PLACE S | E V ENTS | ADVENTURES



With views of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Akron Civic Theatre and Akron RubberDucks stadium — plus walking and biking trails and a fitness center — the 15-story Canal Square Lofts offers several great amenities and a prominent downtown Akron location.
These aspects and more make the building ideal for 23-year-old resident Sarah Oschman, who works as a barista at Nervous Dog Coffee Bar. The Akron native graduated from The University of Akron in May 2024 and moved into Canal Square Lofts in September 2024 with her husband, who works for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and was already living in the unit. Living in the high-rise is enjoyable for the two as it is close to their workplaces, is part of a lively downtown scene, is affordable and offers walkability — just to name a few reasons.
“We had some friends that lived in the building too, and they loved it, so they recommended that he get an apartment here,” Oschman says.
by CLAIRE DUBER and
by MAL MCCREA
been going there since I was a kid. My parents have always brought us to downtown Akron, to the [Akron] Civic [Theatre], and we would always go to Lockview before going to the Civic for a show. We love going to
Lockview with friends — good drinks, good food, there’s never a long wait, so that’s always a plus.
WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND LIVING IN DOWNTOWN AKRON?
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE DOWNTOWN AKRON RESTAURANTS?
Sarah Oschman: I really like El Patrón [Tequilería & Cuisine], we’ll go there for happy hour to get their margs, salsa and guac. Also, Lockview, I’ve
SO: There’s tons of restaurants downtown. There’s always events going on, and it’s close to the highway. Right on the backside of Bowery you can just jump on … [Interstate] 76, and then Route 8 is like a 5-minute drive, so it’s just really accessible. I feel safe here, I have gated parking, which is definitely a plus, so I never have to worry about that. And too, because everything’s walkable, if I can just leave my car in my parking spot, I can walk to everything.
WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND CANAL SQUARE LOFTS TO SOMEONE WITHIN YOUR AGE DEMOGRAPHIC?
The rent is very affordable. Our unit is really unique, it’s two floors, and it’s lofted. We have two bedrooms upstairs and a bathroom, and then downstairs we have a massive kitchen and a living room. … Also, there’s a lot of young people in the building, so for us, a lot of our friends also live in the building. We can just go up one floor and see our friends.
Living Spaces: One- and two-bedroom apartments for rent // Amenities: Dogs and cats allowed, package delivery, controlled access, maintenance on-site, security system, courtesy and video patrol, recycling, dry cleaning service, walk-in closets, hardwood floors, fitness center, bike storage, social lounge and more 1 Canal Square Plaza, Akron, 330-620-1059, canalsquarelofts.com
by CAMERON GORMAN and ABBY KRESS photo by MAL MCCREA
Cybersecurity engineer David Aleshire embraces city life at 159 Main.
Born in Warwickshire county, England, David Aleshire, 38, found himself wanting to live amid the action of city life. Aleshire lived in Canada before moving to the United States and graduating from The University of Akron in 2013 with art, business and cybersecurity degrees. He is now a cybersecurity engineer for the Cleveland Clinic. When looking for a new place to call home, his first thought was the Rubber City.
“I figured it’s the perfect place, because it’s the city life. I want to live near where things are happening,” he says.
Aleshire wanted to meet new people and build his social life in the city — as well as work on his nonprofit, North Star Guardians, which aims to offer volunteer cyber forensic services to law enforcement agencies in the Akron area. That’s when he came across 159 Main apartments.
“I toured 159 with Lori, who’s the admin to the building, and I immediately knew. I was like, This is the place I want to live,” says Aleshire. “It’s right there, smack dab in the middle of Akron. Yesterday ... there was the punk rock flea market right outside my front door, which is awesome.”
“The city is alive,” Aleshire says. “It’s a great place to people watch and to get experience of all kinds of different people.”
WHAT MADE YOU SURE 159 WAS THE RIGHT FIT?
David Aleshire: It was very much Lori. … I got to see how she cared for
feels like a community. … It doesn’t feel like a business. It feels like a home.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR APARTMENT?
DA: I love cooking, and I love spending time in the living room, because I have those windows that look down on Main Street. I can see the city from my apartment. Being on the top floor, it makes it really easy to see everything, and I can kind of watch what’s going on.
WHAT’S NEAR YOUR APARTMENT?
