Award-winning upgrades to "Old Main"

Just about every university has one — an old, iconic signature building that hearkens to the institution's beginnings.

At YSU, it's Jones Hall - the stately "Old Main" on the corner of Lincoln and Wick avenues. But, after reigning over the university for nearly 90 years, the old gal was starting to show her age.

So, this past year, university facilities completed an extensive renovation of the outside of the structure, including replacement of the original slate roof and copper flashing, gutters and downspouts. All rotted substructure was also repaired or replaced, and some of the building's stones were re-set.

The restoration was recognized with the Community Revitalization Award from the Mahoning Valley Historical Society.

“These improvements help restore and maintain the original look and feel to the building's exterior for many years to come,” said Rich White, YSU director of Planning and Construction.

Jones Hall opened in 1931 and served as the college’s primary instructional and administrative building. Named after YSU’s first president, Howard Jones, the building evolved over the years, most notably in 1949 with a major addition. The building again received a substantial renovation in 1978, when the majority of the classroom space was converted into offices.