The Mahoning County Courthouse, located at 120 Market Street in Youngstown, Ohio, was designed by architect Charles F. Owsley in the Second Wren Renaissance Revival style. Construction began with the laying of the cornerstone on June 11, 1908, and was completed in 1910. This majestic building features an expansive marble lobby with 12 towering marble columns. At its center, the rotunda rises nearly 100 feet, crowned by a stunning glazed art glass dome. Two grand marble staircases border the rotunda, while the interior showcases mahogany woodwork and six-foot-high marble wainscoting. The open-air lobby provides a panoramic view of the balconies, offices and courtrooms spread across all four floors.
The stairway landings are adorned with paintings symbolizing the county’s historical ties to agriculture and manufacturing, the dominant industries at the turn of the century. Many individual courtrooms also feature priceless murals, with one depicting the very first trial in Ohio. In 1985, a major restoration project began, and today the courthouse is recognized for its historical significance, earning national preservation awards and a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Mahoning County Courthouse serves all residents and municipalities within Mahoning County, Ohio, including cities like Youngstown, Struthers and Canfield, as well as townships and villages such as Boardman, Austintown, Sebring and Poland. As the central hub for legal matters in the county, the courthouse handles cases from both rural and urban areas across its jurisdiction.
Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas
The Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas is the county’s primary trial court, handling a wide range of cases, including criminal, civil, domestic relations and probate matters. Located in the Mahoning County Courthouse, it serves as the central location for legal proceedings in the area. The courthouse provides the necessary space and infrastructure for the court's operations, where judges, attorneys and the public engage in the legal process, making it a critical part of the county’s judicial system.
Mahoning County Clerk of Courts
The Mahoning County Clerk of Courts is responsible for managing all court records and legal documents for the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas and its divisions. The Clerk's office ensures the smooth operation of the legal system by overseeing filings, case documentation and public records, serving as the administrative backbone for court activities within the courthouse.
Probate Court
The Probate Court in Mahoning County handles legal matters related to estates, guardianships, adoptions and the administration of wills. It offers essential services to individuals and families dealing with end-of-life planning and other personal legal issues. The courthouse serves as the venue for probate hearings and filings, making it an integral part of the court's operations.
Government Offices in the Courthouse
In addition to housing the county's courts, the Mahoning County Courthouse is home to several key government offices, including the Auditor, Treasurer and Recorder. The auditor's office is responsible for property assessments and maintaining financial records, while the Treasurer's office manages tax collection and county funds. The Recorder's office oversees the recording and preservation of property documents, deeds and mortgages. Together, these offices provide essential services to the residents of Mahoning County, ensuring the efficient management of public records and finances.