Harry Burt/Ross Radio Building
Mahoning Valley History Center
Youngstown, Ohio
![Mahoning Valley History Center, Exterior of new stair and elevator addition and historic building](https://www.bshm-architects.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mahoning-valley-history-center_003.jpg)
The Mahoning Valley Historical Society acquired the Historic Harry Burt/Ross Radio Building on West Federal Street in Downtown Youngstown for its use as a “History Center for the Mahoning Valley.”
Size: 22,000 sf
Project Scope: Historic Renovation
Delivery Method: Single Prime
The four story building containing 24,000 square feet underwent a major renovation to convert the historic structure into a state-of-the art archival storage, research, exhibit, educational and meeting facility.
The building was constructed in 1922 with Harry Burt operating a confectionary/restaurant until 1935 when it was sold to Ross Radio. Harry Burt was the originator of the “Good Humor” bar, still in existence today. Ross Radio occupied the building from 1935 until 2008.
The adaptive re-use of the building as a history center features the restoration of the central skylit grand staircase, the historic second floor ballroom and the third floor existing glass paneled rooms as an education center. The basement level houses climate-controlled archival storage and research rooms with the first floor containing the main entrance, museum shop, and permanent exhibit of the History of the Mahoning Valley. The second and third floors feature meeting and exhibit spaces.
![Mahoning Valley History Center, Exhibits](https://www.bshm-architects.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mahoning-valley-history-center_025.jpg)
![Mahoning Valley History Center, kylit monumental staircase](https://www.bshm-architects.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mahoning-valley-history-center_052r-1.jpg)
![Mahoning Valley History Center, Corridor flanked glazed classrooms](https://www.bshm-architects.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mahoning-valley-history-center_047.jpg)
![Mahoning Valley History Center, Classroom](https://www.bshm-architects.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mahoning-valley-history-center_038-1.jpg)
![Mahoning Valley History Center, Archive room](https://www.bshm-architects.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mahoning-valley-history-center_059.jpg)
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