Akron’s Progress Through Preservation renews its effort to save the best of our city’s built history

by Mark Schweitzer

03/28/2018

Since 1984, Progress Through Preservation (PTP) has supported preservation efforts in Akron, serving as an advocate and raising funds for projects as diverse as the Mustill Store, Akron Civic Theatre and education, documentation and preservation efforts at Glendale and Middlebury cemeteries. The organization, which has approximately 250 members, has placed historical markers at the Glendale steps, commissioned feasibility studies and worked throughout the community to heighten awareness of historic preservation.

Over the years, these activities have run in combination with the group’s monthly meetings, which are usually held at historic and adaptive reuse sites across the region—often featuring presentations by guest speakers. In 2009, PTP signed an agreement with the City of Akron to take over the restoration and management of an old 1870 schoolhouse at White Pond and West Market St. Now known as Preservation House, the building’s restoration was complete in 2014, and currently serves as the group’s headquarters.

While many of the current members have been involved from the beginning, PTP recognizes that it’s critical to reach out to a new generation of Akronites—especially as it seeks to renew and expand its role as an advocate for historic preservation. As part of this new outreach and programming, PTP is having an “Advocacy Open House” for anyone who is interested in knowing more about Akron’s “at risk” architecture and how to get involved in the following activities:

– Identify, preserve and protect Akron’s historic architecture.

– Discover and promote the economic benefits of Historic Preservation.

– Translate local preservation efforts into tangible benefits to our neighborhoods.

A preservation architect and architectural historian, as well as PTP members, will be on hand to discuss the challenges and rewards of these activities and projects. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Progress Through Preservation

ADVOCACY OPEN HOUSE – Saturday, April 21 at 9 am

Preservation House

2074 West Market Street

Akron, OH 44313

330-374-3787

info@preservationakron.org

(photo courtesy of Progress Through Preservation)