Paramount Theater

100 years ago, that would have been the time to live in Y-town. That's when the money was here. Not that this far future place is without it's charms. My wife and I have a taste for the spooky, and abandoned. We're awed by the empty splendor of downtown Youngstown. The building featured in the previous entry is The Wick Building. Today's building is, "The Paramount Theater". Here's a bit about it, courtesy of cinematresures.org: "Opened as the Liberty in 1918, this small, yet elegant building was clad in white terra cotta, and ornamented with swags and fluted pilasters. It became known as the Paramount in the late 1920's and its mezzanine was given an Art Deco makeover in the 1930's. Closed by the early 1970's, the marquee has since been removed, leaving only a metal framework. An ill fated renovation was attempted in the early 1980's but abandoned due to cost constraints. The interior plasterwork was particularly beautiful. The building contains two empty storefronts which have been gutted although the lobby and auditorium is more or less intact." It only stands to reason what's happened in Youngstown. The question is what now? The powers that be have decided the best thing is to downsize the real estate to match the populous. They'd like to see the over 4500 abandoned buildings in Youngstown demolished. There's been some demolition,  and most residents agree that they would like to see some eyesores removed. What it it look like if all 4500 buildings were gone? as an artist, I can't help but to think in these terms. Unfortunately, most of the classic architecture featured in my painting are empty and or abandoned. What will it be like around here when the buildings are gone? The truth is, no one knows. I do know that tearing down the buildings won't make the poor people go away.

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