Quaker Square Silos to Become Akron University Dorm Rooms

The University of Akron has sealed the deal to purchase Akron's landmark Crowne Plaza Quaker Square Hotel for $22.7 million for student housing. This historical landmark is situated on a nine acre continuous parcel. It is located to the west of Akron U and is in downtown Akron, Ohio. This is all a part of the bigger plan to replace the existing football stadium, the Akron Rubber Bowl. The new football stadium will be located on the east end of the campus.

Quaker Square Hotel History
The collection of 36 grain silos were the combined effort of Ferdinand Schumacher, born in 1822 in Germany, and the Quaker Oats Company. In 1863 this site was known as the Empire Barley Mill. Ferdinand Schumacher first introduced oatmeal to Akron and later to the entire United States. Demand for his product grew exponentially during the Civil War because the government was buying his oatmeal to feed the Union soldiers. Mr. Schumacher's mill was located along what is now known as the Ohio Erie Canal. This location made it possible for him to transport his product with ease. In 1886, a devastating fire led to a joining with the Akron Milling Company. This in turn became the F. Schumacher Milling Company and would later be known as the American Cereal Company, a major element of the Quaker Oats Company. The company ceased operations in 1970 due to aging equipment and because the production headquarters had migrated farther west.

The brick and stone structure was converted into a Hilton Hotel with 260 hotel rooms in 1979 along with various meeting and convention facilities. It is now a Crowne Plaza Hotel. The grain silos were preserved and transformed into round guest rooms. Some of the original milling equipment is still in place providing a reminder of the building's historic birth. Ferdinand Schumacher passed away in 1908.

The New Akron Zips Football Stadium
The section of land slated for the new football stadium is bordered by Vine Street to the north, E. Exchange Street to the south, Union to the west and Spicer to the east. It currently has student housing and rentals as well as privately owned businesses. Many of the homes in this area date back as far as the early 1900's. Some of this land is already owned by the University and some of it is owned by private individuals. The University of Akron plans to obtain the land that they do not currently own through either negotiations or eminent domain. This will pave the way for the new 25,000 - 30,000 seat football stadium. The Akron Rubber Bowl, which is located on George Washington Boulevard in Akron, is the current home field for the Akron Zips. It is currently used for college and high school football games as well as a venue for other events. The Akron Rubber Bowl has a seating capacity of 35,000 and is located approximately five miles away from the University.