Local News

Akron, Canton, Medina News

Developer takes ownership of Alliance's Carnation Mall

August 15 2022

ALLIANCE – Carnation City Mall has a new owner. Fairmount Properties Alliance has taken ownership of the shopping center at 2500 W. State St., according to records from the Stark County Auditor. This comes more than a year and a half after Alliance...

Sports-themed village finally taking shape around Canton’s Pro Football Hall of Fame, but financing challenges remain

July 31 2022

CANTON, Ohio – After eight years of debate and delays, the area surrounding the Pro Football Hall of Fame is starting to take shape, a sports-themed entertainment zone that developers hope will make Canton a multi-day destination.

Downtown Medina may see a new hotel

June 19 2022

MEDINA – Discussions are beginning surrounding the possibility of a 99-room hotel coming to Downtown Medina. The proposed location for the unbranded hotel is 257 S Court Street and developers are looking at the possibility of a new building...

LeBron James' Foundation announces plans for multimillion-dollar Akron medical facility

June 06 2022

LeBron James has said it takes a village to help raise a kid and make a true difference. And Tuesday's announcement of the new I Promise HealthQuarters furthers his contention that a holistic approach is needed to make change not only in a child's...

Akron Soap Co. building sold with plans to become apartments

May 02 2022

AKRON, Ohio — The former home of the Akron Soap Co. is slated to become apartments after being sold to a new developer. Commercial real state group SVN Summit Commercial announced Monday that a 3-acre warehouse complex at 236-243 Furnace St....

State announces $3.4 million to renovate Renkert Building, will become a Marriott hotel

April 26 2022

CANTON – Gov. Mike DeWine visited Canton Tuesday to announce a $3.4 million grant for the Renkert Building renovation. The money is part of the first $60 million awarded from the new Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program. Canton's portion will...

Canton City Council denies zone change for senior housing

April 25 2022

CANTON – Plans for a senior housing complex proposed late last year ended Monday at City Council. Council denied a zone change needed to develop Ivy Senior Lofts in the 2600 block of Harvard Avenue NW. It was a proposed 100-unit senior living...

Hall of Fame Village acquires SportsDome operation

March 30 2022

The SportsDome is closing, but the sports leagues and activities taking place there will remain in Canton. Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment — the company building the Hall of Fame Village powered by Johnson Controls — on Thursday announced...

Driverge Vehicle Innovations to build manufacturing facility at Chapel Hill Business Park in Akron

March 29 2022

AKRON, Ohio – Driverge Vehicle Innovations will build a 150,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at the Chapel Hill Business Park, a redevelopment of the former Chapel Hill Mall on Brittain Road in Akron, developer Industrial Commercial Properties...

Renkert Building receives $4.2 million in new tax credits

March 06 2022

CANTON – The Renkert Building is another step closer to becoming a hotel with event space and a restaurant.

Stark County businessman eyes Nationwide building purchase

March 02 2022

CANTON – The vacated Nationwide building on Market Avenue N might provide a mix of warehouse and office space to multiple tenants in the near future.

LeBron James museum planned for downtown Akron at House Three Thirty

February 24 2022

AKRON, Ohio – The LeBron James Family Foundation announced Friday it’s planning a museum to honor the NBA star’s life and career inside House Three Thirty, a 60,000-square-foot community hub under construction on the site of the former Tangier...

Aldi grocery chain to add Stark County location using portion of closed Fishers store

February 17 2022

PLAIN TWP. – Another Aldi is coming to Stark County. The national chain plans to use a 25,000-square-foot section of the former Fishers Foods store at 8100 Cleveland Ave. NW. Locally owned Fishers closed that location in January.

Akronym Brewing Co. takes over Rockne’s in Medina for pilot brewery and gastropub

January 27 2022

MEDINA, Ohio – Akronym Brewing Co. has taken over the closed Rockne’s Pub in Medina. Rockne’s, at 5121 Buehlers Dr. in Montville Township, off Ohio 18, closed in May 2019. The brewery is leasing the building, which is near a Buehler’s grocery...

Housing, retail coming to former Rosemont Country Club site - Hundreds of homes will be built

January 20 2022

FAIRLAWN, Ohio — For nearly 100 years, Rosemont Country Club was a landmark in Fairlawn. But in 2020, it closed suddenly leaving many to wonder what would become of the 148-acre property.

What's next on the Montrose horizon? Hundreds of new residences and more

January 20 2022

A transformation is underway that will dramatically change the complexion of one of Summit County's busiest commercial districts.

