Downtown Living Akron 2024

DOW N TOW N L I V I NG

AKRON PLACES | EVENTS | ADVENTURES

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Downtown Akron

by MOLLY HOFFER and photo by TALIA HODGE

Pace Change

Moving from Los Angeles to the Goodrich gave entrepreneur Ben McMillan a chance to catch his breath.

N

ortheast Ohio native Ben McMillan was ready for a change of pace. After 7 1/2 years of living in Los Angeles — the second most populated U.S. city, with 3.8 million people — McMillan moved to Akron, a city of over 188,500 people. Although McMillan is originally from the sleepy city of Wadsworth, when he returned to Northeast Ohio, he decided to relocate to Akron’s burgeoning downtown.

What are your favorite things to do downtown?

BM: I enjoy going to the Nightlight.

That’s always a great date night. It’s always cool seeing an independent movie. Dante Boccuzzi [Akron] is really good. Perfect Pour is also a hidden gem downtown.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to move downtown?

BM: You never know what you

“I’m in this weird part of my life where I’m too old for Los Angeles, but too young as a single, no-kids guy for the suburbs in the Midwest,” says the 35-year-old. “Downtown Akron was my happy medium.”

In 2018, McMillan and his dog, Frank, moved into the top floor of the Goodrich — luxury apartments on the site of the former BF Goodrich factory. The building is just steps away from the Bounce Innovation Hub office of Rubber City Reuse, a sustainable waste management company that McMillan owns. And that’s not all — he’s now closer to his sister and nieces, who live in North Ridgeville.

McMillan shares how to make the most out of living downtown.

might see in the city. Every day is a little different. Embrace it, and if you want to make the move downtown, just do it. … The more people, the cooler and more dynamic the neighborhood is.

How does living in downtown Akron compare to LA?

THE GOODRICH

BM: It’s much slower in pace. People are

Living Spaces: For rent, 139

less gung-ho with their lives, and that’s not

studio, one- and two-bedroom

necessarily a bad thing. You enjoy things more

apartments

by slowing down sometimes. I had a taco truck out in LA, and it’s a very hardcore hustle culture compared to here. … People come from all over the world, and they just grind all day.

Amenities: 24-hour emergency maintenance, yoga and Pilates studio, gym, pet friendly with dog wash spa, sundeck, grills, fire pits,

What made you decide to live in the

games, dry-cleaning services,

you moved away from Northeast Ohio?

Goodrich?

movie theater, patios, lounges,

BEN MCMILLAN: When I left, downtown

BM: After living in downtown Los Angeles, I

How has downtown Akron changed since

was pretty quiet. It’s really come a long way.

There’s a lot more things to do and a lot more young professionals in the area around me, which is really cool.

learned I loved the walkability. I enjoy being

workspaces and more

close to food, drinks and culture. I also like to

530 S. Main St., Akron, 330-607-

take the bus, and now I’m only 100 yards from

9617, thegoodrich.com

the transit station.

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in-suite washer and dryer, private

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Downtown Akron

by CAMERON GORMAN and photo by TALIA HODGE

Home Court

For Akron graduate Fahmid Mahmud, living at the Depot means food, friendship and familiarity.

W

hen searching for a university where he could complete his master’s degree in electrical engineering, Fahmid Mahmud knew he wanted to be in his element.

Attending a school with other students from Bangladesh, his home country, would make the cross-ocean move a bit easier. The University of Akron was a perfect fit.

What do you do in your free time?

FM: Right now, I’m going out almost every day after work. … I found some trails around, and there’s a place that I go to very often, Summit Lake. They have different points to start the trail, like Summit Lake Community Center.

You have three roommates who are all in grad school. Did you

“We get to know about these universities that have more Bangladeshi students, so we always try to pick one from those universities,” says Mahmud, who moved to an apartment near the university in downtown Akron in 2021. “The people from the community — they really help the newcomers.”

Now a graduate, Mahmud is working remotely at a consulting company in Pennsylvania. He moved to the Depot in downtown Akron in 2023 and now lives in an apartment with three roommates.

“I can go to a bigger city within 30 minutes’ drive, or I can go to a waterfall or something near the Cuyahoga Valley National Park,” says the 27-year-old.

“It’s very peaceful. It’s not so crowded.

Having made some friends at the university … I would like to stay as long as possible.”

Mahmud chats about the area, his digs and why he’s an Akron fan.

know them before you moved in?

