University of Akron tells of Quaker Square usage

A campus survey turned up 17 suggestions for use of available space.

AKRON — The University of Akron has released more details of its plans for Quaker Square.

The university bought the complex for $22.6 million in November and said at the time that 95 guest rooms in the facility’s hotel, located within the former grain silos, would continue to serve the public as Quaker Square Inn at The University of Akron.

The remaining 95 rooms were converted into a residence hall for students as of Jan. 1.

Quaker Square’s retail stores were to remain open indefinitely and office tenant contracts would be honored.

Beth Stroble, university provost, said a committee of students, faculty and staff asked the campus community how space in the buildings north and east of the silos, including the former Quaker Station buildings near the tracks and the four red brick buildings that have housed the shops, might best be used.

Seventeen proposals were submitted, and the university has determined which will receive space, as logistical considerations such as needed space, funding and renovations can be addressed.

The College of Business Administration Business Laboratory will give faculty-led student organizations dedicated space in which students will meet with local businesses in need of business expertise.

College of Education's e-Read Ohio Program will receive space to provide teachers statewide with online, cutting-edge professional development in the area of literacy. This program is funded for over $14 million but has outgrown its space in the campus’ Polsky Building.

Myers School of Art will create gallery space in Quaker Square, giving it close proximity to other cultural resources in the city, namely the Akron Art Museum and Summit Artspace.

The Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences' Integrated Biosciences Program Office will move to Quaker Square. The doctoral program accepted its first students last fall, with enrollment expected at 25 to 35 students within five years.

The Office of Multicultural Development will relocate the Dr. Shirla McClain Gallery from the Buckingham Building to Quaker Square, a move that will increase its visibility. The gallery is a collection of Akron's black history.

Auxiliary Enterprises has opened a general store and a cookie and candy shop in the retail area of Quaker Square, selling school supplies, University of Akron items, Quaker Square memorabilia and convenience store goods.

Other proposals received temporary or conditional approval. They are:

USummit College's Hospitality Management Program submitted an ambitious proposal for its hospitality management and culinary arts program. Though the program is a natural fit for the facility, the committee has asked the college to more closely define its plans before space is allocated.

UMore details are also needed for a suggested Quaker Square museum, gift shop and tearoom, proposed by individuals in Auxiliary Enterprises, the Hower House and the Department of History.

UTemporary space has been set aside for the dispatcher who manages the Roo Express shuttles.

UThe committee also tentatively approved space for OneCommunity, a nonprofit working in partnership with the university and the city to bring wireless service to all of Akron. OneCommunity is seeking funding from foundations for its plan, and, should that funding be realized, the space would be allocated.