University of Akron Scaling Back, But Still Moving Ahead With Polsky Building Rennovation

What once was envisioned as a $40 million dollar renovation of the old Polsky department store building in downtown Akron, is now going to cost more like around $31 million dollars, by the time it is done sometime in 2027.

That's the word from University of Akron Chief Planning & Facilities Officer, and University Architect, Stephen Myers, who tells us they decided to revise the scope of the project after the University's new President, Robert "R.J." Nemer replaced former University President, Gary Miller, when he retired earlier this year.

Myers says the new plan for the building is more along the lines of the original concept, which will include a multi-purpose performance type space, a cafe, and a bookstore on the ground floor that is open to the general public, along with renovated classroom, lab, clinic, and administrative offices on the floors above.

The reason the cost of the project has decreased, though, he says has nothing to do with the fact that the University has a budget deficit, and is cutting costs in some other areas.

Rather, he says, the project kind of morphed and grew over time, and now with a fresh look since the administration has changed; they're revisiting what really needs to be in there, and what offices and personnel can be relocated from other old and outdated buildings on campus that can either be torn down, or sold.

Right now, he says, they're in talks with the Knight Foundation, which is footing 50% of the cost of the project, with the rest of it paid for by the University and other public funding sources, such as the State of Ohio.

We had a long conversation about it this afternoon, so listen now for more details.