yanni_gogolak

Third Akron site selected to grow marijuana is second spot in Chapel Hill area Published: November 30, 2017 - 11:37 AM | Updated: December 1, 2017 - 8:46 AM By Doug Livingston Beacon Journal/Ohio.com The state announced more provisional licenses for marijuana farms on Thursday, and Akron is getting its third. No other city or town in Ohio will have as many. Canton, following Thursday’s announcement, is now the only place in Ohio with two approved marijuana cultivation sites. And despite operators in the industry expecting the state to spread these medical marijuana businesses out, two of Ohio’s 26 cannabis farms will be next door neighbors in Akron’s Chapel Hill neighborhood. https://www.ohio.com/akron/news/local/third-akron-site-selected-to-grow-marijuana-is-second-spot-in-chapel-hill-area

Akron School Board approves plans for LeBron James’s I Promise School Published: November 27, 2017 - 8:40 PM | Updated: November 28, 2017 - 9:35 AM By Theresa Cottom Beacon Journal staff writer Kids will have an additional hour in school every day called the “illumination period” to use for intervention, enrichment or after-school activities. School will also start in the summer almost 20 days before other Akron Public Schools to encourage information retention and reduce the “summer slide.” https://www.ohio.com/akron/news/akron-school-board-approves-plans-for-lebron-jamess-i-promise-school

In other news… • Superintendent David James said the building at 10 N. Main St. looks like the most viable option for the district’s ongoing search to consolidate its administrative offices once SummaCare moves out in March. He plans to have a final recommendation next month. https://www.ohio.com/akron/news/akron-school-board-approves-plans-for-lebron-jamess-i-promise-school

It wasn't that affordable really. It was about $12 for a burger with no side. So I got a side of fries which was about $5-6 and was probably fine for two people, but I was by myself and there were no other options. I was actually there about 3 weeks ago on Saturday for lunch. There was one family table and a table of guys that looked like they just got done with Football.

Very true. I hope their soon to be empty space in Highland Square is filled soon. I think they had a deal in place before they moved. Barmacy is going in. Probably going to be worse unfortunately.

Akron land swap geared toward hundreds of medical jobs and tens of millions in private development Published: November 20, 2017 - 8:20 PM | Updated: November 21, 2017 - 7:20 AM By Doug Livingston Akron Children’s Hospital is swapping property with the city in a deal that could keep hundreds of jobs downtown, inspire tens of millions of dollars in private development and carve out Akron’s first designated children’s area. Akron City Council fast-tracked a proposal Monday to accept $1.8 million and give two properties (listed in 26 separate parcels, valued at $2.9 million) to Akron Children’s Hospital. In return, the hospital gave the city the Wills Lot (listed in three parcels valued at $115,000) on the other side of the innerbelt near Glendale Cemetery. The city is giving up nearly $1 million to make the deal. https://www.ohio.com/akron/news/local/akron-land-swap-geared-toward-hundreds-of-medical-jobs-and-tens-of-millions-in-private-development

Akron gets $2 million in state aid, sells old building for $500,000 to company it nurtured Published: November 13, 2017 - 8:10 PM | Updated: November 14, 2017 - 1:56 PM By Doug Livingston Beacon Journal/Ohio.com company hatched in Akron’s business incubator is buying a building the city can’t afford to maintain. And the city is accepting $2 million from the state to build a new business incubator. Akron City Council fast-tracked an agreement Monday with the University of Akron to apply up to $2 million in state capital funds for the coming fiscal year to the Bounce Project, the city’s newest engine for tech entrepreneurs. The grant money was approved in Ohio’s 2018-19 Transportation Budget. https://www.ohio.com/akron/news/local/city-get-2-million-in-state-aid-sells-old-building-for-500000-to-company-it-nurtured

