Progress Through Preservation of Greater Akron

09/28/2026

A new chapter may be taking shape for the historic Bowen School, the former Akron Public School administration building at 70 N. Broadway St.

Progress Through Preservation is encouraged to see three redevelopment proposals offering new possibilities for this historic Akron building, and we appreciate the City of Akron’s continued commitment to finding a viable path forward. When the first RFP did not result in a workable project, the City went back to the drawing board and tried again.

Not long ago, Bowen was on a very different path.

The building had been included in a state demolition grant, but PTP intervened after discovering that the application did not identify Bowen as historic and that the required local historic-preservation review had not occurred.

The Ohio Department of Development ultimately determined that Bowen, a contributing building in the National Register-listed Main-Market Historic District, was ineligible for the demolition program without the required historic review. The demolition project was withdrawn, and no demolition funds were disbursed.

That intervention gave Bowen something incredibly important: another chance.

Today, three proposals envision new possibilities for the building, spanning residential, commercial, technology and arts concepts.

One comes from Amerimar Realty Co., whose previous adaptive reuse projects include part of Akron’s former Firestone complex, now the Russell M. Pry Building, as well as the recent transformation of a historic Willoughby school into 40 apartments.

While there is still work ahead, it’s encouraging to see Bowen’s future being imagined in new ways.

This is what preservation and vision can make possible.

We appreciate the City’s willingness to keep exploring what Bowen can become, and the developers bringing ideas and investment to the table. We’re hopeful that, with continued creativity and collaboration, one of these possibilities can become Bowen’s next chapter.

City of Akron, OH
Shammas Malik

09/15/2026

🍰 Two Stops. One Afternoon of Kenmore History.

Join us Sunday, September 27 at 1:30 p.m. for a special afternoon beginning with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Reeves Cake Shop!

The Reeves family’s baking story began in 1916, and today Rick Reeves and his mother, Dolores, carry on a tradition that has been part of Akron celebrations for generations. At 93, Dolores will share memories of the family, the bakery, and a lifetime of Kenmore history.

Following the tour, Rick will treat PTP members to one of Reeves’ bakery favorites.

🏫 BONUS TOUR: After Reeves, we’ll head just minutes away to the 1896 Lawndale Schoolhouse, where the Kenmore Historical Society is bringing this endangered piece of neighborhood history back to life. We’ll spend about 20 minutes inside for a special look at preservation in progress. (See comments for flyer)

The Lawndale tour is an optional bonus for those who’d like to linger a little longer and enjoy one more piece of Kenmore history.

RSVP by September 24 — tap “Tickets” link in Facebook event or scan QR code on post.

Reeve's Cake Top Shop

09/06/2026

What if your next meeting could do a little more?

Preservation House offers a warm, historic setting for meetings, retreats, planning sessions, workshops, and team gatherings, with the modern amenities you need for a productive day.

And there’s purpose behind the space. Every rental helps care for this historic schoolhouse while supporting the work of Progress Through Preservation throughout Greater Akron.

Even better, PTP members enjoy a discounted rental rate. Not a member yet? Join PTP and save on your rental while enjoying the benefits of membership and helping protect the places that tell our community’s story.

Ready to plan your next gathering? Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit the Preservation House link in the comments for details, availability, and booking.

Meet. Connect. Inspire. And preserve a little history while you’re at it.

“The seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world.”
— Dolly Parton

08/20/2026

A special reminder for this weekend. 💙

Join our friends at Cascade Locks Park Association as they honor the remarkable legacy of Virginia “Ginny” Wojno-Forney and her instrumental role in preserving and restoring the Mustill Store and Cascade Locks.

We hope to see you there as we remember Ginny where so much of her vision and dedication lives on.

08/17/2026

A piece of Barberton history is looking for its next chapter. 🏡

The historic 1865 property connected to White House Chicken is now on the market. Here’s hoping its history and character are part of whatever comes next.

The Barberton White House Chicken property – as well as a historic home next door and other parcels – have been listed for sale for $899,900. See link below ⬇️

📸 Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal

08/14/2026

SKYWAY MAY BE CLOSING. ITS HISTORY DOESN’T HAVE TO DISAPPEAR.

For 74 years, the Skyway Drive-In on West Market Street has been part of our community and a beloved piece of Northeast Ohio roadside Americana.

Now, with Skyway closed and the property slated for redevelopment as a Dutch Bros Coffee, there is still an opportunity to preserve pieces of this local landmark.

A community petition is asking the City of Fairlawn and the developer to:

• Save Skyway’s iconic roadside sign and find it a permanent home where it can be preserved and enjoyed by the public.

• Salvage and reuse original brick from the building, either in the new development or for local historic preservation.

Preservation isn’t always about saving an entire building. Sometimes it means making sure pieces of a place and its story live on.

If Skyway is part of your story, or you believe our community’s history deserves consideration as we build what comes next, please sign the petition.

👉 SIGN THE PETITION: https://c.org/7mPhV5M2Kr

Save the Skyway Drive-In Sign & Bricks for Akron/Cincinnati Museums!

08/14/2026

🌺 This is Grace O’Neil, pictured at the home built for her more than a century ago.

Standing beside the reflecting pool, Grace is surrounded by details of the O’Neil House as the family knew it - the striped awnings, formal gardens, stone terraces, and two little cherubs flanking the garden steps.

Her husband, William O’Neil, founder of the General Tire & Rubber Company and son of M. O’Neil, founder of Akron’s O’Neil’s Department Store, began building the Tudor Revival home in 1922. Designed by Cleveland architects Meade & Hamilton and completed in 1923, it would remain William and Grace O’Neil’s home for nearly five decades.

This Sunday, we get to step inside that history.

PTP members will gather at the O’Neil House for our Annual Membership Picnic, followed by a private tour led by owner Gayle Johnson, who will share more about the home, its architecture, history, and preservation.

🏡 Sunday, August 16 • 1:30 PM
📍 O’Neil House Bed & Breakfast
1290 W. Exchange Street, Akron

RSVP by August 14 at the “Tickets” link in our Facebook event.

PTP Annual Membership Picnic: An Afternoon at the Historic O’Neil House

Come for the picnic, stay for the history - and experience the O’Neil House more than a century after William and Grace first called it home.

Not yet a PTP member? Our special mid-year membership is just $25 individual / $40 household - half the regular annual price - and includes all remaining members-only events in 2026. Join now and make the O’Neil House picnic your first!



Photo credit: Akron Beacon Journal (ABJ)