Went over to Youngstown to hang out with my best friend (she works downtown). This isn't one of my best sets, as it was raining most of the time I was downtown - so I was jostling a golf umbrella, my camera and the occcasional lens switch, and the lighting wasn't ideal. Ah well, can't win 'em all.

 

Your soundtrack for this post comes from Lady Miss Kier (born in Youngstown) - most of you probably know her as the lead singer of Deee-Lite ("Groove is in the Heart)

 

The Paramount Theater has looked like that for as long as I can remember:

 

The George Voinovich Center (left) and Mahoning County Children's Services Center - replaced a department store that had been vacant for a long time:

 

The former Phar-Mor headquarters - now callled 20 Federal Place and home to several established and/or upstart companies:

 

Looks like the neighboring building could use some TLC:

 

The rain REALLY started coming down so I thought I'd see if I could get some shots of the Mahoning County Courthouse - it's currently under renovation so no shots of the scaffold-covered exterior  :|

 

But I managed to get a shot or two of the rotunda  :-D

 

 

 

Anyway, back out into the rain we go...

 

First National Tower - Youngstown's tallest and probably the first skyscraper I can remember seeing - I was about four years old at the time:

 

Across Market Street is the Stambaugh Building - another in need of TLC:

 

The Federal Courthouse, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Associates - of the newer buildings in downtown, I'd say this is my favorite:

 

My favorite angle of the First National Tower:

 

Who'da thunk? I wonder how successful it is:

 

The Realty Building on the left is now market-rate apartments:

 

One more First National Tower shot!

 

Okay, make that two:

 

In the details:

 

In the background, the belltower of St. Columba Cathedral is getting rehabbed; in the foreground is the Michael Graves-designed Youngstown Historical Center of Industry & Labor http://ohsweb.ohiohistory.org/places/ne09/

 

My old stomping (well, pogo'ing) grounds:

 

Heading west on Federal:

 

A cute trio of buildings:

 

The Home Savings and Loan building at the western edge of the skyline:

 

I had a few more minutes until my friend got out of work so I zipped around the area. Looks like St. Columba is blessing the Industry and Labor Center:

 

One of the newest "tall" buildings in downtown - the Mahoning County Justice Center:

 

Up to Wick Park... where some of the beautiful grand homes are in decent shape:

 

 

Others not so much:

 

 

 

 

 

There are a few bright spots, the last time I was in Wick Park - this apartment building was boarded up:

 

But on a side street, there was this:

 

Which was across from this:

 

Which was next to this:

 

And oddly - next to these:

 

Anyway - it was time to meet my friend - she'd never been to Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park. After visiting, she's seriously considering getting married there:

 

Oh - fortunately the sun came out while we were there:

 

View from the library at the Davis Visitors Center - note that it's overlooking the treetops and Glacier Lake:

 

Glacier Lake:

 

A small garden path adjacent to the Davis Center:

 

Over to the rose gardens:

 

And another overlook of Glacier Lake:

 

The roses weren't at peak, but there were plenty of gorgeous blooms:

 

 

 

 

 

I wonder how many people have been married or have had their wedding photos taken here?

 

And just some flora shots:

 

 

 

Okay, there's fauna AND flora:

 

 

 

 

 

One more overlook - this time showing Stambaugh Auditorium and Stambaugh Stadium (home to the YSU Penguins!)

 

But it was time to head home - one last shot, with the art deco Isaly's (UHaul) building and the Home Savings and Loan building in the distance:

 

Hope you enjoyed :-)

 

 

Thanks for the tour.  Too bad about the weather.

 

The Wick Building (4th pic from the top) is also supposed to be converted to apartments by the same developer as the Realty Building.

 

The downtown farmers' market is an extension of the northside farmers' market held every Saturday.  I don't know how successful the downtown market is, but I hear the northside market is generally very successful.

