AKRON, Ohio — The BFGoodrich smokestacks in Akron are slated for demolition, and the nonprofit Progress Through Preservation (PTP) of Greater Akron is trying to find ways for the city to pay tribute to these landmarks.
In 2022, the city was awarded a nearly $5 million grant for the removal of asbestos and demolition of unsafe structures on the property to get ready for redevelopment.
On Thursday night, PTP held a hearing to gather ideas on how the city can pay tribute to these historic landmarks.
The groups mission is to preserve as much of Akron and Summit counties history as possible.
Several ideas were shared at the meeting and most agree a memorial might be a good way to pay tribute to Akron’s industrial past.
“The idea to make a visual exhibit there so that is going to kind of be a walking park area with different placards, representing the pictures of the stacks throughout time, historical photos with explanations, making it kind of a history park, giving that some ideas of what used to be there, how that changed over time and it’s meaning,” Aaron Uhl said.
The group plans to present the ideas discussed during their meeting to city officials.
You can also submit your ideas online to the city’s website until Aug. 15.
