October 31, 20177 yr Author 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
November 1, 20177 yr Author 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
November 6, 20177 yr Author 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
November 14, 20177 yr Author 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
November 21, 20177 yr Author 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
November 28, 20177 yr Author 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
December 7, 20177 yr Author Mayor Dan Horrigan announces board members and CEO search for new Bounce innovation center Updated Dec 6, 1:49 PM; Posted Dec 6, 1:53 PM By Jennifer Conn, Akron reporter, cleveland.com jconnCleveland[/member].com AKRON, Ohio -The search is on for a CEO to head up Bounce, the city's new, nonprofit, central innovation center. Mayor Dan Horrigan on Wednesday announced five area professionals who will serve on the board of the facility, which is designed to support innovation, entrepreneurship and investment in Akron's startup and business community. The Bounce board includes: http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2017/12/mayor_dan_horrigan_announces_b.html#incart_river_index
December 7, 20177 yr Author And here's a slide from the draft presentation of the Downtown Visioning plan of the Canal Place area which they are calling South Side. Click to enlarge.
December 8, 20177 yr Author Any way you could downsize these images a little? That is huge! What platform are you viewing on? Fits fine on a PC. I changed it to a clickable image for enlargement. But here are some of the slides: How to make downtown Akron more vibrant: New redevelopment plan offers many ideas Updated Dec 7, 4:56 PM; Posted Dec 7, 4:58 PM By Jennifer Conn, Akron reporter, cleveland.com AKRON, Ohio - New townhomes along the Ohio & Erie Canal, stronger connections to the Towpath Trail and a pedestrian bridge from downtown to the Northside Arts District are all recommendations in a plan to make downtown Akron more vibrant. The Downtown Akron Vision & Redevelopment draft plan was revealed Wednesday night at the Akron Civic Theatre at a meeting led by MKSK urban designers. The plan focuses on five key areas of downtown that could be re-enlivened and redeveloped over a 10-year period. The ideas are based on resident input gleaned throughout the year from meetings, surveys, interviews and interactive tools. MKSK, based in Columbus, will release a final plan in early 2018. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2017/12/recommendations_revealed_for_r.html#incart_river_index
December 11, 20177 yr Author Akron Public Schools to save about $1.3 million through office consolidation Updated Dec 8; Posted Dec 8 By Jennifer Conn, Akron reporter, cleveland.com jconnCleveland[/member].com AKRON, Ohio - Akron Public Schools could save as much as $1.3 million dollars a year when it consolidates its administration team into the former SummaCare building next year. SummaCare will move its corporate offices to Akron's East End neighborhood in March into the space that formerly housed the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company headquarters. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2017/12/akron_public_schools_to_save_a.html#incart_river_index
February 1, 20187 yr Author Bowery Development Group seeks $1.85 million to construct Lock 4 Arcade Updated Jan 30, 4:21 PM; Posted Jan 30, 4:25 PM By Jennifer Conn, Akron reporter, cleveland.com jconnCleveland[/member].com AKRON, Ohio - The Bowery Development Group is seeking an additional $1.85 million to help better integrate Main Street with the Ohio & Erie Canal at Lock 4 in the Bowery Project. The canal flows behind the six historic buildings featured in the project. The $38 million Bowery Project is redeveloping the historic, 12-story Landmark Building and five smaller retail buildings from 164 S. Main St. to 184 S. Main St. in the same block as the Akron Civic Theatre. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2018/01/bowery_development_group_seeks.html#incart_river_index United Way looking to purchase Sojourner Truth Building from Summit County Updated Jan 30, 5:04 PM; Posted Jan 30, 2:02 PM By Jennifer Conn, Akron reporter, cleveland.com jconnCleveland[/member].com AKRON, Ohio - United Way of Summit County will soon join Akron Public Schools as residents of the north end of downtown Akron, invigorating a section of the city that could have slipped into decline. Akron Public Schools will consolidate its offices this year by moving into Ten N. Main St., which SummaCare is vacating as it moves to the previous Goodyear Tire & Rubber headquarters in the East Akron neighborhood. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2018/01/united_way_looking_to_purchase.html
February 1, 20187 yr Bowery Development Group seeks $1.85 million to construct Lock 4 Arcade Updated Jan 30, 4:21 PM; Posted Jan 30, 4:25 PM By Jennifer Conn, Akron reporter, cleveland.com jconnCleveland[/member].com AKRON, Ohio - The Bowery Development Group is seeking an additional $1.85 million to help better integrate Main Street with the Ohio & Erie Canal at Lock 4 in the Bowery Project. The canal flows behind the six historic buildings featured in the project. The $38 million Bowery Project is redeveloping the historic, 12-story Landmark Building and five smaller retail buildings from 164 S. Main St. to 184 S. Main St. in the same block as the Akron Civic Theatre. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2018/01/bowery_development_group_seeks.html#incart_river_index Awesome. What a fantastic development this is going to be. Lock 4 is a beautiful and underutilized gem in the middle of Akron.
