City of Akron Moving Forward with Plans to Renovate Cascade Parking Deck

Akron, Ohio,Sept. 30, 2024- Today, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik is bringing legislation before Akron City Council to enter into a contract for the design of the Cascade Parking Deck rehabilitation in downtown Akron. In February, the Ohio House of Representatives approved $2.5 million for the renovation and in June, the State Senate approved an equal match for a total investment of $5 million for the renovation of Cascade Plaza. The design work will be covered by the state funding and is expected to cost $400,000.

"This is the next step in the process of downtown redevelopment," said Mayor Malik. "Improving the deck is a significant investment into the heart of our downtown which is crucial to the experience and accessibility of this corridor. These improvements will allow us to continue supporting residential, retail, and commercial growth and density downtown. I again want to thank all of our community partners and our area legislators for their support of this much needed investment."

Planned renovations to the deck include repairing columns, patching concrete, replacing stairs and railings, upgrading lighting, addressing ADA issues, and improving wayfinding and signage in the deck. The improvements also aim to repair a leak in the pedestrian tunnel under N. Main St. and improve drainage and waterproofing in rehabbed areas.

The design work should take approximately 10 weeks to complete. Construction is expected to begin in Summer 2025.