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Contact: Beth B. Boggins
Senior Director, Communications and Community Relations
330.777.2072
bboggins@upakron.com

Urban Innovators Speaker Series Continues with Sold Out Presentation on Artist’s Live/Work Space as Redevelopment Catalyst

Wendy Holmes of Minneapolis-based Artspace USA will describe how artists’ communities spur economic and social benefits.

AKRON, Ohio – February 22, 2012 – Wendy Holmes, senior vice president of consulting and strategic partnerships for Artspace USA in Minneapolis, will deliver her presentation, “Building a Vibrant Community: Artist’s Live/Work Space as Redevelopment Catalyst,” to a sold out audience as part of the 3^rd annual University Park Alliance (UPA) Urban Innovators Speaker Series on Wednesday, Feb. 29 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Andrew Jackson House, 277 E. Mill St. in University Park, Akron.

Artspace is America's leading nonprofit real estate developer of affordable space for artists and arts organizations. Holmes oversees a staff of four that identifies new communities and new opportunities for arts-related real estate projects across the country. In this capacity she has advanced cultural space objectives in more than 150 U.S. communities and played a principal role in identifying sites for Artspace projects in New York, Memphis, Tenn., El Paso, Texas, and Tallahassee, Fla., among other cities.

“University Park is a perfect place in Akron for an artist live/work community,” says UPA executive director Eric Anthony Johnson. “Arts are a proven economic engine that directly benefits the community by acting as a magnet to creative business and bringing round-the-clock vibrancy to an area.”

UPA’s Urban Innovators Speaker Series features world-class urban thinkers and practitioners who present creative approaches to planning, economy, and culture that can catalyze economic transformation in Northeast Ohio. The program provides a platform for the exploration of ideas to strengthen the innovation capacity of Akron as an urban center, creating new investment and jobs.

The Series is presented with support from the Greater Akron Chamber and The University of Akron, and in conjunction with promotional partners Western Reserve Public Media, through its show “Neotropolis,” and hyper-local citizen journalism news site the Akronist.

The final upcoming speaker in the series is Steve Davies, senior vice president of Project for Public Spaces in New York who will present “Healthy Food Hubs: Eliminating Food Deserts and Supporting Local Economies,” on March 28. David Primm, principal with Tripp Umbach in Pittsburgh kicked-off the series on Jan. 31 with his presentation "Projecting the Return on Investment and Economic Impact of UPA’s Core City Vision Plan.”

Both the Feb. 29 and March 28 presentations are sold-out, however a waiting list is available. Call 330-777-2072 or email info@upakron.com to be included on the waiting list.

About University Park Alliance

University Park Alliance (http://www.upakron.com/university-park-alliance) is a nonprofit community development corporation dedicated to advancing the transformation of University Park, the 50-block neighborhood surrounding The University of Akron. UPA’s urban reinvestment strategy is to capitalize on the economic synergy of Akron’s Anchor Institutions and develop University Park as a dense, walkable neighborhood with diverse cultural offerings, great healthcare, quality education and plenty of recreational and leisure opportunities. UPA receives major funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and its partners include The University of Akron, City of Akron, Summa Health System, Akron Beacon Journal, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron General Health System, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, Greater Akron Chamber, Akron Public Schools, and the University Park residential and business community.

Matt Bevilacqua | Next American City

Last week, a study in Akron, Ohio found that a plan to revamp the former industrial city’s downtown is not only economically viable, but would bring nearly 15,000 jobs to the area within 20 years.

By adding almost 5 million square feet of new office, retail and residential space to the streetscape, development would also generate about $90 million in tax revenue for the city, according to the study.

Like many Midwestern cities, Akron has an urban core anchored by several major businesses – such as tire giant Goodyear and Purell manufacturer GOJO Industries – along with a few cultural centers and a handful of hospitals. But in the space between them, there isn’t much.

Which is why University Park Alliance (UPA), a local non-profit development corporation, devised the Core City Development Plan. Unveiled last May, the project aims to make Akron denser by infilling a huge swath of land near the University of Akron, the city’s third-largest employer and geographical epicenter. 

“It is not a plan that’s been sitting on the shelf,” said UPA executive director Eric Johnson. “It is executable.”

Citing what he calls “super-ultra-conservative estimates,” Johnson said that, between strengthening existing anchor businesses and attracting new companies to over 3 million square feet of added corporate space, the plan has earned the economic legitimacy to move forward.

Although specific details have not yet been made public, the plan calls for four separate construction sites slated to break ground later this year. The building would occur within 50 square blocks – a compact but appreciable trapezoidal chunk of the 62-square-mile city. Flanking the target area are Main Street to the west, Market Street to the northeast, and Exchange Street to the south.

As previously noted, faded industrial cities across the U.S. have spent the past few years trying to revive much-needed businesses in their metro areas. Non-profits have taken the lead, collaborating with local officials and private entrepreneurs to give their home cities the necessary shots in the arm. Can Akron place its bets on a single, sweeping makeover from its most visible development corporation? 

Matt Bevilacqua is associate editor of Next American City. Follow him @mattbevi.

| Feb 6th, 2012

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High-visibility nighttime safety patrols will enhance safety and livability

AKRON, Ohio – February 6, 2012 – University Park Alliance (UPA) today launched the University Park Safe Neighborhood Initiative in the University Park neighborhood south of Exchange St. and The University of Akron campus.

In coordination with the University of Akron Police Department (UAPD) and Akron Police Department (APS), unarmed Safe Neighborhood Officers (SNO) will provide nightly patrols, on foot and via bicycle or branded vehicles. The goal of the program is to obtain a heightened level of coverage and cooperation for crime prevention, personal safety and property protection in the neighborhood.

SNO will provide escorts for pedestrians, report graffiti, deter panhandling, report on blighted properties, provide crime prevention information, and identify and report suspicious activity. SNO will report safety issues and suspicious incidents directly to the UAPD dispatch agents who will contact proper authorities (either UAPD or APD).

“Improving the quality of life in the University Park neighborhood is a priority for us,” UPA executive director Eric Anthony Johnson said. “Working with community leaders, neighborhood residents and business owners – this is one of several initiatives that UPA is developing to help improve and attract investment to University Park residential neighborhoods and commercial districts.”

The Safe Neighborhood Initiative program will be operated on behalf of UPA by G4S Secure Solutions USA, the world's leading international security solutions group. Initially, the program patrol area will be bounded by Exchange St., Spicer St., Power St. and Grant St, with potential to expand coverage in the future. Patrol hours will be from 8 p.m. – 4 a.m., seven days a week.

“The University of Akron Police Department is looking forward to partnering with University Park Alliance on this initiative,” said UAPD chief of police, Paul Callahan.  “Through this collaboration, the students, businesses and families will be able to pursue their dreams and ambitions in an environment conducive to success. We are excited to see this project proceed in such a positive manner.”