 

I wanted to buy that green house on Pennsylvania Ave. (the one with the missing attic windows - I have photo tours of some of these houses on the second page of this thread, about halfway down: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,18327.30.html) But I was told that all of these homes were purchased by a "reputable developer."

Gracias MayDay.

 

It amazes me that people can pay to install Dish TV, but can't maintain the structure?  :wtf:  That neighborhood has some great bones.

 

That garden is gorgeous.  My Mom has never mentioned that garden to me and she is a garden fanatic.  I'll have to tell her to check it out if she hasn't been.

http://www.millcreekmetroparks.com/ParksFacilities/nbspnbspnbspnbspFellowsRiversideGardens/tabid/1409/Default.aspx

Wow!

Nice variety!

Some of the best variety I've seen in a recent photo thread.  From the rainy grit of downtown Youngstown, to the bright beauty of the Mahoning County Courthouse interior, to the decaying granduer of a Youngstown neighborhood, to the natural beauty of the region.  Those nature photos really surprised me - not what you think of when you think of Youngstown!

Actually, NEOhio has some of the best gardens in the country.  Private and Public.

Tree-mendous! Whenever I'm in Youngstown, I need to head over to Mill Creek Park. I haven't been through there in 20 years.

The size of Youngstowns buildings always surprises me.  I plan to visit one day.

Great set! Despite all the losses, Youngstown still has some wonderful structures downtown. The courthouse is gorgeous.

 

I haven't yet made it to Mill Creek Park, or to the Butler Museum during hours when it's open. I really want to visit both of those.

Tremendous MayDay! Thanks!

 

A cute trio of buildings:

 

Is the State demolished now (everything except the facade)?

Great shots!  Did you get a chance to go to Lanterman's Mill in Mill Creek? There is some great natural beauty there...a nice natural gorge with a hiking trail. You can also take a tour through the mill. The park itself has some nice structures too. Also, did you get to Stambaugh Auditorium?

You made Youngstown look very inviting!  The downtown does have some real gems.  It's all done with mirrors!

Tremendous MayDay! Thanks!

 

A cute trio of buildings:

 

Is the State demolished now (everything except the facade)?

 

Yes, the State Theatre is gone.  I haven't seen what it looks like from the back, though.

 

I've read that the Semple Building renovation went over budget, so the Landscaping that was supposed to be put in behind the remaining facade got cut.

EXCELLENT photos Mayday!

What a great set. I hope to pay Youngstown a visit soon!

Great set! I haven't been in the courthouse since I was 17 for a reckless driving charge.  :oops:  :police:

Best set yet.

I for one was married at the Pavillion in the Rose Gardens at Mill Creek Park.

 

Ahhh "Cedar's"...The CBBG's of Y-town...

You know, I' ve never set foot in Youngstown--the closest has been XC meets in high school at Boardman.  There's a nice density that still exists downtown, huh?!  Surprising!  The farmer's market seems cute too! 

 

Hang in there Y'town!

Speaking of 'the ugly,' Traficant was released from prison today. Complete with the bad hair.

 

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090902/NEWS0107/309020035/1055/NEWS/Ex-Rep.+Traficant+freed+from+prison+

Love it! I think Youngstown is such an interesting place at the present moment, and it's good to see so much in the downtown in relatively good shape. That Realty Building is stunning!

 

Oh, and Deee-Lite has a NEO connection?! My life is more or less complete!

Love it! I think Youngstown is such an interesting place at the present moment, and it's good to see so much in the downtown in relatively good shape. That Realty Building is stunning!

 

Oh, and Deee-Lite has a NEO connection?! My life is more or less complete!

 

Dude, you didn't know that?  Oh crap, I forget you're not originally from CLE/NE Ohio.

I love Mill Creek Park. I seriously considered proposing there. Thanks for the pics yet again.

I love Mill Creek Park. I seriously considered proposing there. Thanks for the pics yet again.

 

That would have been a lovely setting.