Akron2Akron 3: Historical Cultural Distric

On Saturday a bunch of us braved the blustery weather to take part in the third Akron2Akron walking tour - this one was in the section of Downtown they are calling the Historical Cultural District. Much of it consists of buildings Tony Troppe's company has saved and restored. The tour was led by Pete and Ellen Nischt who live downtown in the building that houses 3 Point. Compared to the other tours(North Hill, Fireston Park) I was wondering if I would find this one as interesting - I already spend time downtown eating, drinking, attending events, concerts and just doing my own photo walks. It turned out that we still went to places I didn't know about and I picked up a few good bits of trivia too.

The tour started in the Downtown Library - David Jennings, the director, gives a tour of the building.

Kimberly Beckett of Downtown Akron Partnership gives some info before we hit the streets.

"On Main Street"

Entrance to the little park next to the United Building.

"Tour Reflections"

The new bar at Musica.

David Swirsky was promoting his upcoming "Big Lovefest" while I took a long exposure of the crowd.

Getting hot chocolates at Urban Eats next to Musica. I hadn't really been in here since this was Mocha Maiden when the spot first opened.
Rubber City Clothing.
In the center of the photo(sipping his hot chocolate) is Anders - on of the original founder of the company when it just did online sales. He and his partners sold it to the current owners who opened this store.

"Akron Designs"

Akron's newish independent theater - The Nightlight. It was exciting to hear that they are considering adding a second screen.

"Nightlight 2"

"History on Market"

Outside the building that was originally Akron's Carnegie Library.

"Western Fruit Basket"
This is in the white building on East Market. I had always assumed it was just a place to get fruit baskets, as the name implies. Turns out it is a full Greek restaurant that also sells pastries. Learning about places like this is the reason I go on these walking tours.

Samples of the Greek food.

"Flag, Sun, and Akron View"

Shane Wynn, a great Akron photographer, going in for some samples.

Gathering in the lobby before hitting the cold one more time.

In Greystone Hall - the old Masonic Lodge. We were learning about the space on the sixth floor that the Actors Summit uses. I had never been in this room before - the whole building is amazing - there should be a tour dedicated just to it.

"Actors' Summit Theater"
The tour ended at Nuevo Modern Mexican with words from Tony Troppe, appetizers, and discussions. The next tour is going to be in Wallhaven. Follow Akron2Akron on Facebook or Twitter for details.