FM: No, I did not, but that’s also something I loved about the Depot. … I was looking for international students and mostly grad students. I told them that I would prefer a top-floor apartment, and I would prefer international grad students — so they gave me When apartment hunting, what stood out?

FAHMID MAHMUD: Every bedroom in these apartments — they have their own bathroom, and it’s inside the room. This is something that I’m very used to from my country. … It’s closer to the downtown, so the location was better. I really liked the way they handled new residents.

What’s nearby?

THE DEPOT Living spaces: For rent, 192 units, including one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments Amenities: 24-hour study rooms, grilling

FM: There’s a restaurant called Evelyn’s

areas, heated pavilion and courtyard, free

[Coffee & Banh Mi]. They’ve got Vietnamese

tanning beds, bike storage, resort-style pool,

cuisine. I’m crazy about the sandwich — bánh

24-hour fitness center, pet friendly, yoga

mì. … Everyone was talking about going to

room, in-home washer and dryer and more

Washington, D.C., to see the cherry blossoms, but I really love what they did in downtown Akron. It was great.

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everything I wanted.

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80 E. Exchange St., Akron, 330-594-9315, depotakron.com

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Downtown Akron

13 MUST-DOS Here are some classic downtown Akron experiences to seek out.

Top left: Akron Pride Festival: DAP staff, top right: DAP staff, bottom left: Downtown Akron Sakura Festival: Ramahn Wilder, bottom right: Tim Fitzwater

downtown teems with wonderful street celebrations year-round.

Hear the Gospel Meets Symphony choir: A 200-voice choir of volunteer singers, representing over 70 local churches, joins the Akron Symphony Orchestra to perform uplifting gospel and classical works.

Order a Reuben from Diamond Deli: This classic sandwich, from Akron’s favorite deli, is a must-taste.

Savor a slice of Sweet Mary’s Bakery cheesecake: A major downtown draw, this bakery serves deli-

Catch a show at the

ness of the beans

Akron Civic Theatre:

take center stage.

This historic, atmospheric theater is a great place to enjoy performances from national, regional and local bands, dance troupes, comedians and more.

Drink a hot pourover at Akron Coffee Roasters: It roasts specialty coffee, letting the fresh-

cious cheesecakes, macarons, pastries and quiche, as well

Eat a salad with

as numerous gluten-

cheese at Luigi’s

free delights.

Restaurant: You cannot imagine how much mozzarella cheese is piled on this salad without experiencing it firsthand.

Go to a downtown festival: From the Rib, White & Blue Festival to the massive Akron Pride Festival,

See an Akron RubberDucks game: ‘Ducks baseball games are affordable fun for everyone. There are no bad seats in Canal Park stadium!

Shop handmade goods at Northside Marketplace: A unique

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space, it features

downtown staple for

more than 140 local

almost a century, this

artisans and entre-

shop is filled with

preneurs — as well

tasty goodies and

as food and a bar.

Skate: Every sum-

loaded with items from Akron’s past.

mer, Downtown

View cherry blossoms

Akron Partnership

in bloom: In early

hosts themed skate

April, more than 450

nights on Cascade

Japanese cherry blos-

Plaza — with $2

som trees, planted

skate rentals. Each

along the Ohio & Erie

winter, Lock 3 hosts

Canal Towpath Trail,

outdoor ice skating.

Tour the Akron Art

blossom for a handful of magical days.

Museum: It is home to more than 7,000 modern and contemporary artworks, including masterpieces by Andy Warhol, Jenny Holzer, Cindy Sherman and Mickalene Thomas.

Try nuts and chocolates from the Peanut Shoppe: A

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Downtown Akron

6 FINE DINING RESTAURANTS Treat yourself to a night on the town.

Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant:

DeJuan’s: This eatery impresses

This establishment offers spectacular

with a lovely, upscale ambiance.

sushi, tasty Thai fare, ramen and

With prime cuts of steak, seafood

more. Cilantro pours handcrafted

and unique specials, it’s the perfect

signature cocktails and mocktails and

place to share a meal with friends.

offers a curated selection of Japanese sake and whiskey in a historic downtown building.

with fresh ingredients, in a beautiful

Crave: Opulent architecture is Top: Photography compilation by Tom Keathley, Kagency.co, middle: Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant, bottom: El Patrón Tequilería & Cuisine: Jenn Kidd

El Patrón Tequilería & Cuisine: Savor a flavor-packed menu, made space with a gorgeous patio. El

matched by an innovative, delightful

Patrón’s selection of tequilas is

menu at Crave. Enjoy appetizers,

unmatched.

entrees and desserts. This spot also boasts a full bar and an impressive selection of fine wines.

