DOWNTOWN
AKRON LIVING PLACES. EVENTS. ADVENTURES.
DAP DOWNTOWN AKRON PARTNERSHIP
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photo by Matt Fox
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by SYDNEY STEVENSON and photos by NATALIA GRIFFITHS
Fantasy Realm
The Green Dragon Inn brings a medieval environment to all.
At the Green Dragon Inn, you are transported into a medieval fantasy, complete with secret doors leading to “dungeons,” specially-crafted elixirs and a mural depicting a heroic knight fending off a dragon. Owner and proprietor Jameson Reeves has always loved fantasy movies — a passion he says inspired his idea for the Green Dragon. “All of the fantasy movies or stories, it always just felt like family,” he says. “I thought a medieval tavern kind of gives that feel. It’s community and adventure.” Much of the bar’s immersive nature lies within its intricate decorations — many of which were sourced locally. The chairs next to the front entrance were salvaged from the ruins of St. Peter’s church in Cleveland, while the tables were crafted by Amish artisans in Pennsylvania. The mural of the brave knight was handpainted by local artist Matt Miller. Even the menus, adorned with medieval-style drawings of fair maidens and vikings, were designed by local graphic designer Kayla Borroto. Patrons can choose from a variety of food and drink options, which Reeves describes as elevated bar food, including flatbreads, sandwiches and share plates. A highlight is its signature flaming cocktail, the Green Dragon ($11), which combines Towpath Distillery spiced rum, almond orgeat, lulo and pineapple juice. Some of Reeves’ favorite dishes are the pretzel sticks with beer cheese and the Tav’s Elote ($7) — a corn dip made with pumpkin-coconut crema, Tajín, jalapeno and lime, served with tortilla chips. Reeves incorporated his lifetime love of fantasy games — patrons can play a selection from over 700 board games like Catan and Ticket to Ride. Green Dragon also offers kid-friendly games and nonalcoholic beverages, a choice Reeves hopes will encourage those of all ages to enjoy the space. “We try to cater toward everyone so that everyone can get an opportunity to have an experience here,” he says. 115 E. Market St., Akron, 234-231-1534, greendragoninn.com 2
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Jameson Reeves
DAP DOWNTOWN AKRON PARTNERSHIP
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by SYDNEY STEVENSON and photos by NATALIA GRIFFITHS
Open Play
Gamers of all types come together at Full Grip Games. Full Grip Games in Akron draws visitors from throughout the world for its gaming tournaments, its impressive selection of collectibles and its wide range of products. Recently, it’s welcomed guests from as far as New Zealand and Ecuador. The store hosts both weekly and quarterly events, with some reaching nearly 200 attendees. “This past weekend [in July], we had 160 players on Saturday, and then about 120 players on Sunday, which is almost at full capacity for the game store,” says owner and proprietor Jameson Reeves. Full Grip started as an online retailer operating out of Reeves’ basement in West Akron. Six months later, he opened a retail space, which he continues to expand 10 years later. Events take place six days a week — daily except Saturdays. At its front desk, customers can buy, sell and trade rare Pokémon cards, another way Full Grip connects with the community. “We are constantly always buying, selling and trading in the store, which is nice because that gives us inventory, but it also gives our customer base an opportunity to monetize their hobby,” Reeves says. Beyond its main retail space — where customers can find Lego sets, plushies inspired by their favorite games and customizable Warhammer figurines — there is also a secondary retail space that houses Full Grip’s extensive board game collection, boasting over 3,400 titles. Connected to this space is a candy store — a part of Full Grip — that’s also owned and operated by Reeves. Reeves hopes that Full Grip continues to bring both gamers and non-gamers from different backgrounds together. “It’s people that normally would not mix, but they do here,” he says. “We all come together, and we show up and chill out and have a great, fun, safe time.” 121 E. Market St., Akron, 234-312-9806, fullgripgames.com
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STAYING WELL-FED IN DOWNTOWN AKRON THE 1 FOOD & SPIRITS
BOILING HOUSE
Located in the stylish Blu-Tique Hotel, the 1 blends culture, dining and live music into a fabulous experience.
