For a time last week, it seemed that the 13-story building that has long defined downtown

For a time last week, it seemed that the 13-story building that has long defined downtown Youngstown’s skyline was going to fall victim to the wrecking ball. The gaping holes where more than 400 windows once stood delivered a stark message about the future of the historic Stambaugh Building.

Indeed, the initial disagreement between city government officials and the structure’s co-owner, Louis Frangos, about how the holes should be filled left a bitter taste in the mouths of those who have been active for many years in the revitalization of Youngstown’s Central Business District.

Although the Stambaugh Building is on the National Register of Historic Places, private ownership meant that the only ones who would have a say on what happened to it were Frangos of Cleveland, and his partner, Platia Square LLC of New York City.

Thus, to the relief of Mayor Jay Williams and others who voiced concern about demolition being a possibility if the interior succumbed to the weather because of the building’s not being enclosed, Frangos on Friday agreed to a temporary solution.

Window sashes will be repaired and the windows that were removed will be put back in place. Where windows and sashes are beyond repair, Frangos will fill the openings either with Plexiglas or new glass windows.

The solution was arrived at during an hour-long meeting between the property owner and city officials, including the mayor and Brenda Williams, Youngstown’s chief building official.

Plywood

Brenda Williams took a strong stand against Frangos’ initial plan to install plywood. She had witnessed one of the windows crashing onto East Federal Street and that influenced her decision to ensure the building did not become an eyesore and did not deteriorate to the point of no return.

Along with members of the Design Review Committee, Williams delivered a stern message to the leading real estate developer in downtown Youngstown: The historic structure will not be allowed to become slum property.

Frangos, who owns USA Parking Systems Inc. and the Frangos Group in Cleveland, is the largest property owner in downtown Youngstown.

Because he has the ability to change the face of the city — for better or worse — his actions should be closely monitored by the administration of Mayor Williams and members of the Design Review Committee.

As a result of Friday’s meeting, there will be an assessment of the 531 windows on the upper 12 floors, a cost estimate of the work and the time frame for completing the repairs.

There is another meeting scheduled for Friday, but it should not end the dialogue.

Frangos, who has received millions of dollars in federal and state grants to make his downtown development plans a reality, should welcome advice from restoration experts and individuals who have made financial investments in such ventures.

He owns 10 structures in Youngstown, including such landmarks as the Stambaugh and Chase buildings and Realty and First National Bank towers, a parking deck and five parking lots. That makes him a key participant in the revitalization effort.

While tearing down the Stambaugh Building would be cheaper than restoring it, demolition is not an option.

We have no doubt Frangos knew that his purchase of the Stambaugh Building wasn’t just another real estate transaction. As the keeper of a part of the city’s history, he has a responsibility to ensure the preservation and viability of the high rise.

He must know that all eyes are upon him and that his actions with regard to Stambaugh will speak volumes about his commitment to the city. His reputation in the Mahoning Valley is still being built, and this project will go a long way toward making it a positive or negative one.

Red carpet treatment

City of Youngstown officials rolled out the red carpet for him in the past because they believed he intended to upgrade the properties and increase their occupancy.

His decision to remove the Stambaugh Building windows — he did so under the guise of public safety after a couple broke loose and fell to the street — without first getting a building permit and reportedly without notifying anyone in City Hall is cause for concern.

He has said that given the projected cost of renovating Stambaugh, and in light of the worsening national economy, it may be at least two years before substantative work can begin.

We appreciate the fact that the economy has forced developers to reassess their priorities, but that does not mean important buildings in downtown Youngstown should become piles of rubble.

In comments to the press after last Friday’s meeting, Frangos insisted that he did not buy the Stambaugh Building to tear it down.

We intend to hold him to that statement.