James Nice, APD chief of police said, "Establishing this safety patrol program in the University Park neighborhood gives the community an extra set of eyes and ears. This is beneficial not only to the residents in the neighborhood, but also to the officers working the neighborhoods."

About University Park Alliance

University Park Alliance (http://www.upakron.com/university-park-alliance) is a nonprofit community development corporation dedicated to advancing the transformation of University Park, the 50-block neighborhood surrounding The University of Akron. UPA’s urban reinvestment strategy is to capitalize on the economic synergy of Akron’s Anchor Institutions and develop University Park as a dense, walkable neighborhood with diverse cultural offerings, great healthcare, quality education and plenty of recreational and leisure opportunities. UPA receives major funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and its partners include The University of Akron, City of Akron, Summa Health System, Akron Beacon Journal, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron General Health System, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, Greater Akron Chamber, Akron Public Schools, and the University Park residential and business community.

Download a PDF of this editorial

Published: February 2, 2012 - 07:02 PM

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Contact: Beth B. Boggins
Senior Director, Communications and Community Relations
330.777.2072
bboggins@upakron.com

Plan is achievable and by 2030 will generate $1.8 billion in economic impact, $90
million in tax revenue and 14,392 jobs

AKRON, Ohio – February 1, 2012 – University Park Alliance (UPA) today released the findings of
two parallel reports showing that by 2030 the annual economic impact of UPA’s Core City
Vision Plan can be transformational and successful redevelopment in Akron’s urban core is
feasible. The two studies commissioned by UPA are entitled:  “Projecting the Return on
Investment and Economic Impact of UPA’s Core City Vision Plan” – conducted by research firm
Tripp Umbach of Pittsburgh, PA; and “University Park: Akron’s Urban Alternative” – conducted
by Tetra Tech Inc. of Arlington, VA.

“The outcomes of these studies form an analytical platform to support a new reality for
Akron -- our urban core has a lot to offer and build on,” UPA executive director Eric Anthony
Johnson said. “Even though population has been declining and unemployment has been on the
rise in recent years, Akron remains a large economy with substantial purchasing power. Wages
are on the rise, as are jobs in the healthcare sector.  Income, spending potential, and real
estate demand are higher than assumed. The opportunity for redevelopment is much greater
than most people think. We have to capitalize on it.”

The Core City Vision Plan demand model contained within the “University Park: Akron’s Urban
Alternative” study is based on ultra-conservative average annual growth rate forecasts within
the Akron Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) including .04% population growth, .28% growth
in number of households, .28% income growth by bracket, and .62% employment growth. 

Among the findings released: 

• By 2030, UPA’s Core City Vision Plan, if implemented, will generate $1.8 billion
  economic impact, $90 million tax revenue and 14,392 jobs

• UPA’s early planned residential development and operations by 2016 will generate
  more than $250 million of economic impact, more than 2,500 jobs and $16 million
  of tax and government revenue.

• UPA’s planned Initial retail, office and hotel developments by 2016 will annually contribute
  $183 million of economic activity, 1,400 jobs and $9 million of tax revenue for University Park. 

• A compound annual growth rate of 2.73% from 2000 to 2009 shows the average wage
  per job in Akron is rising.

• As manufacturing and retail jobs have declined, healthcare continues to add jobs to
  the local economy.

• Akron remains a large economy with substantial purchasing power with:

                  $27.5 billion Gross Regional Product

                  $13.4 billion Wage and Income Disbursements

• 131,000 or 46% of all households in the Akron MSA make more than $50 thousand per year.

• A $130,000 residence is affordable to nearly 75,000 households in the Akron MSA.

• Retail spending potential, commercial space and hospitality demand in the Akron MSA is larger than assumed. 

• University of Akron students who don’t live on campus are also a very large market reaching 8,000 by 2016

• UPA’s full development plan is feasible as it builds on existing economic, population,social and
  real estate supply trends.

• Assuming a continued moderate economic recovery and a continued focus on core city
  advantages, there is underlying demand that supports the UPA development plan.

 
About University Park Alliance
 
University Park Alliance (http://www.upakron.com/university-park-alliance) is a nonprofit
community development corporation dedicated to advancing the transformation of University
Park, the 50-block neighborhood surrounding The University of Akron. UPA’s urban
reinvestment strategy is to capitalize on the economic synergy of Akron’s Anchor Institutions
and develop University Park as a dense, walkable neighborhood with diverse cultural
offerings, great healthcare, quality education and plenty of recreational and leisure
opportunities. UPA receives major funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
and its partners include The University of Akron, City of Akron, Summa Health System, Akron
Beacon Journal, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron General Health System, Akron Metropolitan
Housing Authority, Greater Akron Chamber, Akron Public Schools, and the University Park
residential and business community

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Beth B. Boggins
Senior Director, Communications and Community Relations
330.835.8181
bboggins@upakron.com

Winners of the University Park Start UP! Competition Will Received Financial Awards Up to $10,000

AKRON, Ohio – January 24, 2012 – University Park Alliance (UPA) has received a $35,000 grant from Charter One Foundation through its Growing Communities Initiative to support the Start UP! Business Plan Competition. Charter One’s money will help promote the development of new businesses in University Park through cash awards of up to $10,000.

“Charter One is proud to partner with University Park Alliance to grow our communities and enhance our neighborhoods. The small business grant competition is an exciting opportunity to support entrepreneurs and help bring their fresh, new ideas to life,” said Ken Marblestone, President of Charter One and RBS Citizens, Ohio.

UPA executive director Eric Anthony Johnson said, “We are grateful to Charter One for their commitment to UPA’s future vision for University Park. Their contribution will help create new small businesses and spur the entrepreneurship needed for the development of a thriving mixed-use neighborhood that will attract and retain talent, generate economic activity and create jobs.”

The goal of the Competition is to help attract and assist new business, especially business providing basic but missing services in the University Park neighborhood, and to give aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to bolster their business acumen.

Initial Competition applications were submitted in December 2011. Those selected to continue will receive individual guidance on writing a business and in spring 2012, finalists will present their plans before a panel of judges to determine the winners. In addition to funding, entrepreneurs submitting winning business plans will receive assistance in locating a suitable site within University Park and ongoing consulting support as they bring their business ideas to fruition.

The Competition is presented by UPA with support Charter One Foundation through its Growing Communities Initiative, University of Akron Research Foundation, The Student Venture Fund at The University of Akron, Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLC, and Meaden & Moore.

About University Park Alliance

University Park Alliance (http://www.upakron.com/university-park-alliance) is a nonprofit community development corporation dedicated to advancing the transformation of University Park, the 50-block neighborhood surrounding The University of Akron. UPA’s urban reinvestment strategy is to capitalize on the economic synergy of Akron’s Anchor Institutions and develop University Park as a dense, walkable neighborhood with diverse cultural offerings, great healthcare, quality education and plenty of recreational and leisure opportunities. UPA receives major funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and its partners include The University of Akron, City of Akron, Summa Health System, Akron Beacon Journal, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron General Health System, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, Greater Akron Chamber, Akron Public Schools, and the University Park residential and business community.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Beth B. Boggins
Senior Director, Communications and Community Relations
330.777.2072
bboggins@upakron.com

Findings Will Be Presented That Point to the Successful Redevelopment of Akron’s Core Through UPA’s Core City Vision Plan.

