Nov. 5 Urban Design & Historic Preservation Commission meeting
Covered by Documenter LeKesha Parkman (see her notes here)
Look for a new drive-up window at the Firestone Mini-Mart, 1459 Aster Ave., in the near future. On Nov. 11, the Akron Urban Design and Historic Preservation Commission approved an application to install a drive-up window in the current parking lot on the on the north side of the building which is part of historic district.
In addition to installing the window, existing landscaping and the 12-space parking lot will be reconfigured, creating space for three cars to stack in the drive-thru lane. Five spots will remain in the lot, while on-street parking in front of the store will remain unchanged.
The Firestone Mini-Mart is located in the Aster Avenue Business Historic District in Firestone Park. The city granted historic status to the district (between Lindenwood and Palm avenues)in 2018, which put in place protections to maintain the historic character and pedestrian-friendliness of the area.
During the commission’s Nov. 5 meeting, board members reviewed the mini-mart’s application and the city’s evaluation, which recommended denying the application due to a lack of consistency with historical character and use of the property.
The city’s report also conveyed concern about modifying the pedestrian-oriented nature of the district.
Project architect Roger Dean Muzia attended the hearing in support of the application. Muzia noted that matching brick will be used in the installation.
He also said the present parking lot layout presents pedestrian challenges that will be minimized in the parking lot redesign. Muzia also explained that the window will improve accessibility, particularly for customers with mobility challenges.
Unanimous approval of for changes in Firestone historic district
The commission unanimously approved the request, clearing the way for the Superintendent of Building Inspection to issue a permit. No other approvals are needed.
The decision highlighted tensions between aesthetic concerns and support for small businesses. Board members debated their limited authority over window displays, clarifying that recommendations, such as for removing displays, aren’t mandates.
Members Elizabeth Corbin Murphy and John Wheeler stressed the need for flexibility and clearer guidelines to balance preserving community character with fostering business growth.
Changes in historic districts require city approval
Property owners in Akron historic districts looking to make exterior changes must apply for approval prior to construction. An applicant must submit an explanation of the desired modifications to the Akron Department of Planning and Urban Development. City staff then review the plans in comparison to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and make a recommendation to the commission, which votes to issue or deny the certificate.
