UNIVERSITY PARK ALLIANCE TO RELEASE ROI, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND MARKET DEMAND STUDIES AS KICK OFF TO URBAN INNOVATORS SPEAKER SERIES
Download a copy of this release
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.
