“This site has always held a special place in Akron’s story. Our collective goal is to bring back the sense of excitement and pride this property once generated for the city.”
— Don PlusquellicFormer Mayor of Akron &
Member of Quaker Square Redeveloment Group
Quaker Square to Rise Again Under Leadership of Akron-based Team
The Quaker Square Redevelopment Group, a partnership of Akron-based developers, business leaders, and civic partners, announced it has secured approval from the Ohio Board of Control to acquire the historic Quaker Square complex from The University of Akron. This acquisition represents the launch of a bold initiative to restore one of Akron’s most iconic properties and reintroduce it as a vital anchor in the city’s urban core.
April 9, 2025
“This is a significant step forward for downtown Akron,” said Joseph Scaccio, President Carmen Construction. “We want to thank the Ohio Controlling Board and The University of Akron for placing their confidence in our team to redevelop this extraordinary property. We are committed to honoring its legacy while creating something that will benefit the entire community.”
Originally transformed in the 1970s from historic grain silos adjacent to an active railway, Quaker Square became a symbol of adaptive reuse and a key driver of downtown activity. The redevelopment group envisions a modern, mixed-use destination that blends community, commerce, and culture while preserving the landmark’s architectural legacy and civic importance.
Kyle Craven, Vice President of Craven Construction, emphasized: “Our guiding principle is to craft spaces that bring people together and contribute to the long-term health of Akron’s economy. This development is not just about revitalizing Quaker, it’s about helping restore downtown Akron as a place people are proud to live, work, and visit.”
“Our family has been part of the Akron community for generations,” said Danielle Hysell. “We’re proud to help breathe new life into a place that means so much to the city.” Jim Riter agreed: “This is a great opportunity to help bring Quaker Square back to life.”
The group is focused on engaging collaboratively with local stakeholders including the City of Akron and The University of Akron, to ensure that future plans reflect the evolving needs of the community while honoring the property’s historical and cultural significance.
“While this is a complex undertaking, our team is equipped with the vision, experience, and local long term commitment to move it forward thoughtfully and successfully,” said Steve Dimengo, Managing Partner at Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs LLP.
The Quaker Square Redevelopment Group includes:- Kyle Craven – Vice President, Craven Construction
- Joseph Scaccio – President, Carmen Construction
- Steve Dimengo – Managing Partner, Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs LLP
- Danielle Hysell – Managing Partner, Briarwood Construction
- Jim Riter – President, A. Crano Excavating
- Don Plusquellic – Former Mayor of Akron
“This site has always held a special place in Akron’s story,” said Don Plusquellic. “Our collective goal is to bring back the sense of excitement and pride this property once generated for the city.”
FAQ
Quaker Square is owned by Quaker Square Redevelopment Group, a local development group composed of six Akron-based business leaders and civic partners.
The group purchased the property from The University of Akron in 2025 with the goal of revitalizing it as a key part of downtown.
The redevelopment plan aims to transform Quaker Square into a mixed-use hub. It may feature over a hotel, residential units, a food hall, boutique retail, restaurants, and wellness spaces, office suites, and community areas. The design celebrates Quaker Square’s history while creating a modern, vibrant space to live, work, and connect.
Yes. Quaker Station, the 28,000 sq ft banquet and event facility, is fully operational and currently accepting bookings for weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings. It is one of the largest and most affordable venues in the Downtown Akron area and will continue operating with expanded private event capabilities after 2026. For inquiries, please contact station@quakerakron.com.
The majority of the Quaker Square redevelopment is targeted for substantial completion between Q1 and Q2 of 2026. However, leasing for retail, office, and restaurant spaces is active now, allowing early tenants a first-mover advantage and flexible tenant improvement packages.
This redevelopment honors Akron’s legacy while bringing economic vitality to its core. We expect to generate hundreds of construction jobs during its multi-year buildout and create a wide range of permanent positions in hospitality, operations, retail, and property management once complete.
The redevelopment of Quaker Square is about restoring civic pride and community connection. The new mixed-use environment with housing, hospitality, public gathering space, and curated retail will transform this landmark into a vibrant destination for residents, students, and visitors.
We welcome inquiries from retailers, restaurateurs, office users, wellness providers, hospitality groups, event planners, local entrepreneurs, and community partners who see value in being part of Quaker Square’s next chapter. Whether you're exploring commercial leasing, activation opportunities, event partnerships, or simply want to learn more, we’d love to hear from you. For leasing inquiries, please contact Kyle Craven at kyle@quakerakron.com
Explore Quaker Square Through the Years
Be Part of Akron’s Next Chapter
For press, partnerships, or business-related questions,
please contact Quaker Square Redevelopment Group:
Kyle Craven
Managing Director
kyle@quakerakron.com
+1 (330) 271-8025
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