Our Process

The Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor was built to commemorate the steel industry and the area's the role in it throughout the 20th century.  The facility broke ground in 1986 and was designed to be reminiscent of a steel mill by the well-respected Architect Michael Graves.  The museum is viewed as a salute to the workers and the products they toiled to produce.  

The back entrance was designed with 12" x 12" x 4" and 8" x 8" x 4" Decora glass block.  Being set in a structural steel framing system, it is reminiscent of what came out of the region's steel mills over the previous 100 years.  Recently, Meta Von Rabenau, lead architect with the Ohio Historical Society, was tasked with determining what was needed to ensure the viability of the system for another 30 years.  Her first call was to GBA, the largest U.S. supplier and installer of glass block for over 40 years.  After meeting on site with Rabenau, we collaborated on a plan to replace any damaged block and upgrade the mortar and sealant components.  In addition, our goal was to return the steel framing structure to a "like new" appearance and condition. 

GBA proceeded to procure all damaged block in kind and replace them.  We removed any necessary mortar and pointed up the joints, removed all caulk, and upgraded to the newer, better-performing modern sealants.  All the steel was remediated, primed, and painted to replicate the look from opening day.  GBA used a mortar sealant to inhibit moisture penetration into the glass block system.  "Maintenance on the glass block to update and improve the system now, allowing another 30 years of peak performance seemed like a good investment," said Rabenau.   The final product was everything Rabenau had hoped for when she started to look for a partner on this restoration project. 

 

Architect
Meta von Rabenau
General Contractor & Customer
Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor
Owner
Ohio Historical Connection
Product
Pittsburgh Corning 8" x 8" x 3" Decora

Main Street Station Gallery

Youngstown Museum (2) Youngstown Museum 06 Youngstown Museum (3) Youngstown Museum - 1 Youngstown Museum 01 Youngstown Museum 02 Youngstown Museum 04 Youngstown Museum 05

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What Customers Say

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"Work was done very professionally with outstanding quality.  Your crews were very attentive to detail & made sure to protect surrounding work surfaces from damage.  They communicated well with my field team to ensure we & the Owner were satisfied with the end product.  Job well done." - Russell Stafford, RNGD A Palmisano Company

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"We were lucky to have GBA on our project at Lutheran East High School. From the front office to the field supervision and crew were very knowledgeable with our project. Took extra care not to damage the building during demolition. The quality of materials and their labor force was top-notch." — Peter Powell, Carey Construction Group

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"We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the glass block at Lutheran East High School and have received many compliments on the design. The glass block windows give the building a nice “pop” of color on the exterior each side of the gym and helped to maintain the identity of the school." - Rick Jozity, Meraki Architects, L.L.C 

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"I saw the final glass block wall in person and it really is a work of art. We are so grateful for your team’s hard work on this." – Crister Cantrell, Gensler

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"As the Senior Project Manager for the general contracting company responsible for completing all aspects of the historical restoration, structural rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse modifications to the derelict Triboro tuberculosis hospital, one of the most difficult challenges was finding capable and qualified subcontractors for the key restoration trades that are both committed to quality construction and respectful of the historical restoration process.  I am lucky enough to have worked with GBA on previous successful projects and was glad to bring them into this project.  GBA provided the essential expertise and quality craftsmanship that this project needed and was a reliable partner helping us convert the Triboro Tuberculosis Hospital into the T Building Residence." – Senior Project Manager, Bill Harwood for the GC, Mega Contracting

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"On behalf of me, my project manager and CGC; I would like to reach out to applaud the quality and workmanship of the crew sent out to do the glass block wall outside of the theater here in Hudson. Dan and Nate went above and beyond to keep their work area organized and clean, even protected our finish trim and VWC in the mixing area with plastic. If only more companies active on site would follow in your companies steps these buildings would be cut and dry and run very efficiently. Thank you! - Jake M. Behler, Cameron General Contractors