Want to help fund a facelift for the Foster Theatre? Here’s how you can chip in

YOUNGSTOWN — The word “Revitalize” on the marquee of the iconic Foster Theatre is doing a lot of work.

For starters, just a few weeks ago — before the building was purchased by the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation on June 9 — “Revitalize” replaced an enduring advertisement for pornographic films.

Still, the sign itself is begging for attention: The burgundy accent paint is faded and chipped. Some of the neon that once illuminated “Foster” on two sides of the triangular overhang is missing.

Not for long: Updating the marquee is the first phase in YNDC’s plan to renovate the building.

“Obviously [the marquee] is something that you see,” said YNDC Director Ian Beniston. “It has a significant presence on the street.”

Repairing the facade and relighting the sign will “[show] some initial impact,” he added. “I think it’s a good incremental first step.”

To help fund the project, YNDC set up a GoFundMe with a goal of $20,000. As of Wednesday at 5 p.m., the campaign raised more than $2,000.

Beniston is also considering other ways of fundraising for the project. For example, YNDC could auction off some of the historic signage or other items the organization inherited in the sale.

Once the repair is completed, YNDC can put up different messages, he said.

But, for now, “Revitalize” stays.

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 will be alive ... My dad would be thrilled.”

Beniston didn’t have a timeframe for the project but said as soon as YNDC raises the necessary cash, it will get started on the repair.

As for the rest of the building renovation, that’s “going to be a good deal of time,” he noted.

This story was originally published July 8, 2021 at 3:52 AM.