February 1, 20187 yr Bowery Development Group seeks $1.85 million to construct Lock 4 Arcade Updated Jan 30, 4:21 PM; Posted Jan 30, 4:25 PM By Jennifer Conn, Akron reporter, cleveland.com jconnCleveland[/member].com AKRON, Ohio - The Bowery Development Group is seeking an additional $1.85 million to help better integrate Main Street with the Ohio & Erie Canal at Lock 4 in the Bowery Project. The canal flows behind the six historic buildings featured in the project. The $38 million Bowery Project is redeveloping the historic, 12-story Landmark Building and five smaller retail buildings from 164 S. Main St. to 184 S. Main St. in the same block as the Akron Civic Theatre. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2018/01/bowery_development_group_seeks.html#incart_river_index Awesome. What a fantastic development this is going to be. Lock 4 is a beautiful and underutilized gem in the middle of Akron. Question, are there any renderings or ideas on how to address the huge blank (west?) wall of the theater?
February 2, 20187 yr Author Bowery Development Group seeks $1.85 million to construct Lock 4 Arcade Updated Jan 30, 4:21 PM; Posted Jan 30, 4:25 PM By Jennifer Conn, Akron reporter, cleveland.com jconnCleveland[/member].com AKRON, Ohio - The Bowery Development Group is seeking an additional $1.85 million to help better integrate Main Street with the Ohio & Erie Canal at Lock 4 in the Bowery Project. The canal flows behind the six historic buildings featured in the project. The $38 million Bowery Project is redeveloping the historic, 12-story Landmark Building and five smaller retail buildings from 164 S. Main St. to 184 S. Main St. in the same block as the Akron Civic Theatre. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2018/01/bowery_development_group_seeks.html#incart_river_index Awesome. What a fantastic development this is going to be. Lock 4 is a beautiful and underutilized gem in the middle of Akron. Question, are there any renderings or ideas on how to address the huge blank (west?) wall of the theater? There's a mural on it. Bowery Development Group seeks $1.85 million to construct Lock 4 Arcade Updated Jan 30, 4:21 PM; Posted Jan 30, 4:25 PM By Jennifer Conn, Akron reporter, cleveland.com jconnCleveland[/member].com AKRON, Ohio - The Bowery Development Group is seeking an additional $1.85 million to help better integrate Main Street with the Ohio & Erie Canal at Lock 4 in the Bowery Project. The canal flows behind the six historic buildings featured in the project. The $38 million Bowery Project is redeveloping the historic, 12-story Landmark Building and five smaller retail buildings from 164 S. Main St. to 184 S. Main St. in the same block as the Akron Civic Theatre. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2018/01/bowery_development_group_seeks.html#incart_river_index Awesome. What a fantastic development this is going to be. Lock 4 is a beautiful and underutilized gem in the middle of Akron. I honestly can't see why anyone would walk down there to shop. It has no street connection.
