Release Date: December 8,2025
GPD Group and City of Akron Announce Landmark Commitment to Downtown Akron’s Southside
Major headquarters investment, infrastructure improvements, and long-term partnership signal stability and transformational growth for Downtown Akron
Akron, Ohio, Dec. 8, 2025 — GPD Group and the City of Akron today jointly announced a major long-term commitment to Downtown Akron, preserving the southside of downtown as GPD Group’s national headquarters, securing stability while setting the stage for significant economic, employment, and infrastructure growth in the city.
GPD Group is a nationally recognized architecture and engineering firm delivering comprehensive design, planning, and consulting services. With more than 900 employees across 14 offices, the company is rooted in broad-based employee ownership, innovation, and a culture of community stewardship.
GPD Group will continue growing its national headquarters on the west side of South Main Street, supported by an annual local payroll exceeding $50 million. The company projects continued expansion, including approximately 120 additional professional positions over the next five years.
As part of this commitment, GPD Group can now utilize more than 260,000 square feet of space and has the capacity to grow in Akron over time. The firm anticipates making investments to the campus that will enhance the space and the overall experience for their employees, clients, and the community.
“GPD has been in Akron since its inception in 1961 and it has become a major part of our identity,” said Darrin Kotecki, President at GPD Group. “We are excited to solidify our presence in Akron and to continue supporting the community through our work, our Foundation, and our volunteerism. We are grateful for the City of Akron’s continued support and look forward to the future.”
“Along with our partners at Team NEO and the Greater Akron Chamber, we welcome GPD Group’s continued growth in Akron, where it will create 119 new jobs,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “A pillar of the Akron business community for more than 60 years, GPD Group’s national headquarters expansion will further develop downtown while creating more capacity for future success.”
City of Akron Commitments
To support GPD Group’s long-term growth and solidify Downtown Akron as the company’s permanent home, the City of Akron is in the process of formalizing a development agreement with GPD to include committing to the completion of South Main Street renovations by the close of 2028. The renovations will complete Main Street Phase 3 from Bartges to Cedar Street with new asphalt paving and other improvements. The City has pursued funding for the completion of Main Street repairs since 2020 when the blocks from Perkins Street to Cedar were improved and is excited to complete the street renovations for the benefit of GPD Group, as well as the headquarters of Gojo Industries, the tenants of 388 S. Main Street, The Goodrich development, and the many other stakeholders invested in downtown’s Southside.
”GPD Group’s impressive commitment to Downtown Akron reflects exactly the kind of long-term partnership that strengthens our city’s future,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “Their decision to keep their national headquarters on South Main Street underscores a deep confidence in Akron’s potential, and it is only natural that the City matches that commitment. We are proud to support GPD Group with the infrastructure, environment, and amenities worthy of a national headquarters. Together, we are creating the conditions for their continued success, and for the continued growth and vibrancy of Downtown and all of Akron.”
The City will also improve City-owned parking lots in the southside and enter into a license agreement granting GPD Group access for employee and visitor use.
Because the BF Goodrich complex relies on Akron Energy Systems for heating and cooling, the City will support efficiency upgrades to the system in 2026 and create a five-year Energy Consumption Reduction Fund to offset associated costs.
Background on GPD Group: A Legacy of Excellence and Impact
Founded in 1961, GPD Group has grown from a handful of employees in a small Akron office into a nationally recognized architecture and engineering firm with 900+ employees and 14 offices across the United States. Its transformation accelerated in 1986 through an employee-led buyout, which established the firm’s broad-based employee ownership structure which is now central to its culture and success.
Today, GPD Group is ranked #1 on Crain’s lists for both architecture and engineering firms and is among the Top 100 privately held businesses in Northeast Ohio. The company employs over 460 people in Downtown Akron and has maintained an in-person operating model since returning from the pandemic, providing crucial support for both retail activity and vibrancy downtown.
GPD Group is widely recognized for its civic leadership. Employees contribute an average of 2,500 or more volunteer hours every year to support the community. In addition to their corporate charitable presence, their GPD Employees’ Foundation has been making positive impacts in the lives of children since 2014. The Foundation has reached more than 2.5 million children and has awarded more than $6 million to K-12 public schools and to non-profits that support children living with special and/or medical needs or who are considered at risk. GPD Group also supports community growth through opportunities such as the GPD co-op program, internship program, and Minority Business Incubator to provide critical professional development for emerging leaders.