Downtown Akron Plan Update

As an addendum to the 2018 Downtown Akron Vision and Redevelopment Plan, Development Strategies provided a market analysis and strategy update to reflect changing market conditions, new developments, and the continued evolution of Downtown Akron, Ohio, since completion of the original plan.  

While the previous analysis focused primarily on housing demand projections, this updated analysis provided additional input on the development potential for hospitality, retail, and office in downtown. The market analysis identified opportunity for 1,000-1,200 housing units, 40 to 60,000 square feet of retail, 100 to 200,000 square feet of office space, and 250-300 new hotel rooms in the next ten years. 

As part of a multidisciplinary team led by MKSK, Development Strategies supported these numbers with strategic recommendations, including: targeted locations for new development, potential opportunities for office conversions to residential buildings, and a branding and marketing approach for the city that capitalizes on its existing trails and access to nature.