February 3, 20187 yr Bowery Development Group seeks $1.85 million to construct Lock 4 Arcade Updated Jan 30, 4:21 PM; Posted Jan 30, 4:25 PM By Jennifer Conn, Akron reporter, cleveland.com jconnCleveland[/member].com AKRON, Ohio - The Bowery Development Group is seeking an additional $1.85 million to help better integrate Main Street with the Ohio & Erie Canal at Lock 4 in the Bowery Project. The canal flows behind the six historic buildings featured in the project. The $38 million Bowery Project is redeveloping the historic, 12-story Landmark Building and five smaller retail buildings from 164 S. Main St. to 184 S. Main St. in the same block as the Akron Civic Theatre. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2018/01/bowery_development_group_seeks.html#incart_river_index Awesome. What a fantastic development this is going to be. Lock 4 is a beautiful and underutilized gem in the middle of Akron. Question, are there any renderings or ideas on how to address the huge blank (west?) wall of the theater? There's a mural on it. Bowery Development Group seeks $1.85 million to construct Lock 4 Arcade Updated Jan 30, 4:21 PM; Posted Jan 30, 4:25 PM By Jennifer Conn, Akron reporter, cleveland.com jconnCleveland[/member].com AKRON, Ohio - The Bowery Development Group is seeking an additional $1.85 million to help better integrate Main Street with the Ohio & Erie Canal at Lock 4 in the Bowery Project. The canal flows behind the six historic buildings featured in the project. The $38 million Bowery Project is redeveloping the historic, 12-story Landmark Building and five smaller retail buildings from 164 S. Main St. to 184 S. Main St. in the same block as the Akron Civic Theatre. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2018/01/bowery_development_group_seeks.html#incart_river_index Awesome. What a fantastic development this is going to be. Lock 4 is a beautiful and underutilized gem in the middle of Akron. I honestly can't see why anyone would walk down there to shop. It has no street connection. The article states they are building an arcade to connect Lock 4 with the street. That will make it easy to access.
February 4, 20187 yr Author Bowery Development Group seeks $1.85 million to construct Lock 4 Arcade Updated Jan 30, 4:21 PM; Posted Jan 30, 4:25 PM By Jennifer Conn, Akron reporter, cleveland.com jconnCleveland[/member].com AKRON, Ohio - The Bowery Development Group is seeking an additional $1.85 million to help better integrate Main Street with the Ohio & Erie Canal at Lock 4 in the Bowery Project. The canal flows behind the six historic buildings featured in the project. The $38 million Bowery Project is redeveloping the historic, 12-story Landmark Building and five smaller retail buildings from 164 S. Main St. to 184 S. Main St. in the same block as the Akron Civic Theatre. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2018/01/bowery_development_group_seeks.html#incart_river_index Awesome. What a fantastic development this is going to be. Lock 4 is a beautiful and underutilized gem in the middle of Akron. I honestly can't see why anyone would walk down there to shop. It has no street connection. The article states they are building an arcade to connect Lock 4 with the street. That will make it easy to access. Unless they are incorporating an elevator, I don't see how that's possible. Probably 15-20 feet elevation difference. There are stairs from Bowery down to Lock 4.
February 7, 20187 yr Author This makes more sense now. Developers have upped the estimated cost from $35 million to $40 million after adding a walkway connecting off-site parking and an arcade taking shoppers from Main Street through a tunnel in the buildings that spills out onto Lock 4. There, the canal view would complement outdoor dining and entertainment. Bowery project gets more public support as costs increase Published: February 6, 2018 - 6:51 PM | Updated: February 6, 2018 - 10:54 PM By Doug Livingston Beacon Journal/Ohio.com The city of Akron is lending the full faith of its public revenue for a $1.85 million loan to help private developers save six empty downtown buildings and bring housing, restaurants and shopping to the area. https://www.ohio.com/akron/news/local/bowery-project-gets-more-public-support-as-costs-increase
February 22, 20187 yr I dig it. "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
March 8, 20187 yr Akron to receive $8 million federal TIGER grant for downtown improvements By Jennifer Conn, Akron reporter, cleveland.com jconnCleveland[/member].com AKRON, Ohio - The city of Akron will receive an $8 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant to continue improvements to downtown. Sen. Sherrod Brown wrote to the Department of Transportation in support of the project last October. "When Ohio cities have up-to-date roads and infrastructure, it helps them grow and supports local jobs," Brown said in a news release. "This support is critical to continued efforts to improve downtown Akron and its Main Street Corridor." http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2018/03/akron_to_receive_8_million_tig.html