Montrose makeover: Developers clear way for residential boom at former Rosemont Country Club

January 19 2022

The retail, business, dining and entertainment district that grew from the crossroads where the city of Fairlawn meets Copley and Bath townships is getting a decidedly residential boost in perhaps the biggest transformation of the Montrose landscape...

New Summit County Chipotle will be company’s first Chipotlane Digital Kitchen with no inside seating

December 15 2021

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — Summit County will be the first place Chipotle opens a Chipotlane Digital Kitchen, a restaurant so focused on to-go dining you can’t even walk inside.

GOJO Industries, maker of Purell, signs a 20-year lease to remain in Downtown Akron

November 23 2021

AKRON, Ohio — GOJO Industries, the maker of Purell sanitizing products, announced it has signed a 20-year-old lease to remain in Downtown Akron at its headquarters.

Costco eyes store in Jackson Township, north of Belden Village and Strip shopping area

October 26 2021

JACKSON TWP. – Costco Wholesale is eyeing its first Stark County site, asking county officials to consider plans for a new store and service station along Frank Avenue NW.

SVN Summit Real Estate expands north into Cleveland via Voinovich partnership

September 29 2021

One of Akron's most active commercial real estate firms is expanding into Cleveland. SVN Summit Commercial Real Estate Advisors, headed by founder Jerry Fiume, is opening an office to serve the Cleveland market via a partnership with Victor ...

Commercial Real Estate Fundamentals Stay Steady in Akron, Ohio

September 16 2021

You’ve heard it before. In Akron, everything is earned, and nothing is given. No quote better represents the fabric of the City of Akron, Summit County and Northeast Ohio. Aside from an unstoppable work ethic, the other key characteristic of...

Bold Moves at The Bowery

August 30 2021

After at least a decade of vacancy, a series of six historic buildings (built between 1904 and 1923) have been infused with new life as The Bowery District in downtown Akron. The $42 million restoration project provides 92 market-rate and affordable...

Green luxury apartment plan for Massillon Road at East Turkeyfoot clears zoning hurdle

August 29 2021

GREEN — Another luxury apartment complex has cleared a hurdle for a developer to proceed with planning a 250-unit planned development off Massillon Road north.

Buffalo Wild Wings introduces GO brand to Akron

August 25 2021

AKRON, Ohio – Buffalo Wild Wings is set to open a GO location – a new takeout- and delivery focused restaurant in Akron’s Wallhaven neighborhood.

Hudson planners reject 16-unit Barlow Road proposal

August 10 2021

Hudson – With four of seven members present, the city's planning commission rejected a conditional use request that could have allowed construction of a 16-unit townhome development off Barlow Road just east of Darrow Road.

Renkert Building to become hotel, event space and restaurant

July 01 2021

CANTON – The historic Renkert Building in downtown will receive $5 million in Ohio historic preservation tax credits to be transformed into a hotel, event space and restaurant. The project is one of 31 statewide to share $35.9 million in new...

SVN Brokers $6.7M Sale of Apartment Asset in Medina, Ohio

May 05 2021

MEDINA, OHIO — SVN Summit Commercial Real Estate Advisors has brokered the $6.7 million sale of Jefferson Villa Apartments in Medina, about 33 miles south of Cleveland.

Akron City Council approves Chapel Hill Mall redevelopment agreement calling for $1.5 million in incentives for likely office park

February 28 2021

City Council on Monday approved a series real estate transfers needed to give $1.5 million in incentives to a developer who proposes to redevelop the troubled Chapel Hill Mall, possibly as an industrial office park.

22 Exchange building to convert from student housing

January 17 2021

Downtown Akron is getting a new round of apartments that are expected to come online next year, thanks to the redevelopment of a major student housing complex.

Donzell's Garden Center Sold to Penske Truck

January 06 2021

The former Donzell's Flower & Garden Center at 937 East Waterloo Road will be turned into a truck rental site.

Office Outlook - Q4 2020

December 30 2020

An in-depth look at the Akron office market. Analysis includes leasing, sales, construction and employment.

Developer: bowery has yet to sign a commercial lease -- thankfully

December 20 2020

Delay means would-be restaurants, bars avoided COVID downturn.

Former Lehman school in Canton to become Oxford Place senior housing

December 03 2020

Developers of the former Lehman high school have secured the financing needed to turn the dilapidated building into a senior housing complex. The Pittsburgh-based a.m. Rodriguez Associates Inc. has partnered with the city of Canton and the nonprofit...

