Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio

Youngstown State University Centennial Campus Master Plan 1 of 2 (PDF) 8.5MB

Youngstown State University Centennial Campus Master Plan 2 of 2 (PDF) 48.6MB

Youngstown State University Masterplan Graphic (PDF) 5.7MB

Youngstown State University Masterplan Themes (PDF) 6.1MB

Founded in 1908, Youngstown State University (YSU) grew considerably throughout the 1920s with the area's burgeoning steel industry. The University's first building was built in the Collegiate Gothic style and anchors the historic Wick Avenue Cultural District, which serves as the city's historic and cultural core. Grant funds will help YSU in its collaborative efforts with the local community to preserve the Wick Avenue Cultural District. The University will develop preservation plans for the buildings and gardens of the district, and will develop educational programs to raise awareness among students and the local community of Youngstown's historic assets.

Youngstown State University received a Getty grant in 2004 for $100,000 to support campus heritage planning.

Report Summary

Purpose: Grant support allowed the institution in a new campus master plan to include components of heritage planning regarding the cultural and historic resources of the campus by undertaking three related initiatives: a National Register study, an adaptive reuse study, and an educational program. The National Register study sought to inventory the remaining historically significant properties on the Youngstown State University campus and advance eligible properties through the designation process, specifically to consider the revision and potential expansion of the existing Wick Avenue Historic District, and develop institutional policies regarding the stewardship of designated properties on the campus. The adaptive reuse study examined two University-owned historically significant properties (the Emeline and George Peck House and the Rufus Thompson/Sacherman House) to determine feasible uses and develop preservation plans and budgets to be used to secure renovation funding. The educational program proposed to engage students and local citizens in the community’s ongoing historic preservation dialogue. The principal goals of this initiative were the development of course materials and learning opportunities at Youngstown State and Kent State Universities, conducting a public lecture series, and developing self-guided tour material for use by persons interested in the historic assets of the Youngstown State campus.

Historic Designation(s): Wick Avenue Historic District (National Register of Historic Places).

Planning Process: As a large urban institution, Youngstown State University’s plan examined its position as a unique force that could be reintegrated into the neighborhoods surrounding the campus. It acknowledged and incorporated non-university development proposed by partner institutions and private developers within a short radius of the campus core. It attempts to position the university for progress in the future as Youngstown, the Mahoning Valley, and the State of Ohio continue the difficult transition from industrial to knowledge economy, and sees the university as an effective catalyst to create a stronger college town. The project was coordinated with representatives from many city agencies and institutions to effect change and revitalization of the cultural, intellectual, educational, social, and economic needs of the region.

Outcomes—Products: The project is outlined in the latter sections of the report, the “Youngstown State University Centennial Campus Master Plan: A Framework for Campus Development” (2008), which puts forth a dynamic framework for engagement in and around the surrounding community. This report reviewed the key aspects of several prior strategic and master plans (1985-2005), and offers many ideas about increasing connections between the university and its neighbors, particularly by looking at the links between the downtown core, the university, and other downtown neighborhoods. The second appendix provides an overview of the aspects of the campus heritage project, including all aspects of the project’s purpose and goals, such as the historic district expansion, adaptive reuse of two campus buildings, and educational programs.

The university worked with the Butler Museum of Art to bring in nationally recognized authorities to speak on topics spanning architecture, city planning, new urbanism, historic preservation, and neighborhood revitalization. This series was convened of YSU faculty and staff, Wick Avenue church leaders, local and regional architects, the director of the public library, civic organization representatives, community activists, and the university public relations coordinator and reached more than 300 people.

In addition, two faculty members have continued to teach the courses in the historic preservation program and have developed walking tour brochures regarding the Wick Avenue Historic District.

Outcomes—Strategies and Goals for the Future: It is hoped that the heritage report will serve as a guide in future planning processes and that the educational program will offer a model for integrating historic preservation into campus and community planning for the development of urban campuses that both respect their historic assets and hope to enhance their context and integration with the surrounding neighborhoods.