AKRON, Ohio – January 19, 2012 – University Park Alliance (UPA) will release the findings of two new parallel reports, " Projecting the Return on Investment and Economic Impact of UPA’s Core City Vision Plan,” and, “University Park: Akron’s Urban Alternative,” to kick off its third annual Urban Innovators Speaker Series on Tuesday, Jan. 31, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at Andrew Jackson House, 277 E. Mill St. in University Park, Akron. The studies find that by 2030 the annual economic impact of UPA’s Core City Vision Plan, a master redevelopment plan recently commissioned by UPA, can be transformational and successful redevelopment in Akron’s urban core is possible.

The studies were commissioned by UPA and conducted by research firms Tripp Umbach of Pittsburgh, PA and Tetra Tech of Arlington, VA. David Primm, principal with Tripp Umbach, and UPA executive director Eric Anthony Johnson, Ph.D., will present the findings. “The outcomes of these studies are tremendously encouraging,” says Johnson. “They show without question that there is underlying demand that supports the UPA development plan and that the plan will provide valuable economic returns as it builds on existing trends to offer something new to Akron – an urban alternative. These findings strongly corroborate that core city redevelopment in Akron is feasible.”

UPA’s Urban Innovators Speaker Series features world-class urban thinkers and practitioners who present creative approaches to planning, economy, and culture that can catalyze economic transformation in Northeast Ohio. The program provides a platform for the exploration of ideas to strengthen the innovation capacity of Akron as an urban center, creating new investment and jobs.

The Series is presented with support from the Greater Akron Chamber and The University of Akron, and in conjunction with promotional partners Western Reserve Public Media, through its show “Neotropolis,” and hyper-local citizen journalism news site the Akronist.

Upcoming speakers in the Series are Wendy Holmes, senior vice president of Artspace in Minneapolis, MN who will present “Building a Vibrant Community: Artists’ Live/Work Space as a Redevelopment Catalyst” on Feb. 29; and, Steve Davies, senior vice president of Project for Public Spaces in New York, NY who will present “Healthy Food Hubs: Eliminating Food Deserts and Supporting Local Economies,” on March 28.

The presentations are free and open to the public. Seating will be limited to 100 per presentation and reservations are required. Call 330-777-2070 or email info@upakron.com.

About University Park Alliance

University Park Alliance (http://www.upakron.com/university-park-alliance) is a nonprofit community development corporation dedicated to advancing the transformation of University Park, the 50-block neighborhood surrounding The University of Akron. UPA’s urban reinvestment strategy is to capitalize on the economic synergy of Akron’s Anchor Institutions and develop University Park as a dense, walkable neighborhood with diverse cultural offerings, great healthcare, quality education and plenty of recreational and leisure opportunities. UPA receives major funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and its partners include The University of Akron, City of Akron, Summa Health System, Akron Beacon Journal, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron General Health System, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, Greater Akron Chamber, Akron Public Schools, and the University Park residential and business community.

By Betty Lin-Fisher
Beacon Journal business writer

Published: January 11, 2012 

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Published: December 15, 2011

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Contact: Beth B. Boggins
Senior Director, Communications and Community Relations
330.777.2072
bboggins@upakron.com

UNIVERSITY PARK ALLIANCE MARKETING CAMPAIGN AND WEBSITE SELECTED AS REGIONAL AWARD WINNERS

Mid-America Economic Development Council Recognizes UPA at Annual Competitiveness Conference in Chicago

AKRON, Ohio – December 5, 2011 – University Park Alliance’s (UPA) marketing campaign and website were recognized today as winners of Mid-America Economic Development Council (MAEDC) annual Economic Development Marketing Awards. The organization’s marketing campaign was selected as the first place winner in the Community Promotion and Marketing Program – Large Community category and its website was selected as the second place winner in the Website – Large Community category. The awards were presented at the MAEDC Annual Competitiveness Conference in Chicago.

The MAEDC Annual Economic Development Awards program recognizes outstanding efforts in development of marketing materials, marketing events and economic development efforts in its ten Midwestern states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin). Award winners will be featured in the January 2012 issue of Site Selection Magazine.

The UPA print marketing campaign is comprised of a collateral package including an “Assets of University Park” folder, a “Do You Have a Place Here?” organizational brochure, a “Our Core City Vision” video, a one-page summary of UPA’s recently commissioned  “Economic Impact Assessment,” a one-page summary of UPA’s recently completed “Akron Core City Vision Plan” master plan and five article reprints. The collateral package is the key printed communications tool used by UPA to brand the organization and present its mission and competitive advantages as a development partner to site consultants, business developers and potential funders.

UPA’s website is the key online communications tool used by the organization to brand both the University Park neighborhood and the UPA organization and to increase interest and investment in both. It provides continually updated infromation through two separate and distinct, yet interwoven digital portals.

About University Park Alliance
University Park Alliance (http://www.upakron.com/university-park-alliance) is a nonprofit community development corporation dedicated to advancing the transformation of University Park, the 50-block neighborhood surrounding The University of Akron. UPA’s urban reinvestment strategy is to capitalize on the economic synergy of the area anchor institutions and develop a dense, walkable neighborhood with diverse cultural offerings, great healthcare, quality education and plenty of recreational and leisure opportunities. UPA receives major funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and its partners include The University of Akron, City of Akron, Summa Health System, Akron Beacon Journal, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron General Health System, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, Greater Akron Chamber, Akron Public Schools, and the University Park residential and business community.

About the Ohio Economic Development Association
The Mid-America Economic Development Council (http://www.maedc.net/) is a membership organization of economic development professionals who share best practices and is a resource for those professionals to make contact with site selectors, advance regional economic development programs and access thought leadership. MAEDC represents Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

The Atlantic Cities staff writer

Published: December 2, 2011

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Akron, Ohio, is a city that built its fortune on rubber. From the late 1800s into the mid 1900s, Akron was the rubber capital of the world, eventually housing the headquarters of all four major tire and rubber producers. But in a tale seen across the Great Lakes region and beyond, Akron’s booming industry eventually went bust. Businesses left and whole parts of town effectively cleared out. But, being a rubber city, Akron’s getting ready to bounce back.

In what’s hoped to be a significant part of that recovery is a plan for the redevelopment of a 50-block area in the city’s center. A multi-sector team of city leaders have joined the effort to dramatically reshape part of downtown Akron near the University of Akron, an area known as University Park. Led by the non-profit University Park Alliance, the project aims to revive the area in to a mixed-use and vibrant neighborhood, leveraging the university and other major institutional employers in the area to lure people back to what was formerly—and what officials hope will someday be again—a thriving neighborhood. And according to locals, it certainly needs the help.

