One of the first donors of the festival tent restoration project was Lana Shagrin Oyer, whose father Joe Shagrin opened the Foster Theater for the first time in 1938.
YOUNGSTOWN – The word “Revitalize” on the marquee of the legendary Foster Theater is a lot of work.
For starters, just a few weeks ago – before that Building was bought by Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation on June 9 – Revitalize replaced a permanent advertisement for pornographic films.
Still, the sign itself is screaming for attention: the burgundy accent color has faded and chipped. Some of the neon that once illuminated “Foster” on two sides of the triangular overhang is missing.
Not long now: The modernization of the marquee is the first phase of the YNDC plan to renovate the building.
“Obviously [the marquee] is something you see, “said YNDC Director Ian Beniston.” It has a significant presence on the street. “
Repairing the facade and relighting the sign is “[show] an initial effect, “he added.” I think it’s a good gradual first step. ”
To fund the project, YNDC has one GoFundMe with a goal of $ 20,000. At 5 p.m. on Wednesday, the campaign raised more than $ 2,000.
Beniston is also considering other fundraising options for the project. For example, YNDC could auction some of the historical signage or other items that the organization inherited when it was sold.
Once the repair is complete, YNDC will be able to place various messages, he said.
But for now there is “Revitalize”.
One of the first donors was Lana Shagrin Oyer, whose father Joe Shagrin first opened the theater in 1938.
The project “will keep the Foster name in the family,” said Oyer. “I feel so good that the name comes to life … my father would be delighted.”
Beniston did not have a timeframe for the project but said once YNDC raised the necessary money it would start repairs.
As for the rest of the building renovation, it will be “a lot of time,” he noted.