DA: I really like going to Lock 3 and Lock 4. I love Lockview. One of my favorite places is the Green Dragon [Inn]. … They’ve got specialty drinks, coffees and teas. They’ve got food there, they have games, and they also host events, like a masquerade. … I walk to the library, the art museum.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT LIVING DOWNTOWN?
Also an artist, Aleshire moved into his 159 Main apartment — which includes an art studio — in May.
the other tenants. During the tour, another tenant approached her with a really big issue, and they resolved it in a way that I didn’t expect. … They really put the tenants first, and it
I love meeting people. I love hearing their stories. I love talking to people. The more people I talk to, the more people’s stories I hear, the more I learn and grow as a person. And I feel like Akron — living in downtown Akron — is a great place to grow as a person.
If you’re into apartments in renovated historic buildings, downtown is the place for you. Browse a wide range of sizes, layouts and price points.
Downtown is brimming with unique, engaging exhibitions at places like the Akron Art Museum, Akron Soul Train, Summit Artspace, the Akron History Center, Clayton Bailey's World of Wonders and the National Museum of Psychology.
From local songwriters and tribute bands to regional and national acts and orchestral arrangements, downtown’s many music venues are endlessly hopping with various energetic performances.
Downtown is home to countless vibrant cultural celebrations, like the Akron Pride Festival, the Downtown Akron Sakura Festival, the Akron Latin Festival and more.
Experience the best of urban living and the natural world with downtown’s close proximity to both the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Summit Metro Parks.
There are roughly 50 places to grab a bite or sip, with creative fare from around the world for any taste or occasion.
The historic Ohio & Erie Canal runs right through downtown, flanked by the 101-mile Towpath Trail — ideal for evening walks, morning runs, long bike rides and quiet moments by the water.
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.
The University of Akron is No. 1 in the world for polymer science and plastics engineering. It offers around 200 degrees and programs to help
set students up for future success. Downtown is also home to the main Akron-Summit County Public Library, offering around 2.4 million items and resources.
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.
Walking tours, film screenings, live concerts 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.
There are a ton of festival experiences to enjoy — from long-running cultural festivals like the Summit County Italian-American Festival and the Akron African American Festival to quirkier-yet-beloved events like Akron Pickle Fest and the Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival. Fun is at your doorstep almost year-round.
The AA-league affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians major league baseball team is a spring and summer staple in downtown Akron, with 69 home games in 7 17 Credit Union Park Stadium. Every year, the Akron RubberDucks provide more than an entire summer of family fun.
The dazzling atmospheric theater is a show unto itself. The Akron Civic Theatre is the perfect place to see all kinds of big shows — including nationally touring music legends, comedians, Broadway shows, ballet, children’s shows and more.
With corned beef piled high on toasted rye bread, Thousand Island dressing, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut, the classic sandwich from Akron’s favorite deli — yeah, we said it — is a delight. Try it with a side of chips and their famous carrot cake. Get the full experience by visiting the flavor- and personality-packed restaurant, located inside a former jeweler’s shop.
Home to more than 100 local artisans and entrepreneurs, Northside Marketplace is also home to two eateries, a dessert spot and a boba tea place. You can even get inked at the tattoo shop there.
The amount of mozzarella cheese that comes piled on Luigi’s Restaurant’s simple side salad is legendary. So is this downtown oldschool institution’s pizza and Italian fare. It's cash-only, so plan accordingly.
Downtown hosts roller skating on Cascade Plaza multiple evenings each summer, featuring $2 skate rentals and DJs spinning your favorite tunes. In the fall and winter months, Lock 3 is home to ice skating, ice bikes and ice bumper cars for even more great family fun.
The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, between downtown Akron and Summit Lake, is home to more than 450 Japanese cherry blossom trees that bloom for only a handful of days each spring, creating a magical and unforgettable experience. Downtown celebrates the blossoms each April at the Downtown Akron Sakura Festival.
A downtown Akron must-try for nearly a century, it is the go-to place for freshroasted nuts of all kinds, chocolate, local soda and trips back in time.
Home to a collection of more than 7,000 modern and contemporary artworks from masters — including Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, Mickalene Thomas, Jenny
Holzer and many others — the museum presents numerous stunning exhibitions every year in a futuristic building that cradles an 1899 building.