DBA (Dante Boccuzzi Akron): An

The 1 Food & Spirits: An unparalleled dining experience in the historic BLU-Tique Hotel, The 1 offers a menu of small plates,

elegant space, DBA offers a private

flatbreads, salads and BLU-

dining room, an open-air patio,

Tique chef plates — along with

great cocktails and an extraordinary

historically-inspired, speakeasy-

menu. Celebrate special occasions

esque handcrafted cocktails.

at the chef’s table, a unique culinary experience showcasing five to 21 courses.

From date night ideas to low-cost and free things to do: Use Downtown Akron Partnership's curated guides to make a day of downtown.

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Downtown Akron

by MOLLY HOFFER and photo by TALIA HODGE

Fresh Perspective

Northside Lofts resident and professor Patricia Sheahan is finding her place in Akron’s creative scene.

A

fter seeing shipping containers covered in murals — including a rainbow, a smiling cartoon orange and fierce leopards with third eyes — Patricia Sheahan fell in love with the Northside District.

Following more than 40 years of living in the Pittsburgh area and being engaged in its art scene, she moved to downtown Akron’s Northside Lofts in 2022.

“I was worried about how big of a change it would be from the culturally engaging and artful city of Pittsburgh to here. But when we arrived here, I fell in love with beautiful murals and art throughout the city,” says Sheahan, now a University of Akron student teacher supervisor and arts, ethics and education professor. “I’m thrilled to be here.”

The move puts her close to her daughter, who lives in North Canton, and a medical specialist for her husband. She discusses her newfound love for Akron and its arts scene.

How has living in downtown Akron changed your perspective?

PS: I love the energy, the heartbeat of the city, the electrifying vibes, the sounds, the sights of the sky.

It’s mesmerizing when you walk down the city streets and see all of the energy and artful engagement.

I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else in the city. My view from our patio is spectacular every minute of the day and night.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to move downtown?

PS: Don’t hesitate to make that move. Just take the time to explore the different neighborhoods and find the neighborhood that speaks to you. If you’re hoping for some PS: Because I lived in Pittsburgh for so long,

the arts, music and dance — then downtown

But after moving here, I’m slowly getting

Akron is for you.

more involved with arts organizations. I have definitely found myself drawn to many of the beautiful buildings in the city and art spaces, including the window displays along Main Street. I’ve met a few artists and am becoming

Talk about your love for art and teaching.

more engaged with them.

PATRICIA SHEAHAN: They go hand in hand. I

What is your favorite artwork downtown?

taught as a professor at Duquesne University

excitement and engagement in

I was very engaged with the art scene there.

NORTHSIDE LOFTS Living spaces: 46 units for rent and purchase, including condos, townhomes and penthouses Amenities: Security system, dry cleaning,

in Pittsburgh for about 15 years before moving

PS: There’s this fantastic light show that

private balcony, penthouse rooftop patios,

here. … My favorite subject to teach is social

circles the [former Akron City Center Hotel]

fitness room, resident limo, in-unit washer

justice through the arts. I love teaching the

building at night. It’s mesmerizing to be

and dryer, conference room and more

course with hands-on experiences.

What is your engagement in the art scene here, compared to Pittsburgh?

walking down the streets and see other light shows or art installations in the windows of buildings as well. Another favorite is the mural

northsidelofts.com

by Lock 3.

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21 Furnace St., Akron, 330-928-1988,

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Downtown Akron

by KELLY PETRYSZYN and photo by TALIA HODGE

Peaceful Place

Chemist Gabriela Campos finds calm at 401 Lofts.

F

or Gabriela Campos, downtown Akron is just the right size. It brings quiet ease to the life of the 31-yearold chemist and Trujillo, Peru, native — and helps her thrive.

Nothing has ever happened to my car. I changed my way of how I view safety downtown.

Why should people consider moving downtown?

“I really like Akron,” says the University of Akron chemistry master’s graduate. “Akron is perfect — between a small and big city. It gives you big-city enough vibes. … I do come from a large city in my country. It’s very busy. There’s a lot of people. I like the calmness of downtown Akron.”

In December 2023, she moved from Canton into a corner unit at 401 Lofts in downtown Akron with her sister, a nursing student at Walsh University and Akron native. The siblings also room with friend Luciana Rivera, a University of Akron chemistry Ph.D. candidate and native of Bolivia. Campos shares why downtown Akron is the place for her.