Akron’s about to get $20 million in housing Published: November 5, 2017 - 6:14 PM | Updated: November 6, 2017 - 12:39 PM By Doug Livingston Beacon Journal staff writer Akron builders plan to break ground next year on $20 million in housing for America’s newest and oldest residents. The two projects — a plot of 40 town homes in North Hill, where a glut of immigrants are gobbling up housing, and 40 apartments in Middlebury for the elderly — have Testa written all over them. https://www.ohio.com/akron/news/local/akrons-about-to-get-20-million-in-housing

A campus with a view; Stark State College Akron emerges; set to open fall 2018 Published: November 1, 2017 - 5:28 PM | Updated: November 1, 2017 - 5:47 PM By Katie Byard Beacon Journal staff writer From the ground, it looks like a typical construction site. Inside, the new Stark State College campus taking shape offers a sweeping view of downtown Akron. Students will get to enjoy that view when the $14 million brick-and-glass building, visible from state Route 8, opens in fall 2018. https://www.ohio.com/akron/news/breaking-news-news/a-campus-with-a-view-stark-state-college-akron-emerges-set-to-open-fall-2018

Piada Italian Street Food to open Tuesday in Cuyahoga Falls Posted on October 30, 2017 at 3:05 PM By Megan Becka, special to cleveland.com AKRON, Ohio - Piada Italian Street Food, which offers customizable, seasonal cuisine inspired by Italian street food, opens Tuesday in Cuyahoga Falls, according to the restaurant's Facebook page. Piada's Cuyahoga Falls location is its seventh in Northeast Ohio. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2017/10/piada_italian_street_food_to_o.html#incart_river_index

New downtown Akron outdoor art gallery adds to Northside District’s vibrancy Published: October 16, 2017 - 7:28 PM | Updated: October 16, 2017 - 8:35 PM By Katie Byard No one is going to care if the paintings get wet at the new outdoor art gallery in downtown Akron’s Northside District. That’s because the large paintings — installed on a wall along Furnace Street at the district’s entrance — are actually reproduced works of art on vinyl. https://www.ohio.com/akron/lifestyle/new-downtown-akron-outdoor-art-gallery-adds-to-northside-districts-vibrancy Akron's new Northside Marketplace embodies shop local, with 35 retail start-ups Updated on September 13, 2017 at 5:34 PM Posted on September 13, 2017 at 5:33 PM By Jennifer Conn, Akron reporter, cleveland.com AKRON, Ohio -- The new Northside Marketplace, soon to open on the ground floor of the Northside Lofts, is designed as more than a shopping destination. With support from Downtown Akron Partnership and the Knight Foundation, Testa Companies' new indoor marketplace, planned to open in October, will serve as a kind of incubator to help startup companies grow, while offering Akronites a unique place to shop and gather. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2017/09/new_northside_marketplace_set.html

New Pots and Pans restaurant brings Jamaican cuisine to Akron Posted on October 30, 2017 at 12:42 PM By Megan Becka, special to cleveland.com AKRON, Ohio - Akronites looking to broaden their culinary horizons can find their fix at Pots and Pans Jamaican Cuisine, which opened last week at 325 S. Main St., Akron. The restaurant, owned and run by Jamaican natives and siblings Lomaro and Lamesha Caldwell, features Caribbean-inspired fare like tender oxtail and buttery sauteed beans. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2017/10/pots_and_pans_brings_jamaican.html Ohio Brewing Co. leaving Akron for Cuyahoga Falls; Updated on October 23, 2017 at 1:15 PM Posted on October 23, 2017 at 1:14 PM By Marc Bona, cleveland.com AKRON, Ohio - Chris Verich's wanderlust spirit has struck again: Ohio Brewing Co. is moving to Cuyahoga Falls to allow for increased distribution, and the brewery has planned a customer-appreciation party for Saturday, Oct. 28, to say thanks and farewell. But craft-beer fans in the area shouldn't fret too much: The new tenant will maintain a strong emphasis on craft beer and will look at brewing down the line. http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2017/10/ohio_brewing_co_leaving_akron.html

