AKRON DOWNTOWN LIVING
PLACES | EVENTS | ADVENTURES
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.
Northeast 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.
“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.
How has downtown Akron changed since you moved away from Northeast Ohio?
BEN MCMILLAN: When I left, downtown 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.
How does living in downtown Akron compare to LA?
BM: It’s much slower in pace. People are less gung-ho with their lives, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. You enjoy things more 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.
What made you decide to live in the Goodrich?
BM: After living in downtown Los Angeles, I learned I loved the walkability. I enjoy being close to food, drinks and culture. I also like to take the bus, and now I’m only 100 yards from the transit station.
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 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.
THE GOODRICH
Living Spaces: For rent, 139 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments
Amenities: 24-hour emergency maintenance, yoga and Pilates studio, gym, pet friendly with dog wash spa, sundeck, grills, fire pits, games, dry-cleaning services, movie theater, patios, lounges, in-suite washer and dryer, private workspaces and more
530 S. Main St., Akron, 330-6079617, thegoodrich.com
by CAMERON GORMAN and photo by TALIA HODGE
Home Court
For Akron graduate Fahmid Mahmud, living at the Depot means food, friendship and familiarity.
When 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.
“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.
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?
FM: There’s a restaurant called Evelyn’s [Coffee & Banh Mi]. They’ve got Vietnamese cuisine. I’m crazy about the sandwich — bánh mì. … Everyone was talking about going to Washington, D.C., to see the cherry blossoms, but I really love what they did in downtown Akron. It was great.
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 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 everything I wanted.
THE DEPOT
Living spaces: For rent, 192 units, including one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments
Amenities: 24-hour study rooms, grilling areas, heated pavilion and courtyard, free tanning beds, bike storage, resort-style pool, 24-hour fitness center, pet friendly, yoga room, in-home washer and dryer and more
80 E. Exchange St., Akron, 330-594-9315, depotakron.com
downtown teems with wonderful street celebrations year-round.
Catch a show at the Akron Civic Theatre:
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 freshness of the beans take center stage.
Eat a salad with cheese at Luigi’s 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,
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 delicious cheesecakes, macarons, pastries and quiche, as well as numerous glutenfree delights.
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
13 MUST-DOS
Here are some classic downtown Akron experiences to seek out.
space, it features more than 140 local artisans and entrepreneurs — as well as food and a bar.
Skate: Every summer, Downtown Akron Partnership hosts themed skate nights on Cascade Plaza — with $2 skate rentals. Each winter, Lock 3 hosts outdoor ice skating.
Tour the Akron Art 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
downtown staple for almost a century, this shop is filled with tasty goodies and loaded with items from Akron’s past.
View cherry blossoms in bloom: In early April, more than 450 Japanese cherry blossom trees, planted along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, blossom for a handful of magical days.
Top left: Akron Pride Festival: DAP staff, top right: DAP staff, bottom left: Downtown Akron Sakura Festival: Ramahn Wilder, bottom right: Tim Fitzwater
6 FINE DINING RESTAURANTS
Treat yourself to a night on the town.
Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant: This establishment offers spectacular sushi, tasty Thai fare, ramen and more. Cilantro pours handcrafted signature cocktails and mocktails and offers a curated selection of Japanese sake and whiskey in a historic downtown building.
Crave: Opulent architecture is matched by an innovative, delightful menu at Crave. Enjoy appetizers, entrees and desserts. This spot also boasts a full bar and an impressive selection of fine wines.
DBA (Dante Boccuzzi Akron): An elegant space, DBA offers a private dining room, an open-air patio, great cocktails and an extraordinary menu. Celebrate special occasions at the chef’s table, a unique culinary experience showcasing five to 21 courses.
DeJuan’s: This eatery impresses with a lovely, upscale ambiance. With prime cuts of steak, seafood and unique specials, it’s the perfect place to share a meal with friends.
El Patrón Tequilería & Cuisine: Savor a flavor-packed menu, made with fresh ingredients, in a beautiful space with a gorgeous patio. El Patrón’s selection of tequilas is unmatched.
The 1 Food & Spirits: An unparalleled dining experience in the historic BLU-Tique Hotel, The 1 offers a menu of small plates, flatbreads, salads and BLUTique chef plates — along with historically-inspired, speakeasyesque handcrafted cocktails.