Amazon opens distribution center at former Rolling Acres Mall in Akron

November 09 2020

Amazon on Tuesday officially opened its distribution center at the former Rolling Acres Mall in Akron. The 640,000-square-foot facility on Romig Road employs “hundreds” of workers, but the company is still hiring, according to a release from...

Canton City Council loans $3 million total to two development projects

October 18 2020

City Council on Monday approved two loans, totaling $3 million, to provide "gap financing" for projects at the Millenium Building and the former Lehman school. The Millenium loan would retain jobs downtown, and the Lehman loan would help fund...

Hotel struggles, including those in Stark, continue amid pandemic

September 04 2020

Despite a recovery in the number of bookings, the hotel industry, including local hotels, are undergoing a slump with no end in sight. More rooms are occupied since April. More guests are checking in. But local hotels are nowhere close to recovering...

Akron's Office market is holding steady but faces uncertainty

July 11 2020

The market for office space in Akron is holding firm, thanks in part to some big lease deals that were already underway when the COVID-19 crisis hit, according to recent analysis of the market by the real estate firm JLL.

Deal made: the plaza at chapel hill

June 28 2020

The Plaza at Chapel Hill, a major shopping center with more than 450,000 square feet of retail space, sold for $46 million to a group of private equity investors. The new owners include Baltimore-based America's Realty LLC, New York-based Borough...

Lordstown Motors has high hopes for pickup

June 03 2020

Lordstown Motors CEO Steve Burns has bold plans to fill the 6.2-million-square-foot facility he bought from General Motors last year. Those plans include both people and products. The CEO said he will start hiring 600 workers next year at the...

Akron developer awarded $10 million in tax credits toward building affordable apartments for I Promise School families

May 26 2020

AKRON, Ohio – An Akron-based community development corporation has received $10 million in tax credits to help pay for the construction of a 50-unit apartment building on the city’s West Side intended to provide affordable housing for families...

Senior housing at former Tam O’Shanter land moving forward

May 21 2020

Plans for a senior housing development at the former Tam O’Shanter golf course took another step forward Friday. In a special telephone meeting, the Stark County Port Authority approved an agreement with developer ABC Gardens. As part of the...

Harbor Inn Property sold to local investors

April 15 2020

The sale of an iconic Portage Lakes property known as the Harbor Inn closed Wednesday, said the man who helped broker the deal. Bob Wilson, owner and principal broker of the Crest Group in Coventry Township, said the property was sold to Picks...

North Canton to borrow $4.4M to buy Kmart property

April 14 2020

NORTH CANTON The city government has negotiated a purchase agreement to buy the 9.48-acre Kmart property on the northwest corner of North Main Street and Applegrove Street NW, city officials revealed Monday.

New amazon distribution site spurs apartment developments

April 04 2020

Richfield developer says modular construction process allows for quick completion and versatility in buildings.

The albert M. higley co. opens akron office at canal place

March 17 2020

The Albert M. Higley Co. (AMHigley) announced the newest office in downtown Akron recently. Project Executive Andy Hudak and Senior Manager of Business Development Emily Lord are leading the strategic expansion for the full-service construction...

Amazon’s need for workers in Summit County might double to 3,000

February 23 2020

Civic leaders in Summit County are saying the job figure for Amazon’s site at former Rolling Acres Mall is changing and the need is greater than first thought.

As shopping malls decline, why do some still thrive? Summit Mall is one example

January 19 2020

FAIRLAWN, OH As customers have shifted from shopping in person to shopping online, malls have suffered. In the Akron area, Rolling Acres is gone, and the county last week filed a foreclosure complaint against the owner of Chapel Hill. But Summit...

Summit County to begin foreclosure proceedings against Chapel Hill Mall

January 05 2020

AKRON, Ohio -- Summit County has begun preparing a foreclosure complaint against the owners of Chapel Hill Mall, which avoided being forced to close Friday after the property owner made a partial payment on an overdue water and sewer bill.

Foreclosure now looms over Chapel Hill Mall

January 02 2020

Chapel Hill Mall again avoided having its utilities shut off Friday, but it’s still in hot water. Summit County plans to begin foreclosure proceedings against the struggling mall because of delinquent property taxes. The owner of the mall ...

Canton Comeback: The city is scoring big points in downtown development with luxury apartments, a new hotel and more projects in the playbook

November 30 2019

Downtown Canton isn't quite bustling, but there's a definite air of optimism, with people moving into new luxury apartments, a major new hotel and events center slated for next year, and potentially more residential development to follow in ...

