Mayor Malik Announces Update on Future of Akron Police Station

Akron, Ohio, July 1, 2024 - Today, Mayor Shammas Malik is announcing that the city's planning for a future permanent location of the Akron Police Department has narrowed to three sites including 80 West Bowery Street, 178 S. Forge Street, and a renovation of the current Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center building at 217 South High Street.

The current APD station presents significant difficulties for the functioning of the Akron Police Department, both in the deteriorating condition of the building and in the layout of available space, making a renovation of the Stubbs building or construction of a new facility a necessity. Prior to taking office, Mayor Malik had previously committed to announcing a permanent plan for the future of the police station within six months of taking office, and today's announcement represents a critical step towards that future.

In February 2024, the Malik administration opened up a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to solicit potential sites for the police station, receiving 23 submissions from public, private, and non-profit entities, and has worked with an internal team and an engineering firm to review and narrow down potential sites. In the coming months, city government will engage in continued review and due diligence, including determining the total costs of the project and how the future station will be paid for.

"It is critical that we ensure a long-term, safe, effective work environment for the Akron Police Department and today's announcement brings us closer to that goal," said Mayor Malik. "I believe we have identified potential options for the future of our police station, and I look forward to engaging with our community and stakeholders over the next several months as we make a final decision and determine the necessary financing."

"The Mayor and I have a vision for our Police Department that is focused on community policing, retention and recruitment, and violence prevention," said Chief Harding. "This step in determining the future of our police station is a critical one in helping us achieve our goals. We look forward to a station that our team is proud of as well as a space that is welcoming for our community. I'm excited for the future of our department and our station."

80 West Bowery Street

This 117,000 square foot building was originally designed and constructed in 1950 for retail use and is owned by Akron Children's Hospital. The current building has recently been prepared for renovation, providing a clean slate for development.

178 South Forge Street

This site, submitted by the University of Akron, previously contained a Wonder Bread bakery and offices. That building has been demolished, meaning that, if chosen, the city would construct the station as a new building according to chosen specifications.

217 South High Street, Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center

This 144,000 square foot building was constructed in 1966 and previously housed the Akron Municipal Court, prosecutor's office, and other offices until their relocation to the Ocasek Building in 2023. Significant renovation would be required to accommodate the current needs of the Akron Police Department.

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