An Alumni of Kent State University, Kris Owen was drawn to Downtown Akron when she was hired by National City Bank as a financial advisor. Finding an apartment in Canal Square, Kris moved to Downtown Akron a little over a year ago.
“I think that when you move to a new place, you need to be excited about where you’re living.” Kris said. And with that attitude, Kris became a part of the community, taking in everything around her.
She is a member of the Young Professionals of Akron, she frequents the Akron Art Museum, Musica, and from her apartment she can see Aeros games and their Friday night fireworks. She loves the atmosphere during the holidays, with the lights at the library and ice skating at Lock 3. She frequents Downtown restaurants Luigi’s, Bricco, Crave and Mocha Maiden, and is a big advocate of the Rubber City Roller Derby.
Kris says the benefits of living Downtown are immense; it is central to all of Akron with access to I-77 and Route 8, everything in Downtown is within walking distance, and as a young professional is a great start up city with an affordable cost of living. “It is a wonderful Midwestern city,” she said.
Kris is happy to call Downtown Akron her home, and is looking forward to having more residents Downtown with the completion of the construction projects at 22 Exchange and in the Northside District.
Lauren and Jakob Ward are enjoying the luxuries of Downtown life, and have formed a small community of their own. With an apartment above Big City Chophouse, a recent addition to their family - baby Charlotte, and Lauren’s clothing boutique Noto just across Maiden Lane, the Ward’s have settled in and made Downtown Akron their home.
“It’s the perfect location for up and coming professionals. Living expenses are affordable and the restaurants, festivals and events Downtown provide great entertainment. These things are what attracted us both to Downtown,” Jakob said.
The Wards love riding their bikes on the towpath, having drinks at the Uncorked Wine Bar, enjoying live bands at Musica, getting coffee at Mocha Maiden and dining out at Crave; all of these activities just mere steps from their apartment.
They have formed a close-knit community with their neighbors and fellow business owners in Downtown’s Historic District. Lauren explained the tight-knit relationship she has with the other businesses.
“Everyone looks out for each other, we do a lot of cross-marketing.” she said. “It’s like our own small community within Downtown.”
In just a few short years the Wards have seen and been a part of many changes Downtown that have brought life to the city, and have a front row seat for even more. “We are excited to see what the future will bring to Downtown Akron.”