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.
Top: Photography compilation by Tom Keathley, Kagency.co, middle: Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant, bottom: El Patrón Tequilería & Cuisine: Jenn Kidd
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.
After 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.
Talk about your love for art and teaching.
PATRICIA SHEAHAN: They go hand in hand. I taught as a professor at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh for about 15 years before moving here. … My favorite subject to teach is social justice through the arts. I love teaching the course with hands-on experiences.
What is your engagement in the art scene here, compared to Pittsburgh?
PS: Because I lived in Pittsburgh for so long, I was very engaged with the art scene there. But after moving here, I’m slowly getting 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 more engaged with them.
What is your favorite artwork downtown?
PS: There’s this fantastic light show that circles the [former Akron City Center Hotel] building at night. It’s mesmerizing to be walking down the streets and see other light shows or art installations in the windows of buildings as well. Another favorite is the mural by Lock 3.
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 excitement and engagement in the arts, music and dance — then downtown Akron is for you.
NORTHSIDE LOFTS
Living spaces: 46 units for rent and purchase, including condos, townhomes and penthouses
Amenities: Security system, dry cleaning, private balcony, penthouse rooftop patios, fitness room, resident limo, in-unit washer and dryer, conference room and more
21 Furnace St., Akron, 330-928-1988, northsidelofts.com
by KELLY PETRYSZYN and photo by TALIA HODGE
Peaceful Place
Chemist Gabriela Campos finds calm at 401 Lofts.
For 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.
“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.
You said moving downtown is the best investment you’ve ever made. Why?
Why is 401 Lofts good for students?
Gabriela Campos: The view of my apartment … you can just sit there for hours and look out at the city. That’s worth every penny. You have the gym open 24/7, the game room, the 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.
GC: It gives more of a professional vibe. I’ve seen a lot of health care professionals in this apartment building. … We have study rooms. Compared to other buildings closer to the university, there’s a lot of undergrad students and a lot more noise [there]. Here, in this apartment, it is a lot calmer. For us, the study rooms were big because we used them for allnighters [at the time]. We didn’t have to go to the library anymore to study all night.
How has living downtown changed your perspective?
GC: When I was younger, I thought it was a little dangerous. … [Now] I park on the street.
Nothing has ever happened to my car. I changed my way of how I view safety downtown.
Why should people consider moving downtown?
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 LOFTS
Living Spaces: 189 studio, two-, three- and four-bedroom units for rent
Amenities: Heated pool, sundeck, stainless-steel grills, outdoor lounge area with fireplace, 24/7 fitness center, yoga studio, conference rooms, game room, 24/7 business center, cinema lounge, in-suite washer and dryer and more
401 S. Main St., Akron, 855-777-5638, bruziv.com
16 CASUAL RESTAURANTS
These downtown Akron eateries hit the spot.
Akronym Brewing: Enjoy award-winning craft beer, signature sandwiches, snacks, starters and a house salad.
Barley House: With over 30 craft beers on tap, more than 30 TVs and great pub fare, it’s a prime place to watch a game.
Boiling House: Find fresh seafood and sushi, as well as a full bar and boba tea.
Chameleon Cafe Akron: Discover a menu of quirky sandwiches, salads and seasonal beverages.
DaVinci’s Pizza: Since 1992, this late-night standard has offered delicious pizzas, jojos, chicken and hot subs.
Diamond Deli: This Akron institution serves legendary sandwiches.
D.P. Dough: Visit this late-night destination for custom calzones.
Eddies Famous Cheesesteaks & Grille: Savor awardwinning cheesesteaks, chicken sandwiches and Italian sausages.
Evelyn’s Coffee and Banh Mi: This Vietnamese coffee shop serves bánh mì sandwiches, salads, egg rolls and more.
Heera Indian Cuisine: Taste authentic Indian cuisine, including north Indian, south Indian and IndoChinese cooking.
Jilly’s Music Room: This music venue offers a 100 percent gluten-free menu and brunch on the weekends.
Luigi’s Restaurant: A staple in Akron, Luigi’s Restaurant prepares acclaimed pizzas and famous salads piled with cheese.
