History of Summit County

I would love to see these displayed once again

Yesterday marked the end of another piece of Akron's history as the Lincoln Building at 100 Lincoln Street began coming down after standing for 113 years.

Built in 1913, the building was originally home to the Wise Furnace Company before later becoming the property of O'Connor Steel. In 1981, it became part of the University of Akron. Over the years, it became a familiar sight along Lincoln Street and a reminder of Akron's manufacturing past. While it may not have been one of the city's most well-known landmarks, it was part of the story of the industries that helped build Akron.

The building is being demolished to make way for the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub Pilot Innovation Facility, which will support research, product development, and advanced manufacturing while carrying on Akron's long tradition of innovation.

The demolition is being handled by Pro Quality Demolition, the same company that demolished Rankin Elementary School and Nolley Elementary School. If you've followed local demolition projects over the past few years, you've probably seen their name before.

It's always tough to see another historic building disappear. These old buildings are part of Akron's story, and once they're gone, they can't be replaced. At the same time, I'm glad this site already has a plan instead of becoming another empty lot. While one chapter has come to an end, another is getting ready to begin.