Jackson trustees set public hearing on 32-acre zoning change request

June 24 2019

Jackson Township trustees will consider a zoning change request when they meet on July 9. A developer for a housing subdivision is seeking permission for smaller lost at 32-acre site.

Plan proposed for former Geauga Lake property

May 09 2019

AURORA — Plans are afoot to build 321 homes on a 247-acre parcel of Cedar Fair-owned land north of Treat Road — land that was once home to part of Sea World and the former Geauga Lake Campground.

Akron announces Great Streets initiatives for 2019

April 21 2019

AKRON, Ohio – Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan on Monday released the city’s plans to continue the Great Streets Initiative that began last year as a way to offer businesses revolving loans, or grants for neighborhood improvements, façade upgrades and...

Akron City Council approves East End entertainment district, the first one outside of downtown

March 31 2019

AKRON, Ohio – East End has become Akron’s third community entertainment district, and the city’s only such district outside of downtown Akron. Akron City Council voted Monday to support a plan by Industrial Realty Group to bring retail, food...

Huntington Tower, Akron’s tallest building, for sale

March 19 2019

Akron’s tallest building is for sale. Nick Browning, Huntington regional president for the Akron region, which includes Summit, Portage and Medina counties, on Wednesday morning confirmed that the Columbus-based bank is looking to sell the ...

Former 356th Fighter Group restaurant to become storage hanger

March 18 2019

Castle Aviation to remodel former 356th Fighter Group/Whiskey Ranch building in Green. GREEN Plans are in the works to replace the former 356th Fighter Group restaurant with a new facility for Castle Aviation.

City slashes price of public land to save Akron’s first new housing development in decades

March 17 2019

City leaders are heavily discounting land to keep Akron’s first new housing development in decades economically viable for homebuilders and buyers.

Barberton is looking forward to Lichter taking over B&W site

March 16 2019

New plans likely will be unveiled this fall for the roughly 25-acre complex that Babcock & Wilcox will vacate in Barberton sometime around July.

Downtown Canton Land Bank trying to fill empty storefronts

March 10 2019

Downtown Canton Land Bank focuses on city’s center and believes downtown Canton “has come a long way.”

Bounce Innovation Hub reveals design for new ‘Generator’ entrepreneurial space

February 24 2019

AKRON, Ohio -- Akron’s Bounce Innovation Hub has revealed its designs and construction progress for its first-floor “Generator” space and its renovated exterior. “Transforming this former B.F. Goodrich plant into a 21st century work and ideation space...

Bridgestone to build Akron plant to make Firestone racing tires

February 07 2019

AKRON, Ohio -- Bridgestone Americas announced plans Wednesday to build a plant in Akron to make Firestone race tires. The new Bridgestone Advanced Tire Production Center will be across the street from the Bridgestone Americas Technical Center...

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet opening in former Toys R Us in Cuyahoga Falls

January 28 2019

CUYAHOGA FALLS — The space that formerly housed Toys R Us in the Chapel Hill area is getting new life as a bargain retailer. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet should open by the end of March at 590 Howe Ave., Ollie’s Bargain Outlet vice president of real...

Bounce Innovation Hub launches product development accelerator for software startups

January 10 2019

AKRON, Ohio - Akron’s Bounce Innovation Hub will launch a product-development accelerator on Monday designed to help software startups hone their products in preparation for sales. The companies will work for four months with the Bounce team...

Shearer’s warehouse going up in Massillon

January 03 2019

MASSILLON A major expansion project benefiting a local food giant is beginning to take shape on the city’s southeast side. Workers broke ground on a $40 million warehouse in November along Millennium Boulevard SE for Shearer’s Snacks, a manufacturer...

Stark Parks set to open Tam O’Shanter

December 27 2018

Stark Parks will be opening the former Tam O’Shanter golf course as its newest park in the coming week.

Akron's Bowery Project Called Catalyst For Residential Growth

November 15 2018

Friday was the groundbreaking for a $42 million effort to bring residents back to downtown Akron. City officials say the plans to restore a block of buildings on Main Street will be crucial to the city’s future. The block of vacant buildings...

Owner hopes to convert Akron's Law Building to high-end apartments

May 05 2018

Downtown Akron's Law Building could become the city's next luxury apartment building if its owner can put together the financing needed to complete a $26 million redevelopment. Its owner, New Jersey developer and real estate investor Tom Rybak...

Crain's Cleveland Business: Financing Akron builds isn’t always easy

March 26 2018

Big development projects bring challenges, but players are finding ways to get it done.