Congressman Rulli Challenges Demolition Plans, Advocates for Saving Youngstown’s Historic Realty Building Amidst Safety Concerns

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — The debate over the fate of the explosion-damaged Realty Building in downtown Youngstown intensified this week, as local leaders and citizens clashed with the building’s owners on the appropriate course of action. Representative Michael Rulli of Ohio’s 6th Congressional District argued for a measured response that prioritizes securing and possibly preserving the building.

Rep. Rulli emphasized the need for urgency in stabilizing the structure to prevent further danger. “I would hope that the mayor would slow this down, and let’s secure the cosmic building,” he said. This perspective, however, runs counter to recent assertions by the property owners, who believe the building should be demolished.

Rulli criticized the owner’s approach, labeling it as seeking “the easy way out” and not in the best interests of Youngstown residents. Supporters of saving the building, including local architect Paul Hagman, maintain that with the appropriate resources, the building could be made safe again. Last week, Hagman, alongside experts from Cincinnati-based engineering firm SSRG, conducted a preliminary assessment of the structure.

“The team was able to get quite close to inspect the building, offering a glimmer of hope after making some critical observations,” Hagman recalled. He remains optimistic about developing a plan that ensures public safety while preserving the iconic structure.

Despite these hopeful signs, the building’s owners have since denied further access to engineers, a decision Hagman described as both “shocking” and “disappointing.” Rep. Rulli suggested using both state funds from Columbus and federal support from Washington, as well as unspent city ARPA funding, to aid in stabilizing the building.

“The property owner must allow us to use all available resources to determine if this building can be saved,” Rulli stated, pressing for a cooperative effort.

The controversy has evoked strong feelings within the community. Local resident Scott Shulick expressed concerns about the lasting impact of the owner’s decision. “They’ll forever be remembered as the ones who potentially spoiled the future of downtown Youngstown; that’s what this is about,” Shulick said.

The owners are on a tight deadline, with just until next Friday to submit their plans for the building to the county’s Building Department. The final decision on the building’s fate hangs in the balance, as the community waits to see if a solution can be found that balances safety with historical preservation. As the debate continues, the question looms large: What will the future hold for this significant piece of Youngstown’s architectural heritage?