March 13, 20187 yr Author Akron's historic Mayflower Manor to be bought, renovated by senior-living developer Capital Realty Group Updated Mar 12, 6:43 PM; Posted Mar 12, 6:39 PM By Jennifer Conn, Akron reporter, cleveland.com jconnCleveland[/member].com AKRON, Ohio - Another block in downtown Akron is poised for redevelopment as plans are in the works for sale of the Mayflower Manor. New York-based Capital Realty Group Inc., which specializes in senior subsidized housing, is finalizing purchase of the 16-story, 450-room building at 263 South Main from the Mayflower Housing Partnership. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2018/03/akrons_historic_mayflower_mano.html#incart_river_index
March 19, 20187 yr Author March 18, 2018 4:00 am Akron's Bounce Innovation Hub is behind on construction but has a head start with investors By DAN SHINGLER Akron's Bounce Innovation Hub is behind schedule in terms of its build-out, but it might be ahead of the game in terms of building a team that will be able to help local startups in its incubator space succeed — including by giving them access to potential investors. Tenants, cheerleaders and investors all say they are happy that the city's new initiative has a well-connected venture capitalist at the helm in the form of new Bounce CEO Douglas Weintraub. http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20180318/news/155201/akrons-bounce-innovation-hub-behind-construction-has-head-start
March 22, 20187 yr Author Heard this one before..... Akron landmark will become a hotel March 20, 2018 3:02 pm Updated 16 hours ago By JAY MILLER An affiliate of the Development Financing Authority of Summit County is lending $1.28 million to a developer who intends to turn downtown Akron's United Building into a $10 million, 71-room boutique hotel in Akron's Main/Market Streets Historic Arts district. The loan was made through the Akron Community Revitalization Fund (ACRF), which is capitalized by local philanthropies, corporations and individuals. The ACRF was established to assist with financing important community and economic development projects. http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20180320/news/155551/akron-landmark-will-become-hotel Akron's United Building hotel project gets big boost from new Community Revitalization Fund loan Updated Mar 21, 3:06 PM; Posted Mar 21, 3:03 PM By Jennifer Conn, Akron reporter, cleveland.com jconnCleveland[/member].com AKRON, Ohio - The Development Fund of the Western Reserve is issuing its first-ever loan to help underwrite the redevelopment of Akron's historic United Building at Main and Market streets into a 71-room boutique hotel. The $1.28 million loan was made from the fund's Akron Community Revitalization Fund, said Chris Burnham, executive director of the Development Finance Authority of Summit County, which helps finance economic development across Summit County and manages the Development Fund of the Western Reserve. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2018/03/akron_community_revitalization.html
March 23, 20187 yr Author Akron's BLU-tique hotel hopes to open by Thanksgiving By DAN SHINGLER March 22, 2018 2:00 pm Updated 4 hours ago After years of wrangling with plans, financing and other hurdles, Akron developer Anthony Troppe says he hopes to have his new 71-room BLU-tique Hotel open by Thanksgiving. Troppe says that a $1.28 million loan approved this week by an affiliate of the Development Financing Authority of Summit Count was the last piece of the financial puzzle necessary to get the project under way. http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20180322/news/155796/akrons-blu-tique-hotel-hopes-open-thanksgiving
March 27, 20187 yr New rendering of the TIGER grant Phase I. What a huge improvement. With this, the renovation of the block around the Civic Theater and the new botique hotel that just got funded, downtown is really headed in the right direction. Still more to do, of course, but this is very encouraging.
March 27, 20187 yr Author New rendering of the TIGER grant Phase I. What a huge improvement. With this, the renovation of the block around the Civic Theater and the new botique hotel that just got funded, downtown is really headed in the right direction. Still more to do, of course, but this is very encouraging. Yea, still skeptical on most of the building developments. Most are still trying to secure funding. The hotel was announced over two years ago. They were probably floundering for financing as well. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2016/01/blutique_hotel_featuring_jazz.html
March 28, 20187 yr I have to admit that I'm skeptical of the boutique hotel concept, too, even though that's a fairly good location for one, near government (executive and judicial) buildings, corporate offices, and reasonably near the hospitals (a little bit farther but not impossible for people who aren't actually patients with limited mobility). It took a ridiculous amount of heavy lifting to get the Courtyard by Marriott, and that was a mid-budget chain hotel.
