Council approves conditional use to convert Hotchkiss Elementary into mixed-use complex

Akron City Council on June 9 approved an ordinance authorizing a conditional use to convert the former Hotchkiss Elementary at 33 Dorcas Avenue into a mixed-use development, voting 12-0 after suspending council rules.

The project, proposed by Flex Enterprises LLC, would retain the school's architectural character while creating two commercial spaces on the first floor and 10 apartments on the second floor. Planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval subject to conditions.

The petitioner, Hassan Anderson, said Flex Enterprises seeks "to bring new life into long vacant Hotchkiss Elementary School, converting it into a productive mixed use space that benefits both the community and local economy." Anderson told council the business has operated in the community for more than a decade and that his firm would occupy a commercial unit to provide services and vocational support to individuals with developmental disabilities.

An Akron planning department representative, Mr. Antonucci, told council the two-story brick structure sits "approximately 100 feet east of the Dorcas Avenue right of way" and that the redevelopment would preserve features including "grand entryways, arched windows, hardwood floors, and exposed beams." He said the first floor would be divided into two commercial areas for flexible office and retail uses, including an event center, and the second floor would be renovated into 10 modern apartments. Antonucci reported the building has been on the city's vacant building registry and that exterior painting and other preliminary work have been done.

Reverend Pamela Pinkney spoke in favor and urged that the project's operators partner with homeless initiatives and employment agencies so that local residents could access jobs and services. "I would ask that the minds, and the, the visionary for this would partner with, the homeless initiatives as well as employment agencies," Pinkney said.

Councilman Fusco moved for a favorable committee report with suspension of the rules; the council suspended the rules, adopted the committee report as favorable, and the ordinance passed 12-0.

The planning staff characterized the rehabilitation as consistent with the Land Use and Development Guide Plan and the Eastgate Urban Renewal Area Plan by promoting a mix of housing types and encouraging redevelopment of older neighborhood business districts. The ordinance was advertised in the Akron Beacon Journal on May 24 and posted on the council website beginning May 21.

Next steps: the ordinance was approved at the special meeting; any conditions imposed by planning staff or required inspections at occupancy were not detailed on the record.