Polsky/Knight Building

Together with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, The University of Akron, City of Akron community partners and donors advance a compelling new use transformation. Akron’s historic Polsky department store, an iconic touchstone of the past and focal point of past renovation, is now poised to lead downtown’s resurgence. To be named in honor of the Knight Foundation’s $15.5M matching grant, the landmark building will deliver a creative mix of academic offerings and collaborations, arts, technology and services benefiting the entire community.

THE CASE FOR SUPPORT:

This initiative is crucial in developing a more vibrant, livable, and connected downtown for Akronites, students, and university personnel alike. The building will be a hub, an indispensable civic and cultural asset located near existing public spaces. It is a key part of a larger, broader downtown Akron revitalization effort involving the renovation of Main Street, Lock 3 Park, the Civic Theatre, the Knight Stage, and the reimagining of the Akron Civic Commons.

This unifying space will be a multi-faceted draw to all that city and regional leaders wish Akron to be, a place for community engagement and the growth of downtown Akron.

A conceptual rendering of a modern, four-story building with large windows, white exterior, and decorative detailing, labeled Main Street External View. Text notes that final designs may change.

AN IMPORTANT COMMUNITY INVESTMENT:

The University of Akron invests in momentum; where innovation meets community, and where a single philanthropic moment can spark enduring transformation.

Imagine a vibrant, welcoming gateway at the very heart of downtown Akron's resurgence – reorienting a center of activity on the Main Street level of our newly revitalized building. The University’s front door on Main Street is the key intersection where the energy of our students, faculty and administrators meets the pulse of the city.

In partnership with Akron Public Schools (APS), the building will continue to be home to the Akron Early College High School, providing necessary enhancements to their space and improving educational opportunities for local APS students.

The building will serve as a home for community law clinics, offering pro bono services to the Akron community through the UA Law School's public service requirement. Counseling services will also be available, providing support to individuals and families in need. Furthermore, the UA Audiology and Speech Center will offer speech-language- hearing services to the community. The UA Press will be relocated here, as well as several UA administrative offices.

By upgrading this essential community asset into a state-of-the-art, technologically enhanced facility, we will not only improve the delivery of vital services and their accessibility by the community but also contribute to the overall well-bein, safety, and development of Akron's residents.

Other features included will be:

An art gallery
Made at Myers Boutique
Café
Beautiful open study/work areas
A convertible performance space for small intimate gatherings to add to Main Street’s performance venue options
More to come

Street-level view of a modern white building with large windows and outdoor café seating under a canopy. People sit and walk near planters, and a few cars are parked along the sidewalk under a blue sky.

Conceptual drawing of Main Street Common Area featuring glass-walled rooms, stair seating, and modern architectural elements. Text notes that final designs may change.

LEADERSHIP GIFTS TO DATE

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

City of Akron

The Mary S. and David C. Corbin Foundation

The Lehner Family Foundation

Toth Family Foundation

Huntington Bank

To learn about naming opportunities, contact Kim Cole, Executive Director, The University of Akron Foundation at 330-972-7608 or kimberly@uakron.edu.

To make your gift, click here.

A blue patterned border featuring repeating gold oval shapes with intricate interior designs and diamond motifs, forming a decorative geometric pattern.