By: Dan Shingler

The Akron CitiCenter is set to be turned into more than 100 new downtown apartments if city council approves the sale of the building to Welty for $1 million. 

September 9, 2024, Akron, Ohio — Welty Building Co. plans to build more apartments in downtown Akron, which it says would be adjacent — and complimentary — to its nearby big Bowery District development on the city’s newly renovated Main Street.

Welty CEO Donzell Taylor said he plans to spend about $30 million to $40 million to buy the long-vacant CitiCenter office building, at 146 Hight Street, and convert it into more than 100 luxury apartments.

“We have an agreement to buy the building which needs (Akron) City Council approval. It’s going to city council on Monday, (Sept. 9),” Taylor said.

If council gives its approval, Taylor said he plans to convert the building into a 100% residential development, with 117 units. Nearly all of them will be one-bedroom apartments, which he said have proven especially popular at the Bowery and other recent residential developments downtown.

“We hope to be starting construction in December or January at the latest,” Taylor said. “It all depends on whether we can get through the loan process. But we’re optimistic we’ll start in either the fourth quarter of this year or the first quarter of next year…We hope the Federal Reserve will make (interest rate) cuts here shortly, which will make financing a little easier. Capital is still a challenge.”

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