| PLANS WILL TURN HOME INTO OFFICES AND MEETING
FACILITY Ohio & Erie Canal Corridor Coalition
President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Rice announced a new collaboration today with
The City of Akron for the restoration of the Richard Howe House along the Ohio & Erie
Canal in downtown Akron. The 1836 Federal-style building at the corner of Broadway and
East Exchange Street was the original home of the engineer for the Ohio & Erie Canal
and has been a local landmark for more than 170 years.
As Rice made his announcement before the Akron Roundtable, he said, "We are
excited to partner with the City of Akron on this important regional project. It is our
goal to restore the Richard Howe House to serve as a Visitors Information Center, and
serve as a partnership meeting facility and offices for our organization. This project is
another good example of a public/private partnership to enhance the community and the
economic development of the Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway."
Ohio & Erie Canal Corridor Coalition Chairman Chris Burnham noted, "This
project will become a jewel for Summit County, and the entire Ohio & Erie National
Heritage Canalway."
Mayor Don Plusquellic said the project is another piece in the downtown development
puzzle his administration has put together. "Historic landmarks are so valuable to
reuse to further the understanding and appreciation of a community’s heritage. Our
downtown now strikes a wonderful balance of cultural, recreational, educational,
entertainment, historic and business activities that are attracting more than two million
visitors each year."
The Akron-based Ohio & Erie Canal Corridor Coalition is the regional non-profit organization working on the
preservation, development and interpretation of the natural, historical and recreational
resources along the Ohio & Erie Canal from Cleveland to New Philadelphia, Ohio.
Working in partnership with Akron community partners, Ohio & Erie Canal Corridor
Coalition provides technical assistance to communities and organizations working on the
Towpath Trail, restoration of historic structures and the preservation of natural
resources.
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