Story and notes by:
Documenter Brittany Nader (see her notes here)
105-year-old car former dealership could become an entrepreneurial hub
A once-thriving Ford dealership in Akron’s Middlebury neighborhood has been designated an historically significant structure, signaling a new chapter for the now-vacant warehouse building.
The City of Akron’s Urban Design and Historic Preservation Commission approved the designation of the Homeier-Universal Building at 816 E. Market St. at a March 5 public hearing.
In collaboration with Perspectus Architecture, The Well Community Development Corporation championed the building’s historical importance.
Zac Kohl, executive director of The Well, outlined plans to repurpose the space into an entrepreneurial food hub that would benefit the Middlebury community.
“We currently work with 52 unique food entrepreneurs that are growing and scaling their small food businesses. … We want to continue to equip our food entrepreneurs to move into the brick-and-mortar space in that building,” Kohl said during the meeting.
The organization applied to secure the historic landmark designation to expedite the process of applying for historic preservation tax credits. The credits could aid in the renovation and repurposing of the building.
Built in 1919, building served Akron’s growing desire for automobiles
The Homeier-Universal building was constructed in 1919 and served as a three-story Ford dealership and showroom. It sits between the City of Akron Central Services Facility, which houses the Keep Akron Beautiful offices, and Family of Faith United Methodist Church.
Homeier-Universal Motor Inc., the company for whom the building was named, was the largest operating Ford dealership in Akron.
An upholstery company began operating in the space in 1946 — the “Carroll” signage still appears on the exterior of the building.
The structure is across the street from A Ducks Pawn, LLC and the 797 building, where luxury apartments and upscale steakhouse Alexander Pierce are located.
Historic building meets Akron’s criteria for designation
According to Akron’s Code of Ordinances, a structure can be designated a historic landmark if it meets specific guidelines.
The application to Akron’s Urban Design & Historic Preservation Commission states that the building met the following two criteria.
It stands on its original site and exemplifies the “cultural, political, economic, social or historic heritage of the city, state or nation.”
The application pointed to the Ford dealership’s cutting-edge training programs and education for staff, along with its contributions to the origins of used-car warranties.
The structure also contains design elements, materials and craftsmanship that are representative of a “significant architectural or structural innovation,” according to the application.
Lauren Pinney Burge, architect and principal from Perspectus Architecture, said the building is an early example of the innovative Truscon floretyle construction technique.
Developers hope to stop decay, turn building into usable space
The building’s design is an open warehouse with exposed masonry walls. It is fireproof and contains a large elevator built to move Ford automobiles up and down.
Because the building has been sitting vacant and is now primarily used for storage, some elements have deteriorated over the years.
Some windows have been replaced, while other original windows are still in place but broken. A large portion of the building that extended to East Exchange Street was mostly demolished.
Burge said the building is structurally solid due to its concrete composition and all issues are repairable.
Tax credits may help transform structure into entrepreneurial food hub
The Well is seeking historic tax credits that would fund 45% to 50% of the project. The financial support is expected to mitigate the costs associated with restoring the building and addressing its deficiencies.
The proposed transformation of the building into an entrepreneurial food hub aligns with The Well CDC’s neighborhood plan to support local businesses and promote economic growth within Middlebury.
“Middlebury has experienced cycles of disinvestment, really since the tire companies stopped producing. And so what we’ve been trying to do is create a pipeline for economic development,” Kohl said.
Plans include utilizing historic tax credits to facilitate necessary updates and repairs and ensuring the building’s structural integrity while honoring its historical significance.
In response to questions from commissioners about utilizing the front parking lot, Kohl said he envisions a space that can be a focal point for community engagement.
The building’s location next to the River City Heritage Trail also offers opportunities for community engagement.
While funding has not yet been secured, Kohl said future plans include making the exterior more inviting with art, benches, picnic tables and pergolas that the public can use.
By preserving elements of the building’s automotive past, such as the interior freight elevator, and incorporating aesthetic enhancements, the project aims to celebrate the building’s heritage while serving the evolving needs of the neighborhood, Kohl said to the commission.