Chow down on Cajun-style seafood boils with the seafood of your choice, corn and potatoes boiled in a delicious, flavorful broth. Plus, try specialty sushi rolls, cocktails and boba teas.
69 TAPHOUSE Come for casual lunches, happy hours, date nights or weekend celebrations. 69 Taphouse is your neighborhood spot for cocktails and game nights.
AKRON COFFEE ROASTERS It serves pour-over, hand-brewed coffee and espresso drinks — along with avocado toast and granola.
AKRONYM BREWING This downtown brewery is where community and craft are warmly celebrated. In addition to awardwinning craft beer, Akronym has a full menu of appetizers, flatbread pizzas and handhelds.
BAR PHOENIX & THE PHOENIX ROOM Step into a bold, jazz-infused establishment serving stylish, theatrical cocktails alongside an exciting selection of flatbreads, bowls and decadent desserts.
BARLEY HOUSE
CAFE 388 A Stray Dog Cafe satellite location, it features breakfast, lunch and takehome dinners.
CHAMELEON CAFE Experience the eclectic, joyful coffee and lunch spot. Its seasonal drinks menu is one of many highlights.
CHILL AND INDULGE It serves 32 handmade flavors of ice cream, including vegan and non-dairy, and Akron classic-recipe chocolates for all occasions.
CILANTRO THAI & SUSHI RESTAURANT Since 2009, Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant has been crafting spectacular sushi, Thai, ramen and poké in downtown Akron. Combined with a full slate of inspired cocktails in a lovely dining room, an evening at Cilantro is always a special occasion.
Sit long, talk much and laugh often: The Barley House serves traditional American pub food with 30 craft beers on tap and 30 TVs to watch the game.
THE CIRCLE OF 5THS
BAXTER’S SPEAKEASY
Inside a chic spot in the heart of downtown Akron, the new Crafty Steere location is a downtown showcase for locally made foods from talented regional producers.
The kitschiest bar in town, Baxter’s Speakeasy is a beacon in the Historic Arts District and hosts weekly dance parties, open mics and more.
This craft cocktail bar specializes in one-of-kind cocktail experiences with a curated selection of handheld fare.
CRAFTY STEERE
photos top to bottom, left to right: by Matt Fox, El Patrón Tequilería & Cuisine, Shane Wynn, Akronym Brewing, Matt Fox, Jilly's Music Room and Shane Wynn DAP DOWNTOWN AKRON PARTNERSHIP
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CRAVE
HIGH ST. HOP HOUSE
MUGGSWIGZ COFFEE AND TEA
Located in the historic 1923 Landmark Building, Crave’s eclectic American menu incorporates flavors from around the world in an environment that is classic yet modern.
A classic pub in Downtown Akron’s Historic Arts District, it specializes in bourbon, cocktails and some of the best craft beers around.
Sources, roasts, blends and serves some of the best coffee in Ohio, along with the highest-quality teas and seasonal pastry offerings.
THE DAILY PRESSED
ILIĆ CAFE
NICOLE’S SOUTHERN KITCHEN
This delightful coffee shop has freshbaked sweet and savory pastries, plus sandwiches, soups and salads made fresh daily.
It serves up breakfast and lunch buffets daily, with soul food flair.
Enjoy a European-style coffee shop and bistro with breakfast, lunch and dinner options, along with entertainment and cocktails in the evening.
DIAMOND DELI A downtown Akron must for over 28 years, it serves the best corned beef in town, along with signature overstuffed sandwiches with humorous names and much more.
D.P. DOUGH Open till 3 or 4 a.m., D.P. Dough is downtown’s late-night destination for custom calzones available in over 30 different varieties.
EDDIE’S FAMOUS CHEESESTEAKS AND GRILLE A downtown institution serving award-winning, elevated street food in the form of cheesesteaks, fresh steak-cut fries, gyros, slammers and more.
