case a wallet).
We have promised to help if you if any type of improvements have been made, I know that its not an overnight thing, but we are busy also with film festivals, music venues, art shows etc.
We’ve also got some ideas that we’d like to run by you in the way of raising finances.
Thank You. I am relieved that we can all be mature and civil about this, there is no reason to point fingers or throw muck around about anyone or anything, the city is a hard critic to please and we are all trying vigorously.
I had recently heard from a reliable source (my good friend who is a professor at YSU and wonderful Youngstown enthusiast.) that GVI has given up on the L-P project deeming it as economically unfeasable. Lou Frangos, who owns the Wick, Realty and Erie Terminal in Youngstown has taken over and has committed to “buttoning up the facade and giving it a new roof” but doesn’t have any plans further than that.
What will become of this building now? If anyone would like to e-mail me with further questions feel free.
Please also note we are not “bashing” Grande Venues Inc, they attempted to come into our city and see historical value in this building but indeed it is true that we are a malnourished city, we are attempting to pick ourselves up and it will take some time. Patrons of Youngstown Arts commends them for their effort.
Hello everyone.
I’m co-owner of Patrons of Youngstown Arts, which supports historical theaters as well as theatre groups in the downtown area. I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Paul Warshauer, first off I would like to say that my organization in no way is affiliated with his, we are two separate organizations and at this point- doing two different projects.
My question to you all is- I am doing a little research on Grand Venues, Good & Bad- does anyone have any information, legal battles etc on this organization? If you could please e-mail me at I would be more than pleased to talk to you further!
Thanks Again!
Jaime Hughes
www.youngstowntheaters.i8.com
Thank you to all who attended the meeting at Cedar’s! We had such a beautiful turnout and I am very optimistic with the future to come! You can contact me anytime at
My Name is Jaime Hughes, and I currently live in the city of Youngstown. My partner and I are in the process of purchasing the State Theater and renovating it. We would like to make it non-profit where my partner and I wouldn’t make any money, but would have a place for local productions to house their plays. A portion of their royalties will go to the upkeep up the building. We are currently involved with the current owners of the building, many local businesses interested in donating time and supplies, as well as Government officials.
If any of you are willing to help, or know of someone who could help, please contact me.