EANDC grew out of community organizing efforts that began in the 1970s. The goal was to improve access to safe and affordable housing, and today we continue that tradition with a focus on vacant neighborhood lots and the strategic redevelopment of properties.
2018 East Akron Jubilee, Minson Plaza
Middlebury Commons, Upcoming Mixed-Use Project
Improving Neighborhoods
There are over 500 vacant lots in East Akron due to the foreclosure crisis. Many of them are eyesores that drag down property values, encourage trash dumping and attract crime.
In 2013, EANDC hired the Kent State University Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative (CUDC) to assist with the creation of the East Akron Neighborhood Revitalization Plan (EANRP), which promotes reuse of vacant lots and encourages the transformation of those lots into neighborhood assets. The CUDC is nationally known for creative approaches and best practices related to vacant land reuse and neighborhood revitalization.
Since then, EANDC has transformed vacant lots into pocket parks, gardens and neighborhood pedestrian paths. We also focus on housing development; Middlebury Commons is an upcoming mixed-use project that will provide over 40 senior residential units in addition to over 13,000 feet of retail space. Stop by the corner of Broad and East Market Street to view the site, or read more about Middlebury Commons here!
For information on vacant land reuse initiatives or EANDC’s development initiatives in East Akron, please contact Tom Mignogna, Chief Real Estate Officer at (234) 208-8056.
Creating Communities
EANDC works closely with the residents and stakeholders of East Akron to strengthen the community. We are particularly focused on the historic area of East Akron between I-76 and Archwood Avenue, as well as Inman Street and Kelly Avenue.
In 2004, EANDC transformed a brownfield site at the corner of Exchange and Arlington into Middlebury Plaza, bringing a full-service Dave’s Supermarket to an urban area that had lacked access to fresh produce. Middlebury Plaza includes several neighborhood amenities, including a clinic operated by Akron Children’s Hospital. More than 160 jobs have been created through this single development.
We hold monthly community meetings that provide residents with opportunities to air concerns, share input on plans for neighborhood improvement and connect with their neighbors. These meetings build neighborhood pride, foster connections between businesses and residents, and identify opportunities for neighborhood revitalization.
Click here to view scheduled meetings!
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5th and Hart, off 1-76W Exit 24
Dave's Supermarket, Middlebury Plaza