New Kenmore Boulevard signs welcoming visitors to its historic district feature a logo for “The BLVD Historic District.” 

The section of the street that runs between about 872 to 1030 Kenmore Blvd., along with some specific buildings, was designated a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019.

A new sign at the west end of Kenmore Boulevard acknowledges the Kenmore Boulevard Historic District.
A new sign at the west end of Kenmore Boulevard acknowledges the Kenmore Boulevard Historic District Wednesday, May 1, 2024. There is a second sign at the east end of the street. The Kenmore Boulevard Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019. (Kassi Filkins / Signal Akron) Credit: (Kassi Filkins / Signal Akron)

The logo was designed in 2017 by 33-year resident Jason Chamberlain, who said it gives him a “sense of pride” to see something he created for his neighborhood be displayed as prominently as it is. The text Chamberlain designed is embellished with the addition of a redbird, symbolizing the former Kenmore High School Cardinals mascot.

The signs – one located at the west end of the historic district and one at the east end – cost about $23,000, said Josh Gippin, executive director of Better Kenmore Community Development Corporation. 

Kenmore is “Akron’s emerging music row,” he said, and the CDC is working to rebrand as “more of a general arts district with a focus on nurturing youth artists.”

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik (center) congratulates Josh Gippin, executive director of Better Kenmore Community Development Center.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik (center) congratulates Josh Gippin, executive director of Better Kenmore Community Development Center, after the official unveiling of two new Kenmore Boulevard Historic District signs Wednesday, May 1, 2024. At right is Tina Boyes, the Ward 9 Akron City Council member. The Kenmore Boulevard Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019. (Kassi Filkins / Signal Akron)
Josh Gippin (right), executive director of the Better Kenmore Community Development Center, speaks during a ribbon cutting.
Josh Gippin (right), executive director of the Better Kenmore Community Development Center, speaks during a ribbon cutting for new welcome signs that acknowledge the Kenmore Boulevard Historic District Wednesday, May 1, 2024 At left is Tina Boyes, Ward 9 City Council member, and Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. The Kenmore Boulevard Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019. (Kassi Filkins / Signal Akron)

Multimedia reporter/producer (she/her)
Kassi Filkins strives to be an active part of whatever community she finds herself in and joins Signal Akron in its mission to bring accessible and community-focused news to all Akronites.

Kassi was born and raised in Central Ohio and is a photojournalism graduate of Kent State University. She was a staff member at the Southeast Missourian and the Hartford Courant before working in non-profit communications.

Kassi lives in Highland Square and enjoys local coffee shops, walking along trails in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and hanging out with her dogs, cat and husband.