Release Date: February 3,2026
Summit County Land Bank and City of Akron Select Grassroots Architecture for “Made In Akron” Housing Plans Initiative
Akron, OH (February 3, 2026) – The Summit County Land Bank, in partnership with the City of Akron, announced today the selection of Grassroots Architecture, LLC, an Akron-based architectural firm led by owner and architect Ryan Grass, to develop pre-reviewed residential home plans as part of the Made in Akron Housing Plans initiative.
The selection follows a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process that received six submissions from qualified architectural firms. Grassroots Architecture was selected for its experience with urban infill housing, strong design approach, and deep understanding of Akron’s neighborhoods.
“This project is about creating practical tools that help people build housing more efficiently while still prioritizing quality and neighborhood character,” said Patrick Bravo, Executive Director of the Summit County Land Bank. “Grassroots Architecture demonstrated a clear ability to balance thoughtful design with the realities of development in Akron.”
Under the initiative, Grassroots Architecture will work closely with the City of Akron and the Summit County Land Bank to create a pre-reviewed plan book of residential designs that individuals and developers can use when building new housing in Akron. The permit-ready plans are intended to reduce costs, shorten approval timelines, and encourage high-quality infill development throughout the city.
“This effort lowers barriers for residents and small developers who want to build but may be discouraged by the time and expense of custom design and permitting,” said Kristen Scalise, Summit County Land Bank Board Chair. “By providing well-designed, pre-reviewed plans, we’re making it easier to invest in Akron’s neighborhoods while maintaining consistent standards.”
The project will be completed over a four-month timeline, with an expected end date of April 30, 2026.
City officials emphasized the importance of ensuring new housing complements existing neighborhoods while supporting growth.
“This initiative supports our goal of expanding housing options without losing sight of what makes Akron’s neighborhoods unique,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “These pre-reviewed plans will help streamline development while ensuring new homes fit the scale, style, and character of the communities where they are built. This is an important step in our Living Together strategy centered around solving housing challenges in Akron neighborhoods.”
Grassroots Architecture brings relevant experience from similar infill housing projects in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood and a strong local perspective as an Akron-based firm.
“As an Akron-based firm, we’re excited to contribute to a project that directly supports our city’s neighborhoods,” said Ryan Grass, Owner and Architect at Grassroots Architecture, LLC. “These plans are about creating flexible, buildable designs that feel appropriate for Akron while making the process easier for people who want to invest in new housing.”
Land Bank leadership noted that the initiative aligns with broader countywide housing and neighborhood stabilization goals.
“This is a smart investment in the future of Summit County’s housing stock,” said Ilene Shapiro, Summit County Executive. “By simplifying the development process and encouraging high-quality design, this project helps expand housing choice and supports stronger, more resilient neighborhoods.”
More information about Grassroots Architecture, LLC is available at www.grassrootsarch.com