Good things are happening in downtown Akron. Don't miss out | Editorial

Akron Beacon Journal Editorial Board
A rendering of how a portion of Lock 3 Park will look after this year's renovations are complete.
A rendering of how a portion of Lock 3 Park will look after this year's renovations are complete.

Things are looking up in downtown Akron.

There are new restaurants, a new Lock 3 park under construction and a new tribute to a national leader in the abolitionist and women’s rights movements debuting this month.

With Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial start of summer, why not make plans to check out what’s happening in the heart of our city?

Years ago, downtown Akron served as the economic, social and shopping hub for the region. Long-time residents have fond memories of making the trek to Main Street to shop at O’Neil’s or Polsky’s Department Store.

Through the years, downtown has transformed as department stores closed and most rubber companies departed and new businesses eventually emerged. Today, as remote work persists in the post-COVID era, downtown is continuing to evolve as former business headquarters are being converted into modern apartments.

To be sure, there is still room for more improvement in Akron’s downtown corridor.

Too many major buildings – including the Morley Health Center and the former headquarters for the Akron Beacon Journal and FirstEnergy – remain vacant. And there still is a need for a central grocery store to serve the growing population in downtown Akron’s booming residential market.

But we’re encouraged by several projects underway, including several to transform former office space into modern apartments. The addition of Suzie Graham Moore, the head of the Downtown Akron Partnership for more than a dozen years, to Mayor Shammas Malik’s cabinet as the director of economic development puts someone with a deep understanding of the importance of the city center in a key leadership role.

While it’s important to find a balance between supporting Akron’s downtown and its many diverse and vibrant neighborhoods, there’s no denying the buzz and excitement on a summer night when people flock downtown for free concerts, RubberDucks games and shows at the Akron Civic Theatre.

And while you’re downtown, don’t forget to take advantage of the economical access to culture and entertainment for families at the Akron Children’s Museum and Akron Art Museum to fill the dog days of summer.

And there’s more to come.

At 5:30 p.m. May 29, a public dedication is planned for the Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza and Statue to coincide with the 173rd anniversary of Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech to the Ohio Women’s Convention in Akron.

The new downtown landmark is located at United Way of Summit and Medina’s offices at 37 N. High St., adjacent to the site of the Old Stone Church where Truth gave her historic speech on May 29, 1851.

After the ceremony, North High Street will be closed for live music and food trucks. The Nightlight Cinema also will host free screenings.

We can’t wait to see this public tribute to Truth, an abolitionist and women’s rights activist who was ahead of her time.

By this fall, the $17.5 million Lock 3 renovation funded by individual donors, nonprofits and city, county and federal governments also will be completed. The project – a collaboration between the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition and the city of Akron through the Akron Civic Commons initiative – includes a pavilion for concerts, festivals and other events.

Renderings also depict a food truck area, tables and chairs, and an abundance of shaded areas thanks to the planting of more trees in the area.

Akron Civic Commons has raised another $2 million to renovate Lock 2 to the south, making it more visible to the public and connecting Akron’s locks.

While work continues to transform Lock 3, concerts and events this summer will take place at the Lock 3 Backyard off of West Bowery Street.

When you’re making your summer bucket list, consider adding some of the great things that are happening in downtown Akron to your plans:

For a list of more downtown Akron events and happenings, check out https://www.downtownakron.com/ or https://www.akronohio.gov/departments/lock_3/index.php.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Lock 3, Sojourner Truth tribute highlight downtown Akron revival

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