March 28, 20187 yr Author I have to admit that I'm skeptical of the boutique hotel concept, too, even though that's a fairly good location for one, near government (executive and judicial) buildings, corporate offices, and reasonably near the hospitals (a little bit farther but not impossible for people who aren't actually patients with limited mobility). It took a ridiculous amount of heavy lifting to get the Courtyard by Marriott, and that was a mid-budget chain hotel. I think it can work. Cool idea. I'm also talking about the Landmark project. They have not released anything official yet, but they said they are looking at the $2 s.f. range. That's Cleveland pricing.
April 27, 20187 yr Author Summa Health hosts topping ceremony for new West Tower Updated Apr 24; Posted Apr 24 By Jennifer Conn, Akron reporter, cleveland.com jconnCleveland[/member].com AKRON, Ohio - Summa Health System's leadership, clinicians and support staff performed a ceremonial topping of the new $270 million West Tower on Tuesday, despite chilly rain and wind. The new six-floor tower, set to open next year, is part of a $350 million facility plan, which includes modernizing Summa's Barberton campus, building a medical office on the Akron campus, and increasing outpatient capacity across the system. http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2018/04/summa_health_hosts_topping_cer.html Akron Officials Say They're At the 'Two-Yard Line' In Getting The Bowery Project Moving By Kabir Bhatia • Apr 23, 2018 Officials in Akron say they’re at “the two-yard line” when it comes to securing funding for the long-delayed, $40 million Bowery redevelopment project. The six empty buildings next to the Akron Civic Theater have been slated for re-use for about 20 years. But only in the last several years has funding been secured for most of the project. Earlier this year, The Bowery was denied New Market Tax Credits that would have generated about $4.5 million in capital – the final piece of funding needed to begin work. http://wksu.org/post/akron-officials-say-theyre-two-yard-line-getting-bowery-project-moving
May 7, 20187 yr Author Owner hopes to convert Akron's Law Building to high-end apartments, mixed use By DAN SHINGLER Downtown Akron's Law Building could become the city's next luxury apartment building if its owner can put together the financing needed to complete a $26 million redevelopment. Its owner, New Jersey developer and real estate investor Tom Rybak, said he hopes to turn the 11-story office building into a high-end, mixed-use tower, with most of its space converted to apartments. http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20180506/news/160526/owner-hopes-convert-akrons-law-building-high-end-apartments-mixed-use
May 7, 20187 yr Owner hopes to convert Akron's Law Building to high-end apartments, mixed use By DAN SHINGLER Downtown Akron's Law Building could become the city's next luxury apartment building if its owner can put together the financing needed to complete a $26 million redevelopment. Its owner, New Jersey developer and real estate investor Tom Rybak, said he hopes to turn the 11-story office building into a high-end, mixed-use tower, with most of its space converted to apartments. http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20180506/news/160526/owner-hopes-convert-akrons-law-building-high-end-apartments-mixed-use The issue in this project has been the reputation of Akron, I'm sorry to say," Rybak said, when asked why he thought financing the project was difficult. That's sobering.
May 8, 20187 yr Owner hopes to convert Akron's Law Building to high-end apartments, mixed use By DAN SHINGLER Downtown Akron's Law Building could become the city's next luxury apartment building if its owner can put together the financing needed to complete a $26 million redevelopment. Its owner, New Jersey developer and real estate investor Tom Rybak, said he hopes to turn the 11-story office building into a high-end, mixed-use tower, with most of its space converted to apartments. http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20180506/news/160526/owner-hopes-convert-akrons-law-building-high-end-apartments-mixed-use The issue in this project has been the reputation of Akron, I'm sorry to say," Rybak said, when asked why he thought financing the project was difficult. That's sobering. What do people expect when every Nike commercial filmed here depicts Akron as a ghetto from which LeBron escaped. They never show the beauty. I like the current mayor and city planner a lot; now the city needs a good PR machine.