Missing Falls Brewery: Relish award-winning craft beers, burgers, pizza, wings and sandwiches.
lunch and brunch items — and a seasonal menu loaded with plant-based options.
Spaghetti Warehouse: Home of the 15-layer lasagna, this spot serves Italian food in a festive atmosphere.
NOMZ: Sample fresh
Perfect Pour: Sip varieties of martinis and bourbon, then bite into mouthwatering burgers.
Top: Jilly’s Music Room, bottom: Jenn Kidd
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 performance art theater and live music venue, the Akron Civic Theatre is one of only five remaining atmospheric theaters in the country. Inside, get a glimpse of a twinkling, star-lit sky and moving projected clouds that blanket the auditorium ceiling.
Baxter’s Speakeasy: This spirited spot features a wide array of events, including art exhibitions, drag shows, salsa and Latin nights, comedy confessionals, DJ performances and, of course, live concerts from local bands.
BLU Jazz+: A beautiful music venue designed specifically for live jazz performances, BLU Jazz+ evokes famous New York City jazz clubs — with the style and sophistication of a modern hot spot.
Ingy’s Piano Bar: Open exclusively from 7 to 11 p.m. on Sundays, Ingy’s Piano Bar is located in Tear-EZ — downtown’s oldest gay bar. It puts on a live piano karaoke night that has been bringing friends together for over 20 years.
Interbelt Nite Club: Visit the Interbelt Nite Club to dance and enjoy a variety of shows. DJs play and the club has also featured drag shows, hip-hop nights, ladies’ nights and Latin nights.
Jilly’s Music Room: This friendly venue hosts local, regional and national bands in nearly every genre. Comedy, improv and other live entertainment is complemented by a full bar, a gluten-free menu and weekend brunch.
Lock 3: The outdoor park contains a multi-use venue with three stages — able to hold concerts for up to 3,500 people. Slated to open in fall 2024, the newly renovated green space will inspire generations of visitors.
Musica: Nestled beneath the red neon “Dance” sign in the Akron Historic Arts District, Musica is a welcoming venue presenting national artists, local bands, DJs, comedians, private events, themed dance parties and more.
The Knight Stage: An intimate, modern venue at the Akron Civic Theatre, it offers live music, comedians, immersive cultural events and performances by the Millennial Theatre Project.
Top left: Matthew Rucinski, top right: Jilly’s Music Room, middle: Shane Wynn, bottom: Musica: Jeff Klaum
11 BEST THINGS ABOUT LIVING IN DOWNTOWN AKRON
Join in on the fun downtown has to offer — and make this place your home!
The Arts: You can hardly turn a corner without coming across a mural, gallery or performance venue. Patronize the Akron Art Museum, browse shows at Summit Artspace and beyond.
The Canal: Behind Main Street lies the historic Ohio & Erie Canal — once a major waterway connecting Lake Erie to the Ohio River. Today, it’s flanked by the 90-plusmile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
The Champions: Akron hosts stellar University of Akron basketball, soccer and Division I football teams, the
Akron RubberDucks minor league baseball team, the Akron Marathon and more.
The Culture: Downtown is a warm, friendly neighborhood. Many cultural celebrations take place here throughout the year, including the Downtown Akron South Asian Celebration, the Downtown Akron Lunar New Year Celebration and the Akron African American Festival.
The Digs: Downtown is full of luxury apartments in renovated historic buildings — they offer studios, one- to four-
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 free things to do in downtown Akron, from concerts to film screenings. Visit downtownakron.com for a comprehensive list of events.
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
Top: Akron Latin Festival, Michael McElroy, middle: The Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival: Ramahn Wilder, bottom: Downtown Akron Lunar New Year Celebration: Richard Walter
for you. See local and national bands, take in a performance by the Akron Symphony Orchestra and more.
The Parks: With proximity to Summit Metro Parks and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you’re never far from the natural world when you live downtown.
The Transit: Hop on one of METRO RTA’s buses, scoot around on an electric scooter or cycle in the protected bike lane.
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
Top left: Akron African American Festival: Ramahn Wilder, top right: Yoga on the Plaza: Talia Hodge, middle and bottom: Lunar New Year: Dale Dong