Quaker Square Inn at The University of Akron

The Quaker Square Inn at The University of Akron officially became part of campus on Nov. 13, 2007. The former Quaker Square Complex will become home to some of UA’s residence hall students in time for the spring 2008 semester. “The transition of the Quaker Square hotel from a privately owned facility to one operated by the University through RDA Hotel Management Co. is moving along exceptionally well,” says University President Luis M. Proenza.

“We will preserve the complex’s unique architectural features and character as we convert it into a facility of which both the University and the community will be proud.”

RDA, which has been operating the hotel for the past year, will operate 95 of the hotel’s rooms for the next two years. The remaining 95 rooms will become a UA residence hall. The facility’s retail stores also will remain open indefinitely. Office tenants’ contracts will be honored, and hotel and restaurant employees have been encouraged to apply for openings under the new ownership. A transition team is overseeing renovations as well as the operation of the hotel.

Rennick Andreoli, president of RDA Management, anticipates hotel guests will include students’ parents, visiting educators, traditional business guests and weekend visitors. RDA will also play a role in the management of the University’s relationship with retail and commercial tenants.

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Crowne Plaza Quaker Square 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.