“It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city,” says John Moore, the city’s planning director. Housing boomed in the first two decades of the 20th century as workers streamed in from all over the country to snatch up plentiful jobs in the rubber industry. Housing for these workers developed in response and much of it remains today. Moore says the housing stock is under-maintained and so is the infrastructure. But because of the inherent demand from students at the nearby university, landlords are able to keep their properties occupied. Often too occupied. “They’re packing kids into houses like sardines,” he says.

But profiteering property owners aside, the housing is just plain old. “These houses weren’t built to last 100 years. And here we are,” Moore says.

University Park is not just students, though. In addition to the university, the area is home to three hospitals, research and development facilities, a business incubator and two new community learning centers. Eight of the county’s 10 largest employers are based there. Despite these assets, Moore says the area is still missing a cohesive neighborhood feeling.

“It’s ready to be reborn,” Moore says.

And he’s confident it will. Under the leadership of Eric Anthony Johnson, the University Park Alliance has developed a master plan focusing on three major streets in the area, targeting them as areas for new infill residential development and rehabilitation of the existing stock, new retail and mixed use opportunities and a series of public spaces. It’s aimed at phasing in development starting next spring and running up to 2030. Johnson and his group have the support of a wide range of local entities and partners, and they’re all hoping the plan will create a new center for the city.

“Here in this core lies the strength of Akron’s future,” Johnson says.

The institutional employment is the key. The university and the hospitals are major job providers, and the plan is to capitalize on this population to turn the area in to a place they not only want to work but also want to live.

“There’s no shortage of workers in this area,” Johnson says. “The pieces have always been here, but the missing link has been the creation of the great places between these institutions.”

He’s hopeful that the plan will bring more services and amenities to the neighborhood in order to meet the day-to-day needs of future residents. But filling in those gaps will take time and money. The University Park Alliance is funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, newspaper magnates who started their chain in Akron with the Beacon Journal in the 1930s. These hometown roots remain a special tie for the foundation, which has kicked in about $12 million for the University Park Alliance and this project.

Jennifer Thomas is a program officer for the Knight Foundation, and she says the University Park development plan will be crucial for the future of the city. “It’s about how we re-engage people so that the core center of Akron matters to them,” Thomas says.

Making the center matter, according to Johnson, means making it a place people want to visit and maybe even come home to. He sees this as driving the strategy to pump life and economic activity back into the neighborhood.

“We focus on the importance of placemaking as a driver of the new economy,” Johnson says.

Those plans recently got an extra kick when international real estate development firm KUD signed on to handle some of the plan’s buildout. It’s a big name that’ll help lend credibility to the project and its ability to pull in financing. Johnson says that this new partnership is proof the plan will take shape.

“This is not just some vision plan,” Johnson says. “This is a plan that’s actually building.”

Beginning next spring, the first four or five projects will break ground. New and rehabilitated housing is one of the first key elements for Johnson, who hopes to develop market-rate housing in the low $100,000s. Eventually, over its nearly two decade roll out, he expects to build 900,000 square feet of office space, 3 million square feet of retail, 600,000 square feet of research and development space, 160,000 square feet of social and cultural space, and about 6,000 new residential units.

“It’s very ambitious,” Thomas says, “but we know this is something we have to do for our city and community.”

If everything works out, downtown Akron stands to take on a whole new life, potentially something similar to its boom years 100 years ago.

“Twenty years from now you won’t recognize it,” says Moore.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Beth B. Boggins

Senior Director, Communications and Community Relations
330.777.2072
bboggins@upakron.com

UNIVERSITY PARK ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION

Winners of the University Park Start UP! Competition Will Received Financial Awards Up to $10,000

AKRON, Ohio – November 7, 2011 – University Park Alliance (UPA) announced today the launch of the University Park Start UP! Business Plan Competition. The Competition is open to all interested entrepreneurs who would like to locate a business in University Park.

The goal of the Competition is to help attract and assist new business, especially business providing basic but missing services in the University Park neighborhood, and to give aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to bolster their business acumen. Entrants gain practical insights about starting and growing a business while competing for cash prizes.

Interested entrepreneurs begin the process by submitting an initial application found at www.upakron.com/university-park-business-plan-competition due December 8, 2011. Finalists will attend a mandatory orientation session that will describe opportunities in the University Park neighborhood. At this session finalists will also receive feedback on their initial application and guidance from successful entrepreneurs and The Student Venture Fund at the University of Akron (SVFUA). Those selected to continue will receive from the University of Akron Research Foundation (UARF) and SVFU individual guidance on writing a business plan and developing a strong business pitch.

UPA executive director Eric Anthony Johnson said, “We hope that many budding entrepreneurs will submit an initial competition application with us to help prepare their business plans for submission and we look forward to increased business activity in University Park as a result.”

In spring 2012, finalists will present their plans before a panel of judges to determine the winners of the Competition. Those submitting winning business plans will receive from UPA funding up to $10,000 and assistance locating a suitable site within University Park. Winners will also receive ongoing consulting support as they bring their business ideas to fruition.

The Competition is presented by UPA with support from UARF, SVFUA, Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLC, and Meaden & Moore.

For more information about the Competition visit www.upakron.com, call 330.777.2070, or email cmurphy@upakron.com.

About University Park Alliance

University Park Alliance (http://www.upakron.com/university-park-alliance) is a nonprofit community development corporation dedicated to advancing the transformation of University Park, the 50-block neighborhood surrounding The University of Akron. UPA’s urban reinvestment strategy is to capitalize on the economic synergy of Akron’s Anchor Institutions and develop University Park as a dense, walkable neighborhood with diverse cultural offerings, great healthcare, quality education and plenty of recreational and leisure opportunities. UPA receives major funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and its partners include The University of Akron, City of Akron, Summa Health System, Akron Beacon Journal, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron General Health System, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, Greater Akron Chamber, Akron Public Schools, and the University Park residential and business community.

Published in the Akron Beacon Journal: October 27, 2011

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DEVELOPMENT

UPA receives award

The University Park Alliance (UPA) print marketing campaign was recognized on Thursday as the first-place winner of the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) annual Excellence in Economic Development Marketing Award — Large Communities.

The award was presented at the OEDA Annual Summit in Columbus. OEDA’s excellence awards program recognizes the achievements of individuals and organizations in Ohio in economic and work force development.

The campaign is comprised of a package including an Assets of University Park folder, a Do You Have a Place Here? organizational brochure, a one-page summary of UPA’s recently commissioned Economic Impact Assessment, a one-page summary of UPA’s recently completed Akron Core City Vision Plan master plan and five article reprints.

The package is the key printed communications tool used by UPA to present its mission and advantages to site consultants, developers and funders.

UPA’s website was also recognized as a finalist for the statewide award.

