The Goodrich: Preserving Akron’s Past, Building Its Future
AVID Architects transformed a former BF Goodrich tire factory into The Goodrich: a 139-unit residential community that redefines downtown living.
The Opportunity
Downtown Akron had a demand for housing that supports a connected, walkable city. A vacant portion of the former BF Goodrich tire factory offered the right scale and location.
The building’s expansive industrial structure provided an ideal framework for residential conversion. Large floor plates, generous ceiling heights, and abundant window openings created strong potential for modern apartment layouts.
Because the property is historically significant, the rehabilitation also needed to comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation in order to qualify for Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits.
The project presented additional complexity. Portions of the building remained occupied as office space during construction, requiring careful planning to maintain operations while transforming vacant spaces into housing.
The Solution
AVID Architects led the adaptive reuse design, converting four stories of the historic BF Goodrich factory into residential housing while preserving its industrial character.
Working alongside a historic preservation consultant, the team aligned the project with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation to support the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit program.
Key historic elements of the former industrial structure including brick façades, concrete columns and floors, and large window openings were retained or restored wherever possible. Dozens of new historically appropriate aluminum windows were installed in restored openings that had been infilled for decades. The existing column grid and expansive floor plates guided apartment layouts, allowing units to align with window openings and maximize natural light.
The project also required careful coordination of new building systems and a phased construction approach, as other floors of the building remained occupied during the rehabilitation.
The Results
- The Goodrich reactivates a key site in Akron’s urban core, blending preservation with modern living.
- 139 residential units bring new vitality and density to downtown.
- Historic character preserved, ensuring the building remains a landmark in the city’s fabric.
- Resident amenities, including community lounges, tiered seating movie theater, dog wash station, exercise studio, and meeting rooms, support a live-work-play environment.
- Tax