Wholly Joe Coffee to add downtown Akron location Updated on October 11, 2017 at 2:36 PM Posted on October 11, 2017 at 2:32 PM By Megan Becka, special to cleveland.com AKRON, Ohio - Wholly Joe Coffee House and Bakery will open its second Akron location at 333 South Main Street in November. The coffee house will feature fair-trade and organically grown coffees, along with teas, sandwiches, soups and baked goods. Like its Merriman Road location, all coffees will be roasted in-house and used within a week for optimal freshness. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2017/10/wholly_joe_coffee_to_add_downt.html#incart_river_index

Stark State buying land for gateway to Akron campus Published: October 10, 2017 - 9:19 AM | Updated: October 10, 2017 - 8:26 PM By Katie Byard Beacon Journal staff writer Stark State College is moving forward on its plan to create a prominent entrance off East Market Street to its under-construction Akron campus. Stark State has asked for the state Controlling Board’s approval to purchase 2.12 acres of land near Market and Forge streets at the northeast edge of downtown Akron for $660,000. https://www.ohio.com/akron/business/stark-state-buying-land-for-gateway-to-akron-campus

The original plan was apparently for APS to move out of 70 N. Broadway and consolidate its offices into the 400 W Market building, which formerly housed McDonalds' corporate offices, and has since served as temporary "swing space" for schools that were being renovated or rebuilt. APS now owns that building outright. I can see how APS buying the SummaCare building might raise some eyebrows around the community though, particularly when the district was supposedly short of the money and students needed to rebuild Kenmore and Garfield high schools separately. So how do they justify purchasing a relatively new HQ building--and at a major downtown intersection at that--while the district continues to shrink? Administrative bloat, anyone? Kenmore and Garfield were combined because both had declining enrollment. I think one of them only was about 50% full. Also, the State said they will only kick in for one more new school build. The State pays almost 60% of the cost.

Akron's new Northside Marketplace is place for retail and entrepreneurs to grow By SUE WALTON October 08, 2017 Joel Testa sees the new Northside Marketplace as an antidote to retail's woes. "This is how we bring retail back," the president of Testa Companies said on a recent tour of the project. He also sees it as a springboard for young Akron businesses to gain a foothold. And if those companies can do that, it's another step in revitalizing downtown and bringing in residents. http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20171008/news/138061/akrons-new-northside-marketplace-place-retail-and-entrepreneurs-grow

Akron Public Schools consider buying SummaCare building downtown Published: October 3, 2017 - 5:39 PM | Updated: October 3, 2017 - 10:35 PM By Katie Byard Beacon Journal staff writer Akron Public Schools Superintendent David James said the district is considering acquiring the soon-to-be-vacant SummaCare building in downtown Akron as the possible new administration building. James said in a district newsletter released Tuesday that he, other administrators and board members have toured the building at Main and Market streets and “believe the building could be excellent for our needs.” https://www.ohio.com/akron/news/local/akron-public-schools-eyeing-summacare-building-in-downtown-akron

September 10, 2017 4:00 am Updated 2 days ago Akron's Middlebury neighborhood is a microcosm of the city itself Area mixes the new development, old character and blight typical of former industrial towns By DAN SHINGLER Put the entire Rust Belt into a snow globe, and you might get something like Middlebury. "There's definitely a little bit of everything here," said Jason Segedy, Akron's director of planning and urban development, on a recent tour he gave of the Akron neighborhood, which he says was a town even before the Rubber City itself was founded in 1825. http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20170910/news/134896/akrons-middlebury-neighborhood-microcosm-city-itself

Akron brewpub up for sale Published: September 11, 2017 - 1:47 PM | Updated: September 12, 2017 - 9:20 AM By Rick Armon The Ohio Brewing Co. brewpub is up for sale. The brewery, located in Akron’s Highland Square neighborhood, posted a classified advertisement on ProBrewer.com last week (Sept. 8) saying it’s “expanding our existing brewery to a new location and need to move quickly.” https://www.ohio.com/akron/pages/beer/akron-brewpub-sale