Chill & Indulge serves up 30-plus flavors of small-batch artisan ice cream. Choose from one of its classics, like salty caramel truffle or lavender honey, or sample one of its rotating, seasonal flavors. It has plenty of vegan options too.
Sweet Mary’s Bakery on East Mill Street is a destination for pastries both sweet and savory. The shop always offers tremendous cheesecake creations, from berries and cream to cranberry orange and chocolate turtle. It even has gluten-free options.
Open seven days a week, downtown Akron’s independent, nonprofit movie theater is a major must-go. With something for everyone and films from around the world, a trip to the Nightlight is a perfect day or night out, especially if you enjoy appreciating cinema in community.
by ABBY KRESS and photo by MAL MCCREA
Perry Clark finally finds a place of his own at Mayflower Manor.
Perry Clark never had a home of his own. He couch surfed for most of his life — but always knew Akron was home.
Eight years ago, everything changed — Clark applied and was approved for residence in the Mayflower Manor, a HUD Section 8 and LIHTC community. Rent is income based, and housing is accessible for people who are 62 and older or are legally disabled. In 2023, the Mayflower completed an over $20 million renovation, adding new cabinets, kitchens, bathrooms, air conditioning, heating, flooring and updated fixtures.
It means everything that Clark has his own apartment. “I feel amazing because I always wanted it,” the 54-year-old says.
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF LIVING IN THE MAYFLOWER?
Perry Clark: There are very nice people in here, and management is good with me. They did a nice job fixing it up, and you’re down here where almost everything in the city happens.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR APARTMENT?
pictures on the wall, a couple of ornaments, some candleholders, clocks, a flower.
WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY IN YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE?
PC: I eat breakfast and try to exercise … and then talk with my friends. I like to bench press and ride the bike. I do
IS THERE ANYTHING NEARBY THAT YOU LIKE TO WALK TO?
PC: Lock 3 is the place where they have concerts and events. I just went down to the Eagles tribute band. There’s a trail where you can walk, and I walk it maybe three times a week.
HOW HAS LIVING IN DOWNTOWN AKRON HELPED CHANGE YOUR
PC: My living room is comfortable, that’s where I like to be. I like to sit and watch sitcoms on my TV and play games on my phone, like Donkey Kong or Pac-Man. … I have
a lot of exercise. I’m really trying to put together a routine. I watch music videos — it gives me motivation. Sometimes we shoot pool.
It helps keep me active. You know there’s always something to do. Like on the weekends, there are baseball games. When there’s events in downtown, I always like to go. I can’t miss it cause it’s right outside the door of the Mayflower.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE MAYFLOWER’S RENOVATIONS?
PC: It’s very nice. They did the whole building, all the apartments, and we got new microwaves, new carpets, there are a lot of new things. I like the gym. I like the microwave, stove, refrigerator, the floor and the nice air conditioning.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE ABLE TO LIVE IN THE MAYFLOWER?
PC: That I have somewhere to stay. I don’t have to worry about anybody else’s rules and regulations. I got my own spot. I can do what I want here.
Living Spaces: Studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments available for rent // Amenities: Newly renovated rec room, common area, library with reading spots, computer room, TV room, large gaming area, tables for social activities, controlled entry, 24-hour security, wheelchair accessibility, high-speed internet, 24-hour maintenance and more 263 S. Main St., Akron, 330-762-7518, mayflowermanorapartments.com
Located in Bounce Innovation Hub, the Coffee Lab features Akron Coffee Roasters’ signature, artisanal pourover coffee with simple menu items made perfectly and deliciously.
Munch on classic pub food in the ultimate sports bar space, with over 30 screens to watch the game.
This restaurant features Cajun-style seafood boils — with seafood of your choice, corn and potatoes — boiled in a delicious, flavorful broth. Plus, try specialty sushi rolls, cocktails and boba teas.
An eclectic, joyful coffee and lunch spot, Chameleon Cafe’s seasonal drinks menu is one of many highlights.
Experience a craft cocktail bar specializing in one-of-a-kind, showstopping cocktails — with a curated selection of handheld fare.
A downtown Akron must-try for over 28 years, Diamond Deli serves the best corned beef in town — along with signature overstuffed sandwiches with humorous names and more.