May 8, 20187 yr Author Owner hopes to convert Akron's Law Building to high-end apartments, mixed use By DAN SHINGLER Downtown Akron's Law Building could become the city's next luxury apartment building if its owner can put together the financing needed to complete a $26 million redevelopment. Its owner, New Jersey developer and real estate investor Tom Rybak, said he hopes to turn the 11-story office building into a high-end, mixed-use tower, with most of its space converted to apartments. http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20180506/news/160526/owner-hopes-convert-akrons-law-building-high-end-apartments-mixed-use The issue in this project has been the reputation of Akron, I'm sorry to say," Rybak said, when asked why he thought financing the project was difficult. That's sobering. What do people expect when every Nike commercial filmed here depicts Akron as a ghetto from which LeBron escaped. They never show the beauty. I like the current mayor and city planner a lot; now the city needs a good PR machine. Wow, that's entirely not true. This was a PR piece to drum up investment. From what I've heard this will not move forward until the Bowery project across the street is proven viable. Basically, do your homework and let me copy.
May 8, 20187 yr Owner hopes to convert Akron's Law Building to high-end apartments, mixed use By DAN SHINGLER Downtown Akron's Law Building could become the city's next luxury apartment building if its owner can put together the financing needed to complete a $26 million redevelopment. Its owner, New Jersey developer and real estate investor Tom Rybak, said he hopes to turn the 11-story office building into a high-end, mixed-use tower, with most of its space converted to apartments. http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20180506/news/160526/owner-hopes-convert-akrons-law-building-high-end-apartments-mixed-use The issue in this project has been the reputation of Akron, I'm sorry to say," Rybak said, when asked why he thought financing the project was difficult. That's sobering. What do people expect when every Nike commercial filmed here depicts Akron as a ghetto from which LeBron escaped. They never show the beauty. I like the current mayor and city planner a lot; now the city needs a good PR machine. Wow, that's entirely not true. This was a PR piece to drum up investment. From what I've heard this will not move forward until the Bowery project across the street is proven viable. Basically, do your homework and let me copy. Sorry, which part is entirely not true? My concerns with Nike commercials or the Law Building conversion? My concerns are true, lol!
May 10, 20187 yr Author Sorry, which part is entirely not true? My concerns with Nike commercials or the Law Building conversion? My concerns are true, lol! Where exactly is the "ghetto" of Akron? This developer is from NJ and didn't do any homework obviously. IRG has developed a number of properties in or on the edge of Downtown Akron that are bigger than this one.
May 10, 20187 yr Where exactly is the "ghetto" of Akron? Southwest side. I thought you are/were from there? "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 10, 20187 yr Author Where exactly is the "ghetto" of Akron? Southwest side. I thought you are/were from there? LOL, I am. There is no part of Akron that I would not feel safe in. And especially none that are "ghettos". Southwest Akron is Kenmore, which besides Summit Lake is the hottest area of discussion in Akron right now. I visit Kenmore often and again would have no issue walking down the street at night.
May 10, 20187 yr LOL I've found the area near the Metro RTA HQ/garage to be pretty rough, near where Kenmore Blvd becomes Ira Ave. and meets South Main. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 10, 20187 yr I always thought the projects looked a lot nicer than the off campus housing for UA students.
May 10, 20187 yr Sorry, which part is entirely not true? My concerns with Nike commercials or the Law Building conversion? My concerns are true, lol! Where exactly is the "ghetto" of Akron? This developer is from NJ and didn't do any homework obviously. IRG has developed a number of properties in or on the edge of Downtown Akron that are bigger than this one. Aw, don't be so defensive Yanni! ;) You should know that I’m one of Akron’s biggest advocates. Please take a moment and reread my post. The issue being discussed was the developer’s quote about Akron's reputation making it hard to get money for redevelopment. I never said Akron had ghettos (no need to put it in quotes). I was criticizing Nike commercials for constantly showing crumbling houses and tattered neighborhoods and making Akron appear as a ghetto. It’s part of the LeBron/Nike narrative. We know Akron has a lot to offer and many beautiful neighborhoods, but someone watching those commercials would never know that, thereby contributing to a negative perception of Akron. So, yes, it’s entirely true! (Barberton is Akron’s ghetto BTW, lol——- I went to Norton, so we never liked Barberton)