UNIVERSITY PARK ALLIANCE MARKETING CAMPAIGN SELECTED AS EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER

Ohio Economic Development Association Recognizes UPA at Annual Summit

AKRON, Ohio – October 27, 2011 – The University Park Alliance (UPA) print marketing campaign was recognized today as the first place winner of the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) annual Excellence in Economic Development Marketing Award - Large Communities. The award was presented at the OEDA Annual Summit in Columbus. OEDA’s annual excellence awards program recognizes the achievements of individuals and organizations in Ohio in the areas of economic and workforce development.

The UPA print marketing campaign is comprised of a collateral package including an “Assets of University Park” folder, a “Do You Have a Place Here?” organizational brochure, a one-page summary of UPA’s recently commissioned  “Economic Impact Assessment,” a one-page summary of UPA’s recently completed “Akron Core City Vision Plan” master plan and five article reprints. The collateral package is the key printed communications tool used by UPA to brand the organization and present its mission and competitive advantages as a development partner to site consultants, business developers and potential funders.

 UPA’s website was also recognized as a finalist for the statewide award.

About University Park Alliance

University Park Alliance (http://www.upakron.com/university-park-alliance) is a nonprofit community development corporation, dedicated to advancing an ambitious strategy of transformation for University Park, the 50-block neighborhood surrounding The University of Akron. UPA's comprehensive urban reinvestment development strategy is rooted in the importance of "placemaking," a holistic approach to community revitalization that plans and designs communities based on the needs of the people. UPA's efforts are organized around four programmatic areas: real estate development, economic development, social and human capital development, and community/civic engagement development. UPA receives major funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and its partners include The University of Akron, City of Akron, Summa Health System, Akron Beacon Journal, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron General Health System, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, Greater Akron Chamber, Akron Public Schools, and the University Park residential and business community.

About the Ohio Economic Development Association

The Ohio Economic Development Association (http://www.ohioeda.com/) supports efforts by state, regional and local governments and other organizations to strengthen the economic climate in Ohio, foster employment growth and expand economic opportunities for Ohio’s citizens.

Published: October 26, 2011

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While many real-estate players pass over the nation's midsection in favor of the coasts, Akron has tapped a subsidiary of Japanese construction company Kajima Corp. to help remake and revitalize a 50-block swath of the Ohio city.

The University Park Alliance, a nonprofit group that gets funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, said this week that KUD International, the Kajima subsidiary, will act as the developer of the area around the University of Akron.

Planners see hundreds of millions of dollars in construction and renovations.

KUD expects to bring in other developers for various pieces of the plan, which is slated to include new housing, offices and retail, according to Tom Winter, senior vice president of KUD.

The area contains many older low- to moderate-income single-family homes and some vacant lots. "Today … communities and institutions are simply stuck," Mr. Suomi says. "We help them get unstuck." KUD has worked on other large scale public-private projects such as the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, Calif.

Published: October 23, 2011 - 12:38 AM

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University of Akron student volunteers Lou Konstan (left) and Nathaniel Rosario rake along Jewett Street as they work to spruce up the area during the seventh annual Make a Difference Day in the University Park neighborhood in Akron. (Mike Cardew/Akron Beacon Journal)

More than 1,000 University of Akron volunteers turned out Saturday to work on Make a Difference Day in Akron.

That included about 160 volunteers in the Upson and Jewett streets project coordinated by the University Park Alliance. Volunteers worked on landscaping the 11 houses on Jewett Street that have been rehabbed in recent months through the University Park Alliance program.

They also worked on city-owned Jewett Park. It received $19,000 in improvements, including a walking path.

The nonprofit group has invested about $190,000 in the 11 houses.

Make a Difference volunteers worked in a 50-block area around the campus.

Volunteers helped the elderly and the handicapped with home repairs, cleaning and landscaping, and assisted animal shelters and local schools.

It was the seventh annual Make a Difference Day.

Published: October 22, 2011 - 11:24 PM

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To thrive in the increasingly competitive global economy, cities, or regions, must attract talent, leading to networks and a vibrancy that spurs ideas, innovations and growth. For a Boston, or New York, or a San Francisco Bay area, that is relatively easy.

Akron?

What matters isn’t size so much as distinctiveness, achieving a unique and authentic sense of place. That is the thinking behind such efforts as the biomedical corridor, the Austen BioInnovation Institute, the University of Akron Research Foundation and Mayor Don Plusquellic seeking to lure foreign investment to the city. The idea drives regional clusters around flexible electronic materials and advanced energy.

Of all these endeavors, none is more refreshing in its big ambition than the University Park Alliance, led by Eric Anthony Johnson, supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Here is a most challenging bid to remake 50 blocks at the core of the city, leveraging the presence of leading employers to achieve new energy, in revived housing, retail, entertainment and business. And last week, the alliance scored a triumph, adding a most impressive partner, KUD, the highly respected international real estate development firm.

This isn’t the victory Johnson most covets, visible changes in the look of the area. That will come, or so goes the plan, the alliance with its eye currently on the property of the former Fred Martin Chevrolet dealership on East Market Street. Still, the presence of KUD sends the same encouraging signal of “we’re for real.”

KUD doesn’t land just anywhere. Since the 1990s, this offshoot of Kajima of Japan, has been playing the catalyst for large, private-public, mixed-use projects, looking to make a striking difference in communities. Among other things, that has resulted in aquariums in Tampa and Long Beach, the ballpark in San Francisco, an advanced technologies park in Israel and a makeover for the Silvertown Quays, a neighborhood in the eastern part of London.

Eric Johnson often stresses the importance of building blocks, putting in place the pieces required to sustain something like the University Park Alliance. KUD represents an eye-catching addition to the blocks.

And those blocks, no surprise, are what KUD found attractive about Akron. Many cities have declared their intention to mount such a revival. Few have done so in the painstaking manner of the alliance.

Roughly a year has passed since the alliance remade itself, moving from cheerleader to doer, forming a new board and staff, Johnson setting up as the executive director. The alliance has delivered an economic assessment of the landscape. It has unveiled a bold and clear “master plan,” covering “three streets, four districts and three neighborhoods” and advanced by the also much acclaimed EE&K Architects of New York.

Most of all, the partners have affirmed their commitment. They are the University of Akron, Summa Health System, Akron General Medical Center, Akron Children’s Hospital, the Akron Public Schools, the city and county governments, along with other businesses and groups. The extent and depth of the collaboration sold KUD, along with the chance to join as the project began to take off.

What does KUD bring?

Expertise is part of the answer, the firm knowing what works and what does not, on both the property and the financing sides. So is confidence, stemming largely from its service guarantee, investors comforted by KUD picking up the tab for delays and cost overruns.

How can KUD pull off such a promise? It stresses its selectivity about projects, and its presence at the table as a project moves forward. And there resides the substantial benefit: The alliance has a partner dedicated to seeing the whole picture, pressing forward the plan, providing the crucial element of cohesion.