University of Akron's $21 million law school renovation includes full courtroom Updated on September 6, 2017 at 3:16 PM Posted on September 6, 2017 at 3:15 PM By Karen Farkas, cleveland.com AKRON, Ohio - A courtroom, complete with judge's bench, jury room and judge's chambers are among the new additions to the University of Akron's School of Law. The $21 million renovation of the C. Blake McDowell Law Center includes a new west wing addition for students and faculty. The university did not take on debt for the renovations, which were paid for with university funds and donations. http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2017/09/university_of_akrons_21_millio.html#incart_river_index

Akron hopes innovation will jump ahead with planned BOUNCE district By DAN SHINGLER September 03, 2017 4:00 am Businesses are going to be key to the success of Akron mayor Dan Horrigan's new venture, the BOUNCE Innovation District, planned for the area around Canal Place on South Main Street. That's according to, among others, David Zipper, the main man who helped the city conceive of BOUNCE. http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20170903/news/134231/akron-hopes-innovation-will-jump-ahead-planned-bounce-district Akron Honey abuzz with new product focus By JENNIFER KARPUS-ROMAIN September 03, 2017 4:00 am Brent Wesley is known around Northeast Ohio for his hustle. He started Akron Honey Co. in June 2013 and gained a lot of local notoriety after appearing on CNBC's reality business show "Cleveland Hustles" in 2016. On the show, he turned down a $100,000 investment because he still needed to figure out where he wanted his company to go. http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20170903/news/134236/akron-honey-abuzz-new-product-focus

Not surprised about this. The RB is in such bad shape it's going to be difficult to rehab it. I would like to see it repourposed, but I have a feeling the wrecking ball is imminent. It's a goner at this point. Give the land to the airport or Derby.

Plan to transform Akron's iconic Rubber Bowl into entertainment venue is dead Updated on August 29, 2017 at 2:28 PM Posted on August 29, 2017 at 2:26 PM By Jennifer Conn, Akron reporter, cleveland.com AKRON, Ohio - Efforts to revitalize Akron's iconic Rubber Bowl as a live music and entertainment venue have come to an end. Team 1 Marketing Group, the Rubber Bowl's recent owners, posted this message on the stadium's Facebook page on Tuesday. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2017/08/efforts_end_to_transform_akron.html#incart_river_home

Testa Cos. plans 40 townhomes for refugees in Akron's North Hill Posted on August 25, 2017 at 3:59 PM By Jennifer Conn, Akron reporter, cleveland.com AKRON, Ohio - Testa Companies plans to build 40 townhomes in North Hill, in what will be the first new family housing development in North Akron in more than 20 years. Through a partnership with the International Institute of Akron, the city and the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Testa plans to break ground in spring 2018 on the International House at San Tomasso (Italian for St. Thomas). The units will be built on land near St. Thomas Hospital and St. Anthony of Padua Parish on N. Main Street and is intended to be largely occupied by refugees. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2017/08/testa_companies_to_build_new_h.html#incart_river_index Rolling Acres demolition continues; JCPenney is coming down Published: August 24, 2017 - 4:02 PM | Updated: August 24, 2017 - 9:34 PM By Betty Lin-Fisher Demolition on the former Rolling Acres Mall continues, including at the former J.C. Penney Outlet building. Wrecking crews began work on the former department store a few weeks ago after the city of Akron officially took ownership. J.C. Penney donated the building to the city, but legal issues took longer than expected for the transfer, said Brad Beckert, city development engineering manager in the mayor’s office of economic development. https://www.ohio.com/akron/breaking-news/rolling-acres-demolition-continues-jcpenney-is-coming-down

Akron awarded $5.7 million for Evans Avenue bridge construction Posted on August 23, 2017 at 3:59 PM By Brittany Nader, special to cleveland.com AKRON, Ohio -- Akron will receive $5.7 million in FASTLANE grant funding to construct a bridge along Evans Avenue over CSX and Metro RTA railroad tracks. The project includes the construction of pair of bridges to realign Evans Avenue, removing a potentially dangerous at-grade crossing with both CSX and Metro RTA railroads. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2017/08/akron_awarded_partial_funding.html#incart_river_mobile_index