EL PATRÓN TEQUILERÍA & CUISINE It perfectly pairs delicious Mexican cuisine with owner Luis Escudero’s expertise in the finest tequila and mezcal.
EVELYN’S COFFEE AND BANH MI AT LOCK 3 A coffee shop located in Lock 3, it serves up banh mi, salads, smoothies, dumplings, egg rolls and kimbap with signature Vietnamese coffee.
THE GREEN DRAGON INN Find a flavorful and fun menu with excellent cocktails and mocktails in a gamer’s paradise. Choose from over 700 board games available to play.
HEERA INDIAN CUISINE Dine in or take out Heera’s authentic Indian food, featuring North Indian options, as well as South Indian and Indo-Chinese cooking.
Get warm, fresh cookies delivered — even if you’re up really late.
This sophisticated social lounge whisks patrons back to the 1920s and serves some of the best whiskey and cocktails in town.
JILLY’S MUSIC ROOM
THE PEANUT SHOPPE
Boasting a tasty menu that is 100 percent gluten-free and made from scratch, Jilly’s Music Room also has legendary brunch service on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A downtown institution since the 1930s, the Peanut Shoppe offers numerous varieties of fresh-roasted nuts — plus candies, chocolates and more.
KABYLIA BAGUETTE
The veteran-owned bar and grill specializes in top-shelf bourbon and unique specialty burgers in a warm, inviting space.
INSOMNIA COOKIES
This bakery serves artisan breads and pastries, as well as Akron Coffee Roasters coffee, inside Bounce Innovation Hub.
LUCIANO’S CUCINA ITALIANA Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in an atmosphere that is stylish, modern and welcoming. The menu is filled with thoughtfully crafted dishes as well as food experiences like the Parmigiano-Reggiano wheel pasta, prepared tableside in a cheese wheel.
LUIGI’S RESTAURANT
PERFECT POUR
PIZZA 77 ON MAIN A beacon for late-night pizza seekers since 1992, its pies are hot, delicious and affordable.
STRAY DOG CAFE It makes Akron more Akron-y with hot dogs, Akron Pickles, wraps, salads, sandwiches and more.
STREET TREATS GRILL
A local institution, Luigi’s Restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner with award-winning pizza, Italian food, sandwiches and legendary cheese-topped salads.
The breakfast and lunch spot in the Summit County Courthouse serves a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, breakfast foods and more.
THE MERCANTILE
Discover inspired pizza creations — from more traditional pies to hybrid pizzas like the Willie Nelson, featuring barbecue pork belly, breaded chicken, Gorgonzola crumbles and more.
A modern neighborhood general store where everyday essentials, thoughtfully prepared fresh food and locally made goods come together under one roof.
MISSING FALLS BREWERY Award-winning craft brewery with a great selection of sandwiches, wraps, pizzas and burgers, plus weekly trivia and other special events in a spacious, relaxed atmosphere.
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NORTHSIDE SPEAKEASY
TOTALLY BAKED PIZZA
URBEAN CAFE Located at the Robert K. Pfaff Metro Transit Center, Urbean Cafe serves breakfast and lunch.
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by SYDNEY STEVENSON and photo by BEN WISINSKI
Returning to Roots A couple comes back to Akron and lands at 159 Main. For Akron natives Mike and Elizabeth “Liz” Klein, the return to the Rubber City after 15 years in Oregon was a full-circle moment. While searching for apartments in the area, the pair found 159 Main, a renovated historic building in the heart of downtown. It was also the home of Mike’s bank in his teen years. Liz is a retired paraprofessional who worked with children with disabilities. Mike is semi retired, works remotely and enjoys doing photography and historical research. Their two-bedroom unit has large windowpanes that showcase the city they now call home again. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO MOVE BACK TO AKRON? Liz Klein: It was always a given that we would move back here. We hit retirement age, I had already lost some siblings, and I knew I couldn’t wait forever to get back and spend some time with my grandbabies.