May 11, 20187 yr Author LOL I've found the area near the Metro RTA HQ/garage to be pretty rough, near where Kenmore Blvd becomes Ira Ave. and meets South Main. Yes, that is where Kenmore and Summit Lake connect actually. That is also an area of dense subsidized housing. I think a lot assume bad & subsidized housing go hand-in-hand. Which we know is not correct. :) I always thought the projects looked a lot nicer than the off campus housing for UA students. Projects? Uhhh boooyyy. And where are the "projects"? Are do you just mean in general? Yes, the private, single-family hosing around the campus isn't great. But Kent State has the same housing. My friends lived in some in Akron and I lived in some in Kent. Sorry, which part is entirely not true? My concerns with Nike commercials or the Law Building conversion? My concerns are true, lol! Where exactly is the "ghetto" of Akron? This developer is from NJ and didn't do any homework obviously. IRG has developed a number of properties in or on the edge of Downtown Akron that are bigger than this one. Aw, don't be so defensive Yanni! ;) You should know that I’m one of Akron’s biggest advocates. Please take a moment and reread my post. The issue being discussed was the developer’s quote about Akron's reputation making it hard to get money for redevelopment. I never said Akron had ghettos (no need to put it in quotes). I was criticizing Nike commercials for constantly showing crumbling houses and tattered neighborhoods and making Akron appear as a ghetto. It’s part of the LeBron/Nike narrative. We know Akron has a lot to offer and many beautiful neighborhoods, but someone watching those commercials would never know that, thereby contributing to a negative perception of Akron. So, yes, it’s entirely true! (Barberton is Akron’s ghetto BTW, lol——- I went to Norton, so we never liked Barberton) I'll be VERY defensive in regards to most things Akron. ;) I looked breifly for some recent Nike / Lebron commercials, but I did not see any shot in Akron. The latest Lebron commercial in Akron was for Uber in which it did not show much of Akron besides High St. by the Art Museum. In regards to the developer comment, that's from a NJ developer that doesn't understand the Akron market. There have been plenty of successful, larger scale private development projects completed. And...if I had the cash flow I would be buying anything I could around Tusc. Ave. in Barberton right now!
May 11, 20187 yr Author Back to the development! University of Akron's College of Business Administration to build $5.2 million Professional Development Center By CRAIN'S AKRON BUSINESS The University of Akron's College of Business Administration is expanding with a new $5.2 million Professional Development Center, expected to be open by fall 2019, the university announced on Thursday, May 10. The center, the first major construction project at the college since it moved in 1991 to its current location on South Broadway Street, will be paid for mostly by private funds, according to a news release. http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20180510/news/161271/university-akrons-college-business-administration-build-52-million
May 11, 20187 yr Yes, that is where Kenmore and Summit Lake connect actually. That is also an area of dense subsidized housing. I think a lot assume bad & subsidized housing go hand-in-hand. Which we know is not correct. :) I did not assume. In this case it is bad. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 11, 20187 yr Yanni you have made me nostalgic for my Akron house, circa 91. Glad to see it's somehow still standing!
May 11, 20187 yr ^Haha, barely standing! I went to many an Akron U party in houses that looked just like that (I may have even been in that house) And Yanni, I'll agree that Barberton has a nice, underutilized downtown and the area around Lake Anna is nice. If Barberton could get their center revitalized, they could really have something. I'm not familiar with Tusc. Ave off the top of my head.
May 14, 20187 yr Author Yes, that is where Kenmore and Summit Lake connect actually. That is also an area of dense subsidized housing. I think a lot assume bad & subsidized housing go hand-in-hand. Which we know is not correct. :) I did not assume. In this case it is bad. Why is it bad? ^Haha, barely standing! I went to many an Akron U party in houses that looked just like that (I may have even been in that house) And Yanni, I'll agree that Barberton has a nice, underutilized downtown and the area around Lake Anna is nice. If Barberton could get their center revitalized, they could really have something. I'm not familiar with Tusc. Ave off the top of my head. Tuscarawas has a pretty intact business core. Google maps is probably about 5 years old. There have been some improvements made to some of these buildings. https://goo.gl/maps/hzBHgHkjJjF2
May 14, 20187 yr Yanni you have made me nostalgic for my Akron house, circa 91. Glad to see it's somehow still standing! This thread is about Akron developments. Well, I guess that house was developed ... maybe 80 years ago, but technically developed ... That said, it looks like it might fall over if someone slammed the door too hard.
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