Youngstown, Stambaugh Auditorium
Historic Theaters
CASE Studies
Current Name of Theater: Stambaugh Auditorium
Current Type: Performing Arts Theater
Seats: 2,553
Website: stambaughauditorium.com
Historic Names of Theater: The Henry H. Stambaugh Memorial Auditorium
Address: 1000 5th Ave, Youngstown, OH 44504
Contact: (330) 747-5175
Email:
Year Built/Style: 1926 / Beaux Arts
Original Architect: Helme & Corbett
Original Cost: $1.3 million
Listed on National Register: yes, 1984 – 84003781
History of Theater:
In 1926, The Henry H. Stambaugh Memorial Auditorium was dedicated, and a dream of Henry Stambaugh, local industrialist and philanthropist, was realized. As a bequest to the city of Youngstown, Mr. Stambaugh envisioned a site to “be used for the enjoyment, pleasure, entertainment and education of the community residing in the Youngstown and contiguous thereto…” The Auditorium was constructed at a cost of $1.3 million, designed by Harvey Wiley Corbett of the New York firm of Helme and Corbett and is modeled after the public auditorium in Springfield, Massachusetts, which was designed from the Pantheon in Paris.
On December 5, 1926, a formal dedication was held, and on December 6, 1926, the Monday Musical Club presented the first concert at Stambaugh, featuring humorist Will Rogers. Since that day, Stambaugh has hosted a wide variety of performers, educators and speakers.
Cost of Rehabilitation: The facility has received six state appropriations totaling $2.425 million
Architects:
Firms:
Source of Funds: State Approriations
Renovation Story:
Stambaugh Auditorium has undergone several renovations and restorations to preserve the building’s natural integrity. The Anne Christman Memorial Hall was restored in 1995, followed by the Concert Hall in 2004 and office space improvements in 2004 and 2006. Over the years, additional parking was also added. Most recently, the ballroom renovation and stage enhancements have all been part of continuing Henry H. Stambaugh’s legacy to provide a facility for the entertainment and education of the community.
One of the many projects completed in recent years was the restoration of the E.M. Skinner Pipe Organ, which is housed in the Concert Hall. The restoration began in 2009 and was completed in the fall of 2011. The organ was disassembled after years of neglect and water damage. It was shipped to New Haven, Connecticut to the Thompson Allen Company. The father of the owner of the Thompson Allen Company worked for E.M. Skinner. The Thompson Allen Company cleaned and repaired the instrument, which was then returned and reassembled. The Organ was restored to its original 1926 glory and was rededicated in October 2011. It is currently the only E.M. Skinner organ in the area and one of few working ones in the entire country. Guests marvel at the instrument, especially when on behind-the-scenes tours of the organ chambers.
Looking towards the future, an extensive exterior renovation to Stambaugh Auditorium will make the building look as it did when dedicated in 1926. Cleaning the building will again reveal the fluted Ionic columns and the front iron scroll work. Repointing the joints of the building will keep out moisture and make the building more efficient with heating and cooling. Additional lighting will provide spectacular night views of the building. And last but not least, a complete restoration of the Fifth Avenue stairs is needed. All improvements are necessary to continue the legacy of high standards that Stambaugh Auditorium has worked so diligently to achieve.
Beyond performances, Stambaugh Auditorium is home to multiple spaces which host a variety of events. Business events and seminars have become increasingly popular in recent times, in addition to a variety of non-profit fundraising events. Rehearsals and weddings at Stambaugh remain a staple at the facility, accommodating many eager brides using the building’s beautiful architecture as a backdrop for their formal photos. Local high schools and some colleges use the auditorium each year to make their graduations memorable, and dance competitions from across the country take advantage of Stambaugh’s facilities.
The Concert Hall houses the recently restored E.M. Skinner Pipe Organ, offering local and national organists an opportunity to play on a spectacular, historically accurate instrument. Many Stambaugh events are offered at reasonable ticket rates and, at times, no cost at all, as to reflect the mission statement outlined by Henry H. Stambaugh’s will 89 years ago. All of these spaces generate the necessary revenue to keep Stambaugh functioning on a daily basis.
Artists from Tony Bennett to Bob Dylan, American Ballet to Liberace, Bruce Springsteen to the Cleveland Orchestra and countless others have all graced the main stage.