That hardly translates into telling the others what to do. It does mean ensuring the necessary profile for the goals of the alliance, devoting resources to fulfill the strategy, maintaining the alignment, especially in the many parts of the 50 blocks that are not owned by the partners.

This role is key because success depends almost entirely on continuing coordination and collaboration. The area won’t be remade in a couple of years, in five or a decade. (Beware of excessive expectations.) KUD pledges to be here for the duration. Akron players must prove true to their talk (and acts) of commitment.

They do so convinced about the reward, the city with an opportunity to take long strides toward distinction and competitiveness.

Eric Johnson likes sport analogies. He talks about the way to launch an effective team. The players must know the plays. They must practice to achieve command. Then they must execute in the game. He argues that the building blocks of the alliance reflect just such diligence, doing the right things to succeed.

And now in KUD, he has what amounts to a playmaker, a component to shape and facilitate the attack.

Douglas is the Beacon Journal editorial page editor. He can be reached at 330-996-3514, or emailed at mdouglas@thebeaconjournal.com.

By Betty Lin-Fisher
Beacon Journal business writer

Published: October 20, 2011 - 12:22 AM

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KUD International president and CEO Marvin Suomi (left) talks with University of Akron president Dr. Luis Proenza at a welcoming gathering Wednesday in Akron. (Phil Masturzo/Akron Beacon Journal)

The head of an international economic development firm says he believes the University Park Alliance and Akron leaders have come up with a great master plan to revitalize four districts around downtown.

“A lot of people have asked me, ‘Why Akron?’ My gut response is, ‘Why not Akron?’ In fact, there are better reasons than that. We do projects all around the world. We look for public/private partners who meet criteria,” such as groups of people who are working together, said Marvin J. Suomi, KUD International president and chief executive.

Suomi appeared Wednesday at a welcoming event at the Andrew Jackson House in Akron attended by local government and business leaders.

The partnership between Akron and KUD is a marriage, said Suomi, adding KUD has never left a partnership with communities.

“It’s a marriage that will have hiccups and challenges, but lots of rewards. We have high expectations of you, as you should have of us,” Suomi said.

He joked that he found out on Tuesday that there are no direct flights from London, where he had been traveling, to Akron.

KUD, with offices in New York, London, Long Beach, Calif., and Orlando, Fla., is joining with the UPA in a “master services agreement” to give the company responsibility for developing some projects outlined by UPA.

KUD might actually develop some of the projects, but it will also work closely with UPA and local developers. KUD services include guarantee commitments, which means a project is delivered by a certain date and if not, KUD will pay the fees and fines. The company, which is paid for its guarantee by developers, also guarantees the projects will be completed according to agreed budgets and, if not, will pay cost overruns.

KUD has worked on aquariums in Tampa and Long Beach, baseball and football stadiums in San Francisco and Philadelphia, and what it calls a large-scale research park in Israel. Its parent company, Kajima Corp., has offices in 20 countries worldwide.

UPA last spring unveiled a master plan, put together with the university, business partners and city and county government. The plan divides the downtown area into four districts along three major roads: Market, Exchange and Main streets. The four districts are University Square District along East Exchange Street, South of Exchange District along the canal and Cedar Street, the Main Street District downtown and the Crossroads District along East Market.

After the news conference, Suomi said KUD wants to be able to say there were substantial changes made in the community. The company looks for partnerships only early in the process, such as the UPA master plan, he said. “For us, this feels like the absolute opportune time. If this had been a project that was half developed and they wanted to breathe new life, we would have said no.

“We like to enter the project at the visioning stage.”

UPA Executive Director Eric Anthony Johnson said the goal is to have projects moving forward in each district at the same time ­— and soon.

“A lot of communities do great plans. What they don’t have is what we have, superior collaboration,” said Johnson, who noted the redevelopment of Akron will be a combination of local developers and outside firms.

UPA has developed a “model of redevelopment that engages the entire community” and now nationally and internationally with the partnership with KUD, said Jennifer Thomas, Akron program director for the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the major fund source for UPA. “This partnership provides an unprecedented opportunity in Akron to provide a greater sense of place and vibrant economy.”

Mayor Don Plusquellic said the vision provides “great opportunity here for success in the future” and he thanked local developers for taking a risk to put their money out first for Akron projects.

Johnson said he was excited about the future.

“People have asked me, ‘Are you going to slow down?’ Why should we slow down? What would we slow down for? It’s about competition. It’s about moving this community forward,” Johnson said.

Betty Lin-Fisher can be reached at 330-996-3724 or blinfisher@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/blinfisher and see all her stories at www.ohio.com/betty.

By Betty Lin-Fisher
Beacon Journal business writer

Published: October 16, 2011 - 07:27 AM

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The University Park Alliance, a nonprofit group working on the redevelopment of 50 city blocks around the University of Akron and surrounding downtown areas, has entered a partnership with an international real estate firm known for its work on sports stadiums and aquariums.

Last spring, the UPA showed off what it called a “Master Plan” put together with the university, business partners and city and county government. The plan divided the area into four districts of downtown along three major roads — Market, Exchange and Main streets.

Now KUD International LLC, with offices in New York, London, Long Beach, Calif., and Orlando, Fla., has joined with UPA on what is being called a “master services agreement.” It will give the company responsibility for developing a portion of the projects outlined by UPA.

The partnership also allows KUD, whose parent company is Kajima Corp. of Japan, to work on financial and other resource issues to help local and other developers secure financing and reduce risk.

Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed.

KUD International has worked on aquariums in Tampa and Long Beach, baseball and football stadiums in San Francisco and Philadelphia and what it called a “large-scale research park” in Israel. The parent Kajima Corp. has offices in 20 countries worldwide.

“This is huge. This is going to give us the competitive advantage we really need,” said Eric Anthony Johnson, UPA executive director. “If you take this off the table, we’ll be no different than any other entity trying to secure financing for projects in a difficult environment.

“This is a jolt to local development,” he said.

The KUD partnership will be celebrated with a welcoming event/news conference Wednesday, with President and Chief Executive Officer Marvin J. Suomi attending. Suomi is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Princeton. He has worked in government service as well as business. He joined Kajima International in 1979.

Service guarantee

KUD’s development services include guarantee commitments, meaning a project is delivered by a certain date and if not, KUD will pay “damages that are equivalent to the debt service so investors and whatever entity sold the debt are protected ... in the case of a delay,” said Tom Winter, KUD senior vice president.

The KUD guarantee, which the company charges a fee to developers to use, also promises the project will be completed according to the agreed budget. If not, KUD pays the cost overruns, Winter said.

“Because we wrap the entire project, all the design, consulting, construction, everything under one guarantee umbrella, it really does protect the public entity from any type of construction risk,” Winter said.

Johnson said KUD’s expertise will be seen by UPA’s partners and local developers.

“They’re going to use their project management and construction expertise to make sure everything is really in line to make sure whatever entity can actually perform,” he said.

Johnson said many local developers’ proposed projects have been stymied because of difficulty securing financing. That’s where KUD comes in.

