Akron Debates Demolition of Historic Firestone Plant 1

Akron city officials are facing public opposition over a recommendation to fully demolish the historic Firestone Plant 1. The 115-year-old building, which includes an iconic clocktower, holds significant local history for many residents. Community members and a city councilman are urging officials to reconsider the complete demolition, proposing alternative solutions to preserve at least a portion of the landmark structure.

Community Calls for Preservation of Firestone Landmark

On September 21, more than a dozen individuals gathered outside the Firestone Plant 1 to protest the city's plan. Many shared personal connections to the site. Phrases like "My father worked there" and "It's a piece of local history" echoed among the group. These sentiments highlight the deep community ties to the former factory.

The plant, constructed in 1910, served as both a factory and an office. Its historical importance was formally recognized in 2013 when it became an Akron Historic Landmark. The following year, in 2014, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. These designations underscore its cultural and architectural value.

Cost Discrepancies and Development Potential

City Planning Director Kyle Julien stated that officials examined multiple options for preserving all or part of the building. However, they concluded that a full demolition would be the most cost-effective approach. Julien indicated that preserving the front portion and the clocktower would add an estimated $5 million to the project's cost.

Ward 7 City Councilman Donnie Kammer attended the protest and expressed his desire for the city to explore other solutions. He plans to ask the City Council to reject the full demolition proposal. Kammer also aims to encourage the administration to spend several months seeking ideas from potential developers. He believes there are "endless opportunities" for the front wing of the building.

"I've been told for 10 years that we were going to save the front part of the building," Kammer said. "I understand wanting to tear down the other three wings; they are in bad shape and were used primarily for industrial. We can save that whole front wing. There's endless opportunities."

The Building's Scale and Significance

The entire Firestone Plant 1 measures 230,400 square feet. The distinctive clock tower, a focal point for preservation efforts, occupies approximately 6,300 square feet of this area. Councilman Kammer emphasized that the plant provided "a good living for families," highlighting its role in Akron's economic history.

Jim Able of Akron shared his family's connection, stating that his father, father-in-law, and grandfather all worked at the plant. "No need to get rid of the history we've always had," Able remarked. "It's family for us." Howard Ford, another Akron resident, noted his father's 30-year career at Plant 1, where he built bus and 18-wheeler tires.

Preservation Group Challenges City's Narrative

Dana Noel, the advocacy chair for Progress Through Preservation of Greater Akron, disputes the city's cost assessment. He believes the city's bid scope and other data do not support the claim that saving the clocktower would cost an additional $5 million compared to a full demolition. Noel called for the city to "regroup and provide accurate information" before the council makes a final decision.

Noel recently presented to the Akron City Council, drawing parallels to a successful transformation project in Tremont. Fifteen years ago, he worked on converting a 225,000-square-foot light industrial complex into market-rate apartments, hospitality units, and retail spaces. This complex, built between 1860 and 1940, included 12 additions and was in a worse state than the Firestone plant, with a leaky or absent roof in several sections.

"I think it's a good example to share because it was in far worse condition than Firestone," Noel stated. "Not only did it have a leaky roof, in several sections it didn’t have a roof at all. I especially like this project because it shows how buildings that were thought to be impossible can be transformed into beautiful new spaces and still honor the history and people that came before. This was a transformational project."

Ashley Martinez, who organized the protest, hopes the City Council will approve a plan to give the front part of the building and the clocktower "a new lease on life." She emphasized the irreversible nature of demolition. "Once it's gone, it's gone. It's part of Akron's architectural legacy," Martinez said.

Next Steps for the Firestone Site

The City Council's upcoming decision will be crucial for the future of Firestone Plant 1. The debate highlights a common challenge for many cities: balancing the costs of maintaining aging infrastructure with the desire to preserve historical landmarks. The community's strong emotional connection and the arguments from preservationists present a complex issue for Akron officials.

The discussion will likely focus on whether the perceived economic benefits of full demolition outweigh the cultural and historical value of partial preservation. Exploring developer interest and innovative funding models could offer alternative paths forward. The outcome will set a precedent for how Akron manages its industrial heritage in the face of urban development pressures.