Quaker Square: Akron’s Forgotten Icon

Описание: Quaker Square: Akron’s Forgotten Icon

Quaker Square in downtown Akron, Ohio, originally the Quaker Oats factory, was repurposed in the 1970s into a shopping and dining complex featuring shops, restaurants, and historic exhibits. Its most unique feature was a hotel built into the factory's 36 grain silos, offering 196 round rooms. The University of Akron purchased the property in 2007, converting the hotel into student housing. Over the years, the complex gradually transitioned to exclusive university use, with the final retail spaces closing by 2018. By 2022, Quaker Square was fully vacated after serving briefly as a quarantine facility during the COVID-19 pandemic.

wiki:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quaker_...

summary of episode:
Quaker Square in Akron, Ohio, began as the Quaker Oats factory, founded by Ferdinand Schumacher, who revolutionized oat milling in the U.S. after immigrating from Germany. The factory, known for its iconic silos, became a significant part of Akron’s industrial history. In the 1970s, the factory was repurposed into a unique shopping mall, opening in 1975 with specialized stores, an ice cream parlor, and a general store known for its freshly baked oatmeal cookies. The silos were transformed into a hotel, adding to Quaker Square’s charm with its round rooms and nostalgic décor. Despite financial challenges, the University of Akron purchased the property in 2007, converting it into student housing. The complex fully closed in 2016, but it remains a cherished memory for many locals who recall its unique layout, specialty shops, and the popular Trackside Grill. Though the future of the historic buildings is uncertain, the site continues to evoke nostalgia for those who grew up visiting the once-thriving hub.

If you want even more detail about Quaker Square check out this video:
How a Hotel and Mall was Built in a former Quaker Oats Factory
   • How a Hotel and Mall was Built in a former...  


Video Chapters
00:00 - Start
00:15 - Ferdinand Schumacher
01:13 - Mill Fire
01:49 - Quaker Oats
02:15 - Start of Quaker Square
03:50 - University of Akron
04:31 - Quaker Today & Memories
07:00 - Christmas Tree Festival
08:21 - What's Next?

*Video and Reference Materials*

Photos from the Beacon Journal archive

UA: Quaker Station Auction: Ferdinand's Circus
   • UA: Quaker Station Auction: Ferdinand's Ci...  

The Quaker Square Comic Book Store
   • The Quaker Square Comic Book Store  

Quaker Square Residence Hall at The University of Akron Tour
   • Quaker Square Residence Hall at The Univer...  

FRONT Video Tour: Curated Storefront at Akron's Quaker Square
   • FRONT Video Tour: Curated Storefront at Ak...  

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