“This is not about them doing all of the projects. It’s about them providing that security blanket that will allow the execution of the Master Plan, which really supports the local guys that may be working on plans in line with the Master Plan,” Johnson said.

Visibility boost

The addition of KUD could give Akron the visibility it needs for additional investment, including from out of state.

KUD officials pursued the UPA, said Johnson, and made six trips to Akron before the agreement was reached. KUD was introduced to the community vision through Stanton Eckstut, the principal from the architecture firm EE&K who is the lead planner on Akron’s Master Plan.

Aligning goals

KUD is a good match with UPA and Akron and the collective goals for redevelopment, said Eckstut.

“KUD is there for a long haul,” he said. “They stay with the users and the clients.”

KUD was attracted to the overall emphasis of the Akron development, said Johnson and Eckstut.

“They’re not coming in for the small projects. They see the vision that has been developed,” said Johnson. “When people on the national scene hear about this, they will say, ‘Why is this different?’ Because of [KUD’s] reputation worldwide, this will help us get across the goal line.”

One of the first projects KUD and the UPA are focusing on is the former Fred Martin Chevrolet auto dealer property on East Market Street across state Route 8 west of Akron City Hospital. Johnson has said the former dealership land is the key to the what’s being called the “Crossroads District” of the Master Plan.

The Crossroads District is the shortest path between the University of Akron and Summa Health System and in an area known as the “biomedical corridor.” The Master Plan has targeted this area to be built around technology and innovation.

The former car dealership buildings have been demolished in preparation for purchase by the UPA. Final plans for the property have not been made, Johnson said, but the idea is for mixed use — a combination of office space, neighborhood retail outlets and housing. It could be a site for a food market, he said.

Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic said “anytime a community can attract a major, well-known successful developer, it says something. It’s a good message that gets out not only locally but in the development community across the country. This must be a good place or they wouldn’t invest their money or be interested.”

Winter said the combination of the university, the hospitals and government was attractive to KUD. “Akron has a lot going for it,” he said. “It does have a sense of vibrancy. We see the pieces are there to do this development. The alliance is very unique and critical to bringing all of this forward. We don’t often see that kind of partnering.” Among KUD’s other projects are a convocation center for the University of Central Florida, where KUD utilized “off-balance sheet financing.” That allowed the project to use revenues from other projects nearby (student housing and retail) to support the debt for the new center.

UA interest

The university is interested in talking to KUD about several projects, including a potential downtown arena (which would have a community/university function), additional residence halls and research buildings, said UA President Luis Proenza.

While the UA has not had difficulty in securing financing for its various projects, Proenza said “these alternative approaches become more attractive because there’s someone else backing the overall project.” Proenza helped found the former UPA about 10 years ago before it merged with the former University Park Development Board.

Proenza said KUD’s interest in Akron “is a testament to the vision” of UPA and its partners.

Betty Lin-Fisher can be reached at 330-996-3724 or blinfisher@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/blinfisher and see all her stories at www.ohio.com/betty

Contact: Beth B. Boggins
Senior Director, Communications and Community Relations
330.777.2072
bhouseman@upakron.com

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Internationally recognized real estate developer KUD will lead projects and help secure financing for others seeking to build in 50-block area surrounding The University of Akron.

AKRON, Ohio – October 17, 2011 – University Park Alliance (UPA) today announced the signing of a master services agreement with internationally recognized real estate developer KUD International LLC. UPA is leading the implementation of Akron’s core city master plan centered on the redevelopment and revitalization of University Park, the 50-block urban neighborhood surrounding The University of Akron.

Under the agreement, KUD International will be responsible for developing a portion of the projects outlined in UPA’s core vision for revitalizing central city Akron, and also will utilize its financial strength and global resources to help other developers secure financing and reduce risk, which will accelerate additional redevelopment. The UPA redevelopment encompasses a key area around The University of Akron, and includes urban neighborhoods and business districts. Individual projects are expected to move forward in the coming months, now that the relationship with KUD International is in place.    

“KUD brings a sterling reputation and international expertise, and will accelerate UPA’s efforts to complete its strategic vision for Akron’s core,” UPA Executive Director Eric Anthony Johnson said. “With offices in New York, Long Beach and Orlando, KUD pursues large, prestigious, complex projects globally. We are very pleased to be able to attract them to Akron. Our community offers the rare combination of a well-defined vision for redevelopment and the collaboration of community leaders committed to building a vibrant community.”

Later this week, on Wednesday, October 19, public officials and other local leaders will formally welcome KUD to the Akron community. The welcoming event/press conference will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at University Park Alliance’s offices, located in the Andrew Jackson House, 277 E. Mill Street, in Akron.

Last March, Johnson and Stan Eckstut, an internationally known architect with EE&K Architects of New York, announced a core vision for Akron that involves redevelopment around The University of Akron, the city’s three main hospital systems, three key streets and three urban neighborhoods. This vision and UPA’s determination to implement it in cooperation with key strategic partners attracted KUD to Akron, said KUD President and CEO Marvin J. Suomi.

“KUD seeks out communities where we can work with talented, dedicated partners and make a difference. KUD has the ability to lead on some projects and, at a time when a lack of financing can slow development dramatically, be a financial catalyst for others,” Suomi said.  “Akron has a well-developed plan and vision. We look forward to working with them to implement that vision and help build an even better Akron for the future.”

KUD has completed projects nationwide and internationally, including world-class aquariums in Tampa and Long Beach, professional baseball and football stadiums in San Francisco and Philadelphia, the CNBC Headquarters Complex in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, mixed-use development and expansion for the University of Central Florida in Orlando, and a large-scale research park in Be’er-Sheva Israel. 

“Eric Johnson and the Board at University Park Alliance have put together a world-class team that any city in America would love to have working on their homes, businesses and community assets,” Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic said. “Today’s announcement speaks to the talent and vision we have in Akron.  Our community is able to attract KUD because of our collective desire to work together to improve our future.”

UPA Board Chairman Tony O’Leary praised the team that will spend the next months and years working together to benefit the Akron community.

“University Park Alliance was created to attract this kind of talent to Akron to make a difference,” O’Leary said. “We thank the Knight Foundation for its unwavering support of UPA and our city as we continue in this important work of community redevelopment.”

Johnson said Akron is now poised for a period of dramatic investment and redevelopment.

“Many cities create strategic plans that outline a vision,” Johnson said.  “But they often fall short when trying to implement that vision. The UPA team consisting of EE&K, which helped develop Battery Park in New York City, and now KUD will help ensure that our core vision becomes a reality.  It is exciting to be part of a team that will help energize Akron as a vibrant community with a growing university and dynamic city core.”

