Youngstown in Mahoning County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Central Square (1900-2004) / Stambaugh Building
Central Square (1900-2004). Steel-frame skyscrapers and retail buildings replaced wood-frame residences as the downtown evolved into a commercial district. A small public library branch occupied the north side of the square from 1923 to 1954. The Keith-Albee Theater (later the Palace) in the northeast corner of the square from 1926 to 1964, featured vaudeville performances and movies. Streetcar tracks around the square were removed for scrap during World War II. With expansion of suburban shopping malls, downtown theaters and department stores gradually closed. In 1973-74 Central Square was converted to a pedestrian Federal Plaza by closing off traffic on Federal Street one block east and west of Market Street. Central Square reopened in 2004 with a new traffic pattern, planting beds, and street furniture. Marker for "Central Square (1798-1899)" across the street.
Stambaugh Building. The Stambaugh Building, constructed in 1908, was one of Youngstown's earliest skyscrapers. Its design by distinguished Detroit-based architect Albert Kan (1869-1942), whose credits also include the Mahoning Bank Building, features a symmetrical facade, prominent entablature, stamped copper cornice, and white brick with terra cota trim. Originally eight stories tall, the Commercial Style was topped by an additional four stories in 1913 to accommodate the offices of the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company and the Brier Hill Steel Company. The building is named for brothers John and Henry Stambaugh, noted community leaders active in the iron and steel industry, local banking, and philanthropy. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Erected 2014 by Youngstown Cityscape, Frank and Pearl Gelbman Foundation, Mahoning Valley Historical Society and The Ohio History Connection. (Marker Number 36-50.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.
Location. 41° 6.008′ N, 80° 38.935′ W. Marker is in Youngstown, Ohio, in Mahoning County. Marker is at the intersection of Wick Avenue and East Federal Street, on the right when traveling north on Wick Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Youngstown OH 44503, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. In Memory of the Heroes of the Township (within shouting distance of this marker); 1959-1975 The Vietnam War (within shouting distance of this marker); Union National Bank Building / Central Square (1798-1899) (within shouting distance of this marker); Youngstown's Central Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War Soldiers' Monument / Realty Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Central Tower / Mahoning National Bank Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Log School (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Thomas D. Lambros (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Youngstown.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2018, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 468 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 10, 2018, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 5, 6. submitted on August 10, 2018.