Historic Art District and Parklet – Akron, Ohio
Apex Historic District Management has led the successful blank" >target="_blank" >glossary/revitalization/" class="glossaryLink" data-cmtooltip="0563c5c9d6f725cc9fbffd89490599ec" target="_blank" >revitalization of the Main/Market Historic District in Akron, Ohio. Their activities date back to 1996. Tony Troppe and the Everett Group/Historic District Management Company have successfully revitalized a number of buildings utilizing historic-preservation/" class="glossaryLink" data-cmtooltip="dc9c603ce5121d8703c330ea2104ff19" target="_blank" >historic preservation tax credits as a tool to spur development. The Main/Market Historic District was listed on the register-of-historic-places/" class="glossaryLink" data-cmtooltip="7e2acaffd2d482025cc10f268b6ffb1b" target="_blank" >National Register of Historic Places in 2000. A vibrant arts scene has emerged in this area with cafes, theaters, clubs, and a venue for dance. Public art increases the attractive power and identity of the district.
<figure class="wp-block-image">This otherwise non-descript storefront is brought to life with bold and vibrant colors in a geometric-design/" class="glossaryLink" data-cmtooltip="d3a3951e90271dd45815e1c3f8386b72" target="_blank" >geometric design.
Painting on the walls extends to the sidewalk giving a playful sense of happiness. Some patterns are spray painted atop the colored dots.
The High St Hop House and Uncorked Wine Bar give a place for art exhibits, private events, and social activities to occur. The Wine Bar doubles as a location for art shows as the High Street Gallery.
Nightlight Cinema offering a variety of art films. Large sconces illuminate the public area in front of the theater at night.
Signs of further development coming to the District.
The Akron Parklet
This parklet was installed in July 2018. Designed as a pilot project and with support from neighboring building owners, the parklet is intended to test the viability of similar ideas downtown. Local artist Dominic Falcione is responsible for lighting and street-furniture/" class="glossaryLink" data-cmtooltip="fd5ee12c531c0200ecfccfbb6469d9c2" target="_blank" >street furniture. The project was carried out pursuant to recommendations from Gehl Studio, an international urban design firm that has done several other pop-up projects in Akron.
Flooring is sanded and shaped to provide a smooth accessible transition from the sidewalk to the parklet.
In an innovative gesture, this smaller bench and planter grouping is positioned several feed away from the parklet. It serves to signal to pedestrians that something interesting is happening nearby.
A similar planter and bench pairing on a neighboring street provides interesting continuity with the main parklet.
An interesting way to incorporate plants into the urban environment. Would be slightly better with larger pots that require less watering or sculptures of plants.
An opportunity to create a pedestrian link with the theater on the opposite side of the alley is being missed. A more rational placement of containers in an area where they can be screened and enclosed would allow for activation of this important alley between two buildings.
Large scale mural covers the wall/" class="glossaryLink" data-cmtooltip="ac1fadae4cb84058632b2237d0399064" target="_blank" >blank wall surfaces and elevate an otherwise drab asphalt parking-lot/" class="glossaryLink" data-cmtooltip="015f75eb4090904e6f535eb738aa9c4c" target="_blank" >parking lot.
An outdoor piano brings music into the public realm.
Comfortable outdoor seating connects private indoor spaces with open public outdoor spaces.