GC: I would recommend people move downtown because you’re close to everything. You’re close to all the fun things that Akron has to offer. … We go to Chill [& Indulge] a lot. I’ve been to DeJuan’s, which is two blocks down, Muggswigz [Coffee & Tea] all the time.

Everything is in walking distance.

It has been really nice living in a medium-size city.

401 L O F T S Living Spaces: 189 studio, two-, Why is 401 Lofts good for students?

three- and four-bedroom units

GC: It gives more of a professional vibe. I’ve

for rent

seen a lot of health care professionals in this

Amenities: Heated pool,

apartment building. … We have study rooms.

sundeck, stainless-steel grills,

Compared to other buildings closer to the

outdoor lounge area with

university, there’s a lot of undergrad students

fireplace, 24/7 fitness center,

and a lot more noise [there]. Here, in this

yoga studio, conference rooms,

Gabriela Campos: The view of my apartment

apartment, it is a lot calmer. For us, the study

game room, 24/7 business

… you can just sit there for hours and look out

rooms were big because we used them for all-

center, cinema lounge, in-suite

at the city. That’s worth every penny. You

nighters [at the time]. We didn’t have to go to

washer and dryer and more

have the gym open 24/7, the game room, the

the library anymore to study all night.

You said moving downtown is the best investment you’ve ever made. Why?

movie theater. ...The staff are really friendly, especially the maintenance guys. … They fix everything very quickly. The people here are the best. Overall, it’s been a great experience.

401 S. Main St., Akron,

How has living downtown changed your

855-777-5638, bruziv.com

perspective?

GC: When I was younger, I thought it was a little dangerous. … [Now] I park on the street.

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Downtown Akron

16 CASUAL RESTAURANTS These downtown Akron eateries hit the spot.

Akronym Brewing:

Eddies Famous

Enjoy award-winning

Cheesesteaks &

craft beer, signature

Grille: Savor award-

sandwiches, snacks,

winning cheesesteaks,

starters and a house

chicken sandwiches

salad.

and Italian sausages.

Barley House: With

Evelyn’s Coffee

over 30 craft beers on

and Banh Mi: This

tap, more than 30 TVs

Vietnamese coffee

and great pub fare,

shop serves bánh mì

it’s a prime place to

sandwiches, salads,

watch a game.

egg rolls and more.

Boiling House: Find

Heera Indian Cuisine:

fresh seafood and

Taste authentic Indian

sushi, as well as a full

cuisine, including

bar and boba tea.

Chameleon Cafe Akron: Discover

north Indian, south Indian and Indo-

a menu of quirky

Jilly’s Music Room:

sandwiches, salads

This music venue

and seasonal

offers a 100 percent

beverages.

gluten-free menu

DaVinci’s Pizza: Since 1992, this late-night

and brunch on the weekends.

standard has offered

Luigi’s Restaurant: A

delicious pizzas, jojos,

staple in Akron, Luigi’s

chicken and hot subs.

Diamond Deli: This Akron institution serves legendary sandwiches.

D.P. Dough: Visit this late-night destination for custom calzones.

Top: Jilly’s Music Room, bottom: Jenn Kidd

Chinese cooking.

Restaurant prepares acclaimed pizzas and famous salads piled with cheese.

Missing Falls Brewery: Relish award-winning craft

NOMZ: Sample fresh

Perfect Pour: Sip

Spaghetti Warehouse:

beers, burgers, pizza,

lunch and brunch

varieties of martinis

Home of the 15-layer

wings and sandwiches.

items — and a

and bourbon, then bite

lasagna, this spot

seasonal menu loaded

into mouthwatering

serves Italian food in a

with plant-based

burgers.

festive atmosphere.

options.

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Downtown Akron

Top left: Matthew Rucinski, top right: Jilly’s Music Room, middle: Shane Wynn, bottom: Musica: Jeff Klaum

9 MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE VENUES From jazz to punk, Akron has a storied music history.

It lives on every day in these downtown venues.

