View the full RFP HERE.

Be sure to check akronohio.gov/rfp regularly for updates. 

The City of Akron, Ohio (the “City”) is soliciting proposals from qualified developers for the purchase and development of the real property and improvements located at 1474 Copley Road (Parcel 68-42324) (the “Copley Parcel”) and 921 Cordova (67-36192). (the “Cordova Parcel”). Collectively the Copley Parcel and the Cordova Parcel is referred to as the “Property.” 

Existing Conditions 

The Copley Parcel was owned by the Veterans of Foreign Wars until 2019 when it was acquired by the Summit County Lank Bank. The Copley Parcel was acquired by the City in 2020. The building on the Copley Parcel has been vacant since 2019. The Cordova Property was acquired by the City in 2022.

The building on the Copley Parcel is a 6,300 sq ft one story facility, sitting on a 12,900 sq ft lot. The Cordova Parcel consists of 6,300 sq ft of developable land. There is existing City right-of-way in between the Copley Parcel and the Cordova Parce; that right-of way will remain dedicated and may not be included in the development of the Property. Utilities to the building include electric, water/sewer, and natural gas.

The Property is located in the Maple Valley Great Streets District. Maple Valley boasts several restaurants, salons and barbers, and small grocery stores. The Property is two blocks away from the soccer and baseball fields at Erie Island Sports Complex and three blocks from the playground and tennis courts at Kerr Park.

Its location on the western edge of Akron places the Property within a five-minute drive for over 19,000 people, covering the entirety of the West Akron neighborhood, portions of the Wallhaven and Sherbondy Hill neighborhoods, and portions of Copley Township. The Property is 0.2 miles from I-77, allowing the five-minute drive area to reach portions of Fairlawn and the Kenmore neighborhood of Akron. The Property also lies on the number 3 Akron Metro RTA Bus line. 

 RFP Distribution  April 2, 2026

 Proposal Due Date  May 15, 2026

 Review of Proposals May 16, 2026 through May 29, 2026

 Award of Proposal   June 1, 2026 

What is Akron's Residential CRA Tax Abatement Program?

• The abatement allows owners to pay taxes solely on the pre-improvement assessed value of their residential property for 15 years after improvements are completed. Property owners will not be required to pay property taxes on any increase in value that resulted from renovation or new construction on the property for a period of 15 years.
• The abatement stays with the property for the 15-year duration of the abatement. If it is sold during the 15-year period of the abatement, the new owner continues to receive the abatement. 
• At the end of the 15 years of abatement the property will be taxed at its total post-improvement assessed value. 

What types of improvements qualify? 

Major Improvements that MAY qualify homeowner for tax abatement. 

• Building a new porch
• Remodel a basement/attic into living space
• New additions to an existing structure
• Install a sunroom
• New construction
• Gut and renovate a home or apartment building
• Build or enlarge a garage
• Install indoor fireplace
• Install new additional bathroom

Are there any restrictions? 

• Appropriate building permits must be issues to qualify for the tax abatement. Certificates of Occupancy or final inspections signed PRIOR TO APRIL 24, 2017 WILL NOT qualify for the property abatement.
• The property must be located in the City of Akron and identified on the Summit County Fiscal Office Auditor property card as being located within the City of Akron.
• Property Taxes and assessments cannot be delinquent.
• The property must be appropriately maintained or the tax exemption may be revoked.
• Only residential structures are eligible of the abatement. For mixed-use structures, only the residential portion will be eligible.
• Property must meet City of Akron zoning requirements.
• A minimum of $5,000 investment in renovation or construction is required to apply.
• Per Ohio Revised Code Section 3735.67, if the housing structure qualifies as a historic structure, the appropriateness of the remodeling must be certified, in writing, by an authorized person or organization prior to issuance of the abatement. 

What are the steps in the process?

Step 1 - The developer or owner must pull a building permit with the Summit County Building Department located at 1030 E, Tallmadge Ave. #3, Akron, OH 44310

Step 2 - Upon pulling a permit, provide a copy of the permit and complete the City of Akron Community Reinvestment Tax Abatement - Residential Application. The application can be summited online or mail to:        

                   City of Akron Tax Abatement

                   Department of Planning and Urban Development

                   Long Range Planning

                   166 S. High Street, Room 401

                   Akron, OH 44308

Step 3 - The City of Akron Department of Planning and Urban Development reviews the applications for completeness. If the Application and supporting documentation meet the requirements, the application will be processed for tax abatement. The application will be forwarded to the County Auditor's Office.

Step 4 - The Summit County Auditor will conduct a field inspection and verify the new construction/rehabilitation. Value (if appropriate) will be added to the property. Tax adjustments will be made accordingly. 

The tax abatement program does NOT guarantee abatement for county periodic reassessments. The abatement is only for the increase in assessed property tax value triggered by the current remodeling or new construction improvements.