Q & A
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN THE CITY? Mike Klein: Chill [Artisan] ice cream — man, that stuff is killer. Their vegan ice cream is even better than their regular. There are some great flavors in there. LK: We entertained when we first got back here, and we would always call it a ‘taste of Akron.’ We would get things from all these places: Red bean salad from Papa Joe’s [Iacomini’s], cheese dip from El Patrón [Tequilería & Cuisine] and Luigi’s [Restaurant] pizza. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE CITY ACTIVITIES? MK: The biggest thing this summer has been the music. It just pours in from Lock 3, and there were free concerts at the Akron Art Museum. We even have all the events printed out for Lock 3. LK: There’s something down here almost every night. Then there’s a children’s museum. We take our grandkids to that. HOW HAVE YOU INCORPORATED YOUR FAMILY HISTORY INTO YOUR APARTMENT? MK: The bar is my great-grandfather’s. It’s about 70-plus years old. … This tobacco station is my great-grandfather’s too. My dad, when he was a little boy, used to reach in there for candy. We all put candy in there now. LK: I was a big tea drinker. With my mom being from Scotland, I used to collect teapots. Now, I have a little tea station. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT AKRON? MK: You take one step, and you have a connection with somebody in this town. LK: People are just so friendly here. I mean, we know the people down at the Peanut Shoppe by name. … You don’t really feel like you’re in a big city. Akron is a big small town — it really is. We’re just home. We feel very at home here.
159 MAIN
Living Spaces: Studio, one- and two-bedroom units for rent // Amenities: Pet-friendly, game room, theater, virtual fitness, pet-grooming station, rentable community conference rooms and workspaces, interior courtyard, skywalk access to parking deck and more 159 S. Main St., Akron, 330-752-6797, 159main.com
Liz and Mike Klein
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FUN & GAMES IN DOWNTOWN AKRON AKRON CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
photos top to bottom, left to right: by city of Akron, David Gottas for both Frost Fest photos, Talia Hodge, Jose Rodriguez, Talia Hodge and Downtown Akron Partnership staff
It offers kids and families big fun on sturdy foundations with every handson exhibit designed to encourage curiosity and play with subjects grounded in STEM, arts, culture, health, wellness and community roots in Akron and Summit County.
COMEDY NIGHT Laugh it up at a weekly open-mic comedy night at the Daily Pressed (or make ‘em laugh by getting onstage). Enjoy improv shows at Jilly’s Music Room, Wild Oscar’s and Baxter’s Speakeasy too.
COMPETITION There’s a league for everyone looking to celebrate their own competitive spirit, from Summit Sports and Socialled volleyball and cornhole to euchre, cornhole and pool leagues in downtown pubs. You can even get a round of (simulated) golf in at Tee Time Any Time.
EXPLORE THE TOWPATH Possibly downtown Akron’s best feature: The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail runs through the district, connecting to Summit Lake and points south, as well as Cuyahoga Valley National Park and points north. In downtown, you can visit Lock 3 Park, enjoy the over 470 Japanese cherry blossom trees when they bloom in the spring, visit the historic Mustill Store and Museum and take in Akron history at the Akron History Center.
FACE THE MUSIC With no fewer than 10 venues hosting live music all year-round, you’ll never go a day without a song in your heart. Magnificent venues like the Akron Civic Theatre, E.J. Thomas Hall and Lock 3 host the biggest national and international acts, while cool, intimate clubs like Jilly’s Music Room, Musica and BLU Jazz+ present the best local and national bands and musicians across every genre.
THE FREE ACTIVITIES Walking tours, film screenings, live concerts, line dancing and summer bike DAP DOWNTOWN AKRON PARTNERSHIP
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rentals are just a few of the many free things to do in the neighborhood. Visit downtownakron.com for a list of events.
FULL GRIP GAMES Shop an extensive selection of board games, Magic the Gathering, Pokémon and more, or try your hand at one of Full Grip's numerous weekly gaming tournaments.