About University Park Alliance

University Park Alliance (http://www.upakron.com/university-park-alliance) is a nonprofit community development corporation, dedicated to advancing an ambitious strategy of transformation for University Park, the 50-block neighborhood surrounding The University of Akron. UPA's comprehensive urban reinvestment development strategy is rooted in the importance of "placemaking," a holistic approach to community revitalization that plans and designs communities based on the needs of the people. UPA's efforts are organized around four programmatic areas: real estate development, economic development, social and human capital development, and community/civic engagement development. UPA receives major funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and its partners include The University of Akron, City of Akron, Summa Health System, Akron Beacon Journal, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron General Health System, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, Greater Akron Chamber, Akron Public Schools, and the University Park residential and business community.

About KUD International

KUD International (http://www.kudllc.com/index.html) is a pioneering development company that specializes in making complex, large-scale mixed-use development initiatives happen.  With offices in New York, Long Beach and Orlando, KUD is a Kajima USA company and part of the global Kajima Corporation, one of the world’s largest development, design and construction companies with offices in over 20 countries worldwide.

About EE&K Architects

Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn (EE&K) Architects (http://www.eekarchitects.com/) is a full-service architecture firm founded in 1959 and internationally recognized for integrating the design of buildings and public spaces to create places of enduring memory, economic resilience, and lasting value.  The firm brings big-picture perspective to design problems of all scales, creating solutions that play a central role in the regeneration of cities and small towns.  With offices in New York, NY; Washington, DC; Los Angeles, CA; and Shanghai, China; EE&K Architects’ expertise covers a range of project types from large-scale urban redevelopment to signature campus buildings, urban waterfronts to transportation hubs, and primary schools to complex mixed-use developme

Published in the Akron Beacon Journal: June 9, 2011

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To paraphrase Charles Darwin, it’s not the strongest of our nation’s communities or the smartest that will flourish. Rather, it’s the most adaptable and flexible that will prosper. These communities will create new vitality by making the choice to evolve, to build on their strengths, foster new industries and parlay new technologies into growing businesses.

Does this sound like Akron?

It does to me.

New polymer products, medical devices and clean energy technologies are under development right now, in Akron. Researchers, doctors and scientists affiliated with our strong foundation of anchor institutions are collaborating on technologies that hold great promise. The University of Akron leads the state’s public universities in revenue raised from the licensing of new products. The university’s research foundation has helped create nearly 50 companies.

The mission of the University Park Alliance is to create the sense of place required to build on this progress. As a local nonprofit, we will develop property and facilitate private investment that elevates Akron’s core, stabilizes the community for current residents and attracts young professionals as well as retiring baby boomers.

Speaking in Akron last week, Henry Cisneros, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, reiterated the importance of the University Park Alliance and other initiatives dedicated to improving America’s cities.  His speech, “Interwoven Destinies: America’s Cities and the Nation’s Future,” linked the vitality of our nation with the ability of cities such as Akron to evolve, to invest and to recreate themselves.

Akron’s history is one of collaboration, perseverance and pride. Those qualities served us well and our city prospered, riding the crest of a growing industry and the visionaries who governed it.

Today, Akron enjoys an enviable capacity, leadership and drive to create a New Century City led by creativity. Our leaders in government, philanthropy, education and private enterprise act as catalysts for growth within the collaborative culture we have maintained.

Many of our city’s anchor institutions and their executives, led by the University of Akron, Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Summa Health System, Akron General Medical Center Hospital and Akron Public Schools are leading the transformation.

Already, these institutions pour more than $2.5 billion into the local area and  $3.5 billion into the state’s economy. They employ 15,500 people in the fields of health care and higher education.

The University Park Alliance will build upon those sectors, revitalizing a 50-block area around the University of Akron that includes or impacts our three Akron hospitals, four new public schools, the Austen BioInnovation Institute, as well as attractions such as the new YMCA and Akron Art Museum.

Neighborhoods will evolve into new communities where young professionals and college professors live together, drawn by new or renovated affordable housing. We will encourage development, transforming Akron’s core into a place where new retail establishments sprout and new biomedical firms find affordable office space.

To see our vision, review our master plan on our web site: http://www.upakron.com/ Or view our video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNsihB9--L8

This is a time when federal, state and local resources will be strained, threatening to restrict the evolution necessary for the “interwoven destinies” of America’s cities to thrive.

Yet University Park will move forward with confidence, with the energy of Akron’s visionaries and the philanthropic support of the Knight Foundation, the GAR Foundation, the Akron Community Foundation and others.

The growing cities of the future will boast collaborative dynamic leaders, an engaged community and an evolving economy.

Does this sound like Akron?

You know what I think.

Eric Anthony Johnson has been executive director of University Park Alliance since July 2

Their bright yellow lanterns with pink flowers coming out of the top, and stickers and glitter decorating the
sides, were just practice for sisters Lauren and Jordan Hall.

The West Akron girls, along with their mother, Teri Knapp, created the paper lanterns on Saturday at the
University Park Arts Fair & Food Fest in Grace Park.

But they said it was just a trial run for the upcoming Light-Up Lantern Festival, set for 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 8,
on Crouse and Kirn streets, also in the University Park neighborhood.

“We want to try for first place this year,” Knapp said, noting the family took third place at the lantern
festival last year.

The paper lanterns were a big draw for children attending Saturday’s event.

Local artist Leandra Drumm, daughter of noted Akron artist Don Drumm, organized the art project to get
folks excited about the upcoming festival, of which Don Drumm Studios & Gallery is a sponsor.

She said lanterns are a fun item for parents to make with their children, and the October festival is very
family-oriented, with this year’s theme of Story Books. A simple battery-operated votive candle is all it
takes to light the lanterns.

In addition to offering orange and yellow paper lanterns for decorating, there were materials for making
willow lanterns from scratch.

The Daughery family of Medina made their lanterns from willow branches supplied at the fair and then
covered them with colorful tissue paper.

Dad Shaun and daughter Ciara made a dimensional lantern in the shape of a star, while mom Brenda and
daughter Kiera made one that looked like a house.

Also featured at Saturday’s art fair were colorfully dressed stilt walkers who delighted onlookers as they
strode by, chalk for drawing on the sidewalks, balloon animals, music and food.

There was also plenty of creativity for sale. Artists offered a wide variety of items including pottery,
woodcrafts, paintings, clothing and jewelry.

“The jewelry is just beautiful,” said Chris County, an Akron resident who was enjoying the shopping.
County was examining decorative wooden bowls made by David Shafron of Darbynwoods Fine
Woodworking of Cleveland, and had even brought a ruler with her to find a bowl that was exactly the right
size to fit in a holder she had at home.

Shafron said he makes the bowls, cutting boards and other items he sells out of reclaimed wood. One bowl
that caught County’s eye was made of wood from a tupelo tree.

Shafron said he got the wood from a man who had gathered it in Mississippi from trees that were felled
during Hurricane Katrina. Tupelo trees are prominent in the Gulf Coast, and the city of Tupelo, Miss., is
named for the tree. The wood is a popular one among woodworkers.

Lisa Abraham can be reached at 330-996-3737 or at labraham@thebeaconjournal.com.