Akron Civic Theatre: A stunning

Ingy’s Piano Bar: Open

Lock 3: The outdoor park

performance art theater and

exclusively from 7 to 11 p.m.

contains a multi-use venue with

live music venue, the Akron

on Sundays, Ingy’s Piano

three stages — able to hold

Civic Theatre is one of only five

Bar is located in Tear-EZ —

concerts for up to 3,500 people.

remaining atmospheric theaters

downtown’s oldest gay bar. It

Slated to open in fall 2024, the

in the country. Inside, get a

puts on a live piano karaoke

newly renovated green space will

glimpse of a twinkling, star-lit

night that has been bringing

inspire generations of visitors.

sky and moving projected clouds

friends together for over 20

that blanket the auditorium

years.

ceiling.

Musica: Nestled beneath the red neon “Dance” sign in the Akron

Interbelt Nite Club: Visit the

Historic Arts District, Musica is

Baxter’s Speakeasy: This

Interbelt Nite Club to dance and

a welcoming venue presenting

spirited spot features a wide

enjoy a variety of shows. DJs play

national artists, local bands,

array of events, including art

and the club has also featured

DJs, comedians, private events,

exhibitions, drag shows, salsa

drag shows, hip-hop nights,

themed dance parties and more.

and Latin nights, comedy

ladies’ nights and Latin nights.

confessionals, DJ performances and, of course, live concerts

The Knight Stage: An intimate,

Jilly’s Music Room: This friendly

modern venue at the Akron Civic

venue hosts local, regional

Theatre, it offers live music,

and national bands in nearly

comedians, immersive cultural

BLU Jazz+: A beautiful music

every genre. Comedy, improv

events and performances by the

venue designed specifically for

and other live entertainment is

Millennial Theatre Project.

from local bands.

live jazz performances, BLU

complemented by a full bar, a

Jazz+ evokes famous New York

gluten-free menu and weekend

City jazz clubs — with the style

brunch.

and sophistication of a modern hot spot.

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Downtown Akron

11 BEST THINGS ABOUT LIVING IN DOWNTOWN AKRON Join in on the fun downtown has to offer — and make this place your home!

bedroom options, condos, townhomes and even penthouses.

The Food: Grab grub from more than 60 spots to nosh and drink, with cuisine that spans the globe.

From Indian fare to Italian eats, there are dishes for all tastes.

The Free Activities: There are many The Arts: You can

Akron RubberDucks

hardly turn a corner

minor league baseball

without coming across

team, the Akron

a mural, gallery or

Marathon and more.

performance venue.

Patronize the Akron Art Museum, browse shows at Summit Artspace and beyond.

Top: Akron Latin Festival, Michael McElroy, middle: The Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival: Ramahn Wilder, bottom: Downtown Akron Lunar New Year Celebration: Richard Walter

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downtownakron.com for a comprehensive list of events.

friendly neighborhood.

Many cultural celebrations take

Main Street lies the

the year, including

historic Ohio & Erie

the Downtown

Canal — once a major

Akron South Asian

waterway connect-

Celebration, the

ing Lake Erie to the

Downtown Akron Lunar

Ohio River. Today, it’s

New Year Celebration

flanked by the 90-plus-

and the Akron African

mile Ohio & Erie Canal

American Festival.

The Digs: Downtown

The Champions: Akron

is full of luxury

hosts stellar University

apartments in

of Akron basketball,

renovated historic

soccer and Division

buildings — they offer

I football teams, the

studios, one- to four-

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film screenings. Visit

Downtown is a warm,

place here throughout

DOWNTOWNAKRON.COM

from concerts to

The Culture:

The Canal: Behind

Towpath Trail.

free things to do in downtown Akron,

The Knowledge: The University of Akron is home to the No. 1 polymer science program in the United States. Also explore the state-of-the-art main Akron-Summit County Public Library, featuring a catalog of more than 2.4 million items and resources.

The Music: Whether you’re a fan of local music, orchestral music or familiar tunes, Akron’s music scene is

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Downtown Akron

About Downtown Akron Partnership: DAP’s mission is to build and promote a vibrant and valuable downtown Akron that is welcoming to all. Follow DAP for information about all things downtown Akron, from programs and events to business development and ambassador services. downtownakron.com

for you. See local and

never far from the

national bands, take

natural world when

in a performance by

you live downtown.

the Akron Symphony Orchestra and more.

The Transit: Hop on one of METRO

The Parks: With

RTA’s buses, scoot

proximity to Summit

around on an electric

Metro Parks and

scooter or cycle in the

the Cuyahoga Valley

protected bike lane.

Top left: Akron African American Festival: Ramahn Wilder, top right: Yoga on the Plaza: Talia Hodge, middle and bottom: Lunar New Year: Dale Dong

National Park, you’re 12

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