Quaker Square Inn at The University of Akron Opens

Akron, Ohio, Nov. 13, 2007— The round grain silos at the Quaker Square hotel continue to welcome guests today under a new name, as it becomes the Quaker Square Inn at The University of Akron. The University's purchase of the entire complex was finalized today.

The hotel transition will be seamless as guest services will continue to be managed by RDA Hotel Management Co., which has been operating the former Crowne Plaza Hotel for the past year. RDA will manage 95 of the hotel's rooms on behalf of the University for the next two years. The remaining 95 rooms will become a UA residence hall after Jan. 1, 2008.

Quaker Square's retail stores will remain open indefinitely, and office tenants' contracts will be honored.

“We are proud to assume the stewardship of this historic facility as a part of our ongoing New Landscape for Learning initiative,” says UA President Luis M. Proenza. “We realize Quaker Square's importance as a national landmark for the company founded by Ferdinand Schumacher, and we will preserve its cultural and architectural integrity as it becomes a part of the University.”

Room rates will be competitive with the local market. Discounts will be available for UA employees, business guests and students' families. Hotel amenities include cable TV, movies, high-speed Internet access, complimentary breakfast and two-hour evening manager's receptions, indoor pool, free parking, 24-hour fitness center, business center and meeting rooms, complimentary copies of USA Today, laundry and valet services, gift shops and stores, and shuttle service to the UA campus.

In addition to the available hotel rooms, the facility will continue to book banquets and meetings. For reservations, phone 330-253-5970. The Web site is here.

“We're looking forward to operating this unique hotel on behalf of the university,” says Rennick Andreoli, president of RDA Management. RDA owns and operates the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn and Four Points by Sheraton Akron West hotels and six others throughout the United States. Andreoli anticipates hotel guests will include students' parents, visiting educators, traditional business guests and weekend visitors.

The Quaker Square project is among the most recent of The University of Akron's New Landscape for Learning campus enhancement initiatives. Others include the three-month-old Exchange Street Residence Hall and an on-campus stadium that is scheduled to open in fall 2009.

“The Quaker Square hotel complex is an integral part of downtown Akron, and it remains an important visitor destination,” says Akron Mayor Donald Plusquellic. “We look forward to continued collaboration with the University as we develop plans for this area of the city.”

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel was constructed from the 19th century mills and silos that were the beginnings of the Quaker Oats Co. In March 1973, plans were announced to redevelop the vacant buildings, and on April 1, 1975, Quaker Square was opened with four shops and an ice cream parlor.

UA purchased the complex from Jay Nusbaum for $22.6 million.

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