Warner Theater
Also known as: Youngstown Symphony Center and Powers Auditorium
Why it's listed
Built in 1930-1931 at 260 West Federal Plaza in Youngstown, this steel-framed theater and office building has masonry exterior walls and a 2,500-seat auditorium with main floor, loge, and two balconies. The Chicago architects C. W. and George L. Rapp designed it, and Heller Brothers of Youngstown built it. The Warner brothers, founders of Warner Brothers Pictures and natives of Youngstown, funded it as a memorial to their parents and their late brother Samuel. It opened on May 14, 1931, at a cost of $1,500,000, and showed motion pictures until February 1968. The grand lobby, a Spanish-style lounge, and the auditorium carry restrained Renaissance and rococo detailing. In 1968-1969 the building was converted to a symphony hall, with a stage extension, orchestra pit, acoustical shell, and a new marble front, though the original bronze doors remain. The nomination values the well-preserved interior and the link to the Warner family.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the building is an exceptional example of a motion picture palace, and the only surviving one of its kind in Youngstown. It was built by the Warner Brothers, a Youngstown family, as a memorial to their parents and brother Samuel. Its rococo interior is described as very well preserved, even though the exterior was remodeled in 1969.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 80003152, listed May 31, 1980. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 260 W. Federal Plaza, Youngstown |
|---|---|
| County | Mahoning County |
| Listed | May 31, 1980 |
| Reference number | 80003152 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1931-1968 |
| Architect / builder | Rapp and Rapp (C. W. and George L. Rapp, Chicago); constructed by Heller Brothers construction company of Youngstown |
| Architectural style | Restrained Renaissance eclecticism with rococo details |
| Areas of significance | Entertainment/Recreation, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | In use as the Youngstown Symphony Center and Powers Auditorium since 1969; the front facade was remodeled with a new marquee and marble facade, while the interiors retain their character. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 41.10218, -80.65302 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For an income-producing building, listing (individually or as a contributing building in a district) is the gateway to the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit on qualified rehabilitation costs, often stackable with state credits. Work claiming the credit must follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and be approved in advance.
Listing does not restrict a private owner acting without federal money or permits; where federal funding or licensing is involved, Section 106 review applies.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 80003152.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7236808
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.