Open from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m., D.P. Dough is downtown’s late-night destination for custom calzones available in 30 different varieties.
This downtown institution serves award-winning, elevated street food in the form of cheesesteaks, fresh steak-cut fries, gyros and more.
This delightful coffee shop offers fresh-baked sweet and savory pastries, plus sandwiches, soups and salads made fresh daily.
Located in Lock 3, the shop serves up bánh mì, salads, smoothies, dumplings, egg rolls and kimbap with signature Vietnamese coffee.
Dine-in or take out Heera’s authentic Indian food, featuring North Indian options as well as South Indian and Indo-Chinese cooking.
Not just a great live music venue, Jilly’s boasts a tasty menu that is 100 percent gluten-free and made from scratch. Experience outstanding brunch service on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, this Akron institution has awardwinning pizza, Italian food, sandwiches and legendary cheese salads.
by CLAIRE DUBER and photos by MAL MCCREA
Gwendolyn Jimmerson grew up in rural Elaine, Arkansas — far away from city living.
“Our closest restaurant was miles from us, we had to go 30, 40 miles just to get to a restaurant that was something simple like McDonald’s or Wendy’s,” recalls the 66-year-old. So, it was a big change when Jimmerson moved to Akron to live with relatives in October 2021. Her sister saw an advertisement for the Mayflower Manor — an accessible apartment complex with income-based rent payments for those who are age 62 and older or are legally disabled. Jimmerson applied in October 2021 and moved in in December 2021.
“They called … You can come in, and we can show you what we have,’” she recalls. “I was accepted, thank God.”
WHAT MAKES THE MAYFLOWER A GOOD, ACCESSIBLE ENVIRONMENT?
Gwendolyn Jimmerson: When you come into the building, I like that you can’t just walk in — they have the doors that you have to have the key fob to get in. … I like that you have elevators — unless you want to take the stairs, you don’t have to. As I’ve gotten older, the stairs are not as easy as they used to be. … I like the
environment in a sense that we have seniors, and you get a chance to see familiar faces.
HOW DOES LIVING IN DOWNTOWN AKRON INFLUENCE YOUR DAILY LIFE?
GJ: I go across the street to the Barley House. I get sandwiches,
hamburgers, wings from the restaurant … to get out of the apartment, get out of the four walls and see the city. … I usually go around to Lock 3 since they renovated it.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE RESTAURANT TO WALK TO?
GJ: The delicatessen down the street.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR APARTMENT'S FEATURES?
I’m living in an apartment where I have a panoramic view of the baseball stadium, the Barley House and a portion of Lock 3. To be in this area is great, especially when activities are going on.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT DOWNTOWN AKRON?
GJ: You have access to so many different things that you can walk to, and I find that that is refreshing. You don’t have to call a taxi if you want to go to a restaurant. We have entertainment right next to the baseball stadium, and then there’s a bar or the establishment across the street where you can go — and the festivals … they’re so wonderful.
Head to the award-winning craft brewery for a great selection of sandwiches, wraps, pizzas and burgers, plus weekly trivia and other special events in a spacious, relaxed atmosphere.
This go-to spot in Northside Marketplace has fresh, local food for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, with a unique selection of vegetarian and vegan options as well.
The veteran-owned bar and grill specializes in top-shelf bourbon and unique specialty burgers in a warm, inviting space.
Eat up mouthwatering vegan versions of popular meat-forward dishes in plant-based forms, such as vegan spins on ribs, burgers, fish, shrimp and more. It also offers cocktails and hosts weekly events.
Find freshly prepared Italian food in a festive atmosphere with a large capacity of seating. It’s home of the 15-layer lasagna.
Try hot dogs, Akron Pickles, wraps, salads, sandwiches and more.
Enjoy this European-style coffee shop and bistro with breakfast, lunch and dinner options — along with entertainment and cocktails in the evening.
It offers a superb menu with excellent cocktails and mocktails in a gamer’s paradise. Choose from over 800 board games available to play.
A downtown staple featuring 15 kinds of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, this spot also has an expansive selection of craft beers, cocktails and more.
Located in Northside Marketplace, Plannerz Place offers a rotating menu of amazing Southern-style soul food.
Dig in to inspired pizza creations, from more traditional pies to hybrid pizzas like the Willie Nelson — featuring barbecue pork belly, breaded chicken, Gorgonzola crumbles and more.