THE GREAT ESCAPE ROOM Visit its meticulously designed escape rooms for thrilling adventures in haunted hotels and challenging arcades. Or plan a midnight heist with family, friends or team members.
THE RESOURCES Enjoy visiting the Akron-Summit County Public Library, offering 2.4 million items and resources, along with opportunities for lifelong learning every day.
SKATE YOUR HEART OUT Winter or summer, lace up your skates and enjoy some classic fun. In the winter months, Lock 3 offers ice skating, ice bikes and ice bumper cars, and in the summer, DAP hosts skate nights on Cascade Plaza with DJs and theme nights.
THE SPORTS Cheer on teams and athletes from University of Akron’s college football, soccer and basketball to the Akron RubberDucks’ minor league baseball games and the Akron Marathon.
STREET CRAFTERY Downtown’s premier destination for crafting and creative expression for all ages. Enjoy guided creative experiences in creating art on canvas, hand-crafting scented candles and making memories. Browse its gift shop for candles, home fragrances, body care and more.
TRIVIA NIGHTS Take your pick and test your mental acuity at a number of weekly trivia nights in downtown pubs, including music trivia at Missing Falls Brewery and trivia nights at Akronym Brewing and High St. Hop House. 7
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by ELIZABETH MAYLE and photo by ERIN GULLING
Abundant Possibilities Cleveland transplant Ryan Turner feels at home in The Goodrich. Although Cleveland transplant Ryan Turner has lived in many apartment buildings, the Goodrich is the first that has checked all the boxes. A sales representative for Ventiv, Turner relocated to Akron in 2022 with his fianceé, Maria, when she took a job at Akron Children’s hospital. Turner appreciates his apartment’s clean, simple design — perfect for renters who want to make it feel like their own. “One of my favorite hobbies is interior design, so I wanted something that was truly a blank canvas,” he says. “You really get to start fresh with any idea you have.” Turner has furnished the apartment with many vintage and mid-century modern items. In addition to the comfortable space Turner shares with Maria and their beloved cat, Peru — thanks to the building’s pet-friendly status — he also enjoys the Goodrich’s many amenities and being within walking distance of his favorite events and restaurants. WHAT ARE YOUR APARTMENT’S BEST FEATURES? Ryan Turner: We got basically floor-to-ceiling windows. … It’s a ton of natural light. That was huge for us because we were living in downtown Cleveland — we wanted a lot more light. … It’s also more of an industrial vibe, so if someone appreciates the architectural value of living in the Goodrich, which is an old tire factory, it gives you that kind of check off the list of just living someplace more unique that you might not be able to get outside the city. Also, everything’s contemporary for the most part. You got brand-new appliances, you got great staff, so it’s a great place to start and live here long-term. WHAT KIND OF AMENITIES DOES THE GOODRICH OFFER? RT: The gym is No. 1 for me, because I’m [also] a personal trainer. It’s a massive gym. I mean, it’s fully stocked. You got squat rack, leg press — you got everything you could possibly need. It’s probably more equipped than any apartment complex gym that I’ve ever been to. You got outdoor amenities, like a grill that I use all the time, whenever we’re meal prepping for the week. It also has fire pits for community events and stuff like that. I’m always out there enjoying my time with Maria. … Whenever she’s reading a book, we’re having a glass of wine and a nice evening. It’s really nice just to kind of relax in a gated section that’s private and makes it feel a little bit more upscale. WHY IS DOWNTOWN AKRON A GOOD FIT FOR YOU? RT: We wanted to walk the [Ohio & Erie Canal] Towpath [Trail] all the time, and now we can just go right by it. You don’t even have to get in your car — you can just turn around and walk straight to the Towpath. That’s a big thing here because we like to exercise, we like to experience the Towpath as much as possible. And secondly, I’ve been learning about downtown events. Like, there was the [Summit County] Italian-American Festival that we went to tap into my heritage a little bit, and then we went to the fireworks [on July Fourth], which is one of the best displays I’ve ever seen.
THE GOODRICH
Living Spaces: For rent, studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments // Amenities: 24-hour emergency maintenance, yoga and Pilates studio, gym, petfriendly 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, 330-607-9617, thegoodrich.com 8
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Q & A
Ryan Turner
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by ELIZABETH MAYLE and photos by NATALIA GRIFFITHS
GPD Group expands Downtown Akron presence.
Brick by Darrin Kotecki
Brick
If you’ve driven on Interstate 77, grabbed a bite to eat at a North Canton, Youngstown or Medina Chick-Fil-A, or been to a number of Akron Public Schools’ Community Learning Centers, you’ve experienced the work of GPD Group. Although the architectural and engineering firm now operates on a national scale, its story started here in Akron in the ‘60s. Its first location was on White Pond Drive. “We’ve been in Akron ever since,” says president Darrin Kotecki. “It’s always been our headquarters from day one.” While GPD’s core remains in Northeast Ohio, the company also boasts 14 offices total with locations in Texas, Kentucky, Washington, Georgia, Arizona, Indiana, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Between these locations, GPD has nearly 1,000 employees. Offering both architectural and engineering services in the public and private sectors, GPD’s expertise is vast. The company has designed the intermodal transit facility for Akron Metro RTA, has worked on the Gorge Dam Removal Project and the city of Akron's Main Street Promenade Project and more. Its employee-owned structure creates retention and loyalty. “We have a turnover rate of less than 4.5 percent,” Kotecki says. GPD has been leasing Goodrich Buildings 24 and 25 since 1988, but in December, GPD purchased Buildings 24 and 25 — as well as the old Spaghetti Warehouse building. It will enable the group to continue expanding its downtown-based headquarters from 160,000 to 260,000 square feet and renovate the space. The city of Akron has helped GPD expand parking for its employees and is continuing to improve infrastructure. Main Street will be reconstructed from Cedar to Bartges streets to expand the downtown district to the southern end of downtown. Of the nearly 1,000 people the group employs, 490 are in Akron. The improved, spacious headquarters will enable the company to keep doing what it does best: growing and maintaining their culture and quality of work. It has seen a 10 to 12 percent increase in revenue growth across all locations. Most importantly, the new facility will help GPD give back to the community in a greater capacity. GPD has already prioritized internship opportunities for youth, training and employing over 70 interns this summer in the Akron office, the majority of whom attend The University of Akron. “We want to show them that there are larger companies and meaningful engineering jobs right here in Akron, and they don't need to leave the area,” Kotecki explains. Plus, GPD employees complete an average of 2,500 volunteer hours every year. Through the GPD Group Employees’ Foundation, over $1 million is given away each yearly grant cycle to enrich the educational experiences of at-risk children and children with medical and special needs. The group also offers temporary, free office space, information technology and human resources support and mentoring to up-and-coming women- and minority-owned businesses that want to establish a local presence. The new, expanded headquarters will allow GPD to take more employees and interns under its wing and help more Ohio-based startups, making our local community a place people want to stay. “We purchased the building to show our commitment to the city of Akron and the communities that it serves by making it our headquarters for years to come,” Kotecki says, “We are renovating the buildings and the property to be an anchor business that we all can be proud of on the south end of the downtown district.” gpdgroup.com
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11 BEST THINGS ABOUT LIVING IN DOWNTOWN AKRON THE CANAL photos top to bottom, left to right by Matt Fox, Jose Rodriguez, city of Akron, Matt Fox, pet and bus photos by Talia Hodge and Jack Haines
The historic Ohio & Erie Canal runs right through downtown, flanked by the 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail — ideal for evening walks, morning runs, long bike rides and quiet moments by the water.
THE CULTURE Downtown is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, fed by the Akron Civic Theatre, Akron Symphony Orchestra, Ohio Shakespeare Festival, the Nightlight cinema and celebrations like Akron Pride Festival, the Downtown Akron Sakura Festival, Akron Latin Festival and more.
