The University of Akron and the City of Akron have reached a mutual agreement that assures hotel space will remain downtown at Quaker Square Inn at The University of Akron. UA will continue its joint hotel and residence hall operations at the Inn for the foreseeable future, including utilizing the property north of Mill Street in a manner that best serves the interests of both the university and the city.
The original agreement with the city required operation as a hotel for a minimum period of two years.
Floors 1-3 at the facility will have 65 hotel rooms. RDA Hotel Management Co. will continue to manage the hotel/convention operations. Floors 4-8 are residence hall rooms for UA students. Under the new agreement, more UA students will have access to Quaker Square rooms which have been in high demand. Approximately 60 more student beds will be available for student housing at Quaker Square this fall.
“This is good news for the city and shows the benefit of Akron and the university working together on common goals,” said Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic. “A vibrant downtown helps UA, and a growing University of Akron helps the City of Akron.”
Dr. Luis M. Proenza, president of The University of Akron, says he and Mayor Plusquellic will continue to work together to create an environment that will benefit downtown and the community as a whole.
“The City of Akron needs a great hotel downtown and the university is responding to those needs,” Proenza said. “The university remains a committed partner with the city – not just with Quaker Square, but also on such important ventures as the University Park Alliance, the Biomedical Corridor, BioInnovation Institute of Akron and a potential downtown arena being discussed. While the city works to secure additional hotel operations, we have the opportunity to continue to attract more visitors to this historic property, making it even more appealing to conduct business in downtown Akron.”
In addition to hotel and residence hall accommodations, the mixed-use facility contains retail stores, restaurants, banquet services and other opportunities for convention and business gatherings. Under the new agreement, the university will be able to focus on longer-range planning to enhance the business opportunities within the property, stimulating business downtown.
“Maintaining the hotel rooms at Quaker Square gives the city and the university the opportunity to hold more conventions and association meetings, as well as provide more entertainment choices,” said Proenza. “Our goal is to work in partnership with the city to encourage our students, the citizens of Akron, Summit County and Northeast Ohio to enjoy the great vibrancy of our downtown.”
About Quaker Square Inn at The University of Akron
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Quaker Square was constructed from the 19th century mills and silos that were the beginnings of the Quaker Oats Company. In November 2007, the Quaker Square Complex transitioned to University of Akron property, operating as both a hotel and residence hall with dining and hospitality services and retail operations. The student housing portion of the facility opened in spring 2008.
Media Contacts:
Laura Massie, University of Akron, 330-972-6476
Mark Williamson, City of Akron, 330-375-2538