Sister restaurant to the Lockview, USPS is downtown’s destination for this beloved Northeast Ohio staple.
Easily one of the most beautiful downtown Akron spaces to enjoy a meal, Crave inhabits the dramatic ground floor of the 1923 Landmark Building, combining original ornate ceilings with inspiring modern flourishes. The magnificently tasteful atmosphere is matched perfectly by unique, refined appetizers, entrees, desserts and cocktails that guarantee a gastronomical experience that is as innovative as it is satisfying.
Located in the stylish Blu-Tique Hotel, The 1 blends culture, dining and live music into a fabulous experience. The restaurant offers a variety of locally inspired dishes with fresh ingredients and bold flavors, from Greek lamb chops and Tuscan butter salmon to flatbreads and the decadent 1 Burger. Don’t miss dessert or its handcrafted cocktails.
Cilantro has been crafting spectacular sushi, Thai fare, ramen and poké in downtown Akron since 2009. Combined with a full slate of inspired cocktails in a lovely dining room, an evening at Cilantro is always a special occasion.
Downtown Akron’s newest fine dining restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine in an atmosphere that is stylish, modern and welcoming. The menu is filled with expertly crafted meat, fish and pasta dishes, from handmade lobster ravioli to family recipes — and food experiences like the ParmigianoReggiano pasta wheel, prepared tableside in a Parmesan wheel.
Owner Luis Escudero opened his restaurant to showcase a different take on Mexican culture and cuisine, perfectly pairing delicious food with his expertise in the finest tequila and mezcal. With a gorgeous dining room and beautiful patio, El Patrón is a must-try dining experience in downtown Akron.
This downtown winery and bistro — slated to open in late 2025 — should be on everyone’s radar. It’s located near Lock 4 and specializes in a curated organic wine list and a sumptuous menu. Choose from a charcuterie board, vintage duck wings, eggs à la mer, signature panini and other indulgent fare.
Built in 1929, the Civic is a stunning performance art theater and live music venue designed after a Mediterranean castle. The Civic is one of only five remaining atmospheric theaters in the country — patrons experience a twinkling star-lit sky and intermittent clouds moving across the horizon, all while sitting inside the auditorium. This showplace hosts numerous national acts every year, along with musicals, ballet, children’s shows, comedians and more.
The fantastical spot is a multiuse collaborative space for artists, musicians, activists and patrons to explore their passions, spend time in good company, sip quality cocktails that look and taste like works of art and experience live entertainment.
Located in the Akron Historic Arts District, Blu Jazz+ is a stunning and elegant live music venue designed to present the best live jazz performances from local, regional and national acts. While it evokes the feel of a classic New York jazz club, Blu Jazz+ has a vibe that is all Akron — and passion for great music is one of the venue’s hallmarks.
Attached to Tear-Ez, downtown’s oldest gay bar, Ingy’s opens from 7 to 11 p.m. on Sunday evenings for hours of laughter, love and song during live piano karaoke nights. It has been a downtown staple for more than 20 years.
The Interbelt has provided a place for people to express themselves, dance and enjoy a variety of shows since 1988. DJs perform regularly, and the venue is host to live drag shows and hip-hop, ladies’ and Latin nights every week.
It’s a must-visit venue for local, regional and national bands from every genre — from singer-songwriter to hip-hop. Plus, experience open mic jam nights, Broadway karaoke and tasty weekend brunch service with a 100 percent gluten-free, 100 percent flavor-packed menu.
An intimate, modern venue adjacent to the Civic, the Knight Stage is where you can enjoy live music, productions by the Millennial Theatre Project, comedians and immersive events.
Newly renovated, Lock 3 is downtown Akron’s backyard and hosts outdoor entertainment year-round for all ages — from live music concerts every week throughout the summer to festivals and ice skating in the fall and winter months.
This hip, indie club is a great, intimate place to see national acts, local bands and DJs from all genres of music in an eclectic, welcoming atmosphere. Look for the glowing neon “Dance” sign in the Akron Historic Arts District.
This new venue brings the world of musical theater and jazz to downtown with themed cabaret shows featuring talented local singers and dancers. Visitors enjoy everything from Broadway show tunes to wellknown contemporary pop hits.