THE DIGS Attractive living options abound in downtown Akron, from luxury spaces in renovated historic buildings to hip, modern apartments with a range of amenities. The choices continue to grow for people of all walks of life who want to live downtown.
THE FOOD There are more than 50 places to grab a bite or sip, with creative fare from around the world, for any taste or occasion.
THE FREE ACTIVITIES Walking tours, film screenings, live concerts, line dancing and summer bike rentals are just a few of the many free things to do in the neighborhood. Visit downtownakron.com for a full list of events.
THE KNOWLEDGE The University of Akron is a world leader in polymer science and plastics engineering — plus, it offers 200-plus degree programs to help set students up for future success. Downtown is also home to the main Akron-Summit County Public Library, offering 2.4 million items and resources, along
with opportunities for lifelong learning every day.
THE MUSEUMS & GALLERIES Inspiration and creativity are downtown’s superpowers. The Akron Art Museum, Summit Artspace and Akron Soul Train present engaging exhibitions year-round. Curated Storefront brings fascinating art directly to shop windows. Kids and families can enjoy plentiful fun and discovery at the Akron Children’s Museum, and you can get a closer look at history at the Akron History Center, the National Museum of Psychology and Hower House Museum, all within walking distance of each other.
THE MUSIC Not many cities have a whole sound named after them! The Akron Sound continues to influence the artists of today. Downtown’s many music venues are endlessly hopping with energetic, varied and unforgettable performances.
THE PARKS Experience the best of urban living and the natural world with downtown’s close proximity and connection to both the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Summit Metro Parks.
THE SPORTS From UA’s college football, soccer and basketball to the Akron RubberDucks’ minor league baseball games and the Akron Marathon, there’s never a shortage of games to watch or athletes to cheer for.
THE TRANSIT There are lots of ways to get around, like riding METRO RTA’s buses, scooting around on scooters, biking along the cycle track and enjoying the neighborhood’s walkability.
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by CARLINA KRAJNIK and photo by BEN WISINSKI
City Living Amanda Martin enjoys downtown living at the Vine on Main — and being close to her work. Raised in rural Ashland County, Ohio, Amanda Martin was used to living a quieter country lifestyle before pursuing nursing school in Southern Ohio — and later moving to Cleveland and then Alliance. Working as a nurse at Akron Children’s hospital for four years, she commuted 45 minutes to her job before deciding to search for a more local place to live. Her sister suggested looking in downtown Akron. “I’m like, You know, that actually sounds like fun. And then it’s really close to work,” Martin recalls. She is now in graduate school at Kent State University, where she's studying to become a family nurse practitioner. She toured the Vine on Main, loved features like the in-unit washer and dryer and moved in during September 2025. She now enjoys downtown life and its energy, walking to her 12-hour shifts at the hospital, taking her dog, Lila, on strolls on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and hanging out with her cat, Finn.
Q & A
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF DOWNTOWN? Amanda Martin: I really am enjoying living downtown. … In September, it’ll be a year. … I ended up getting a dog in February, and I’ve explored so much more since I’ve had her, because we go on walks and we walk down to Lock 3, and we go down to Barley House. … We walk all over the place. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE ATMOSPHERE OF DOWNTOWN? AM: There's good energy here — when I take my dog on walks, there are people all over, and it's generally a positive atmosphere. When we pass by, people are friendly, they say, Hi, even though I've never met them. WHAT IS A FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT YOU LIKE TO VISIT? AM: I’ve been to Perfect Pour, which is really close to my apartment, and they’re really cute. I like their food!
VINE ON MAIN
Living Spaces: One to three-bedroom apartments for rent // Amenities: Walk-in closets, business center, lounge, on-site retail, fitness center, yoga studio, bike storage, in-unit washer and dryer and more 22 E. Exchange St., Akron, 234-271-2172
Amanda Martin
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The Goodrich in Downtown Akron Studio, 1 + 2 Bedroom Luxury Apartments thegoodrich.com living@thegoodrich.com
330-607-9617 Sophistication, style, and comfort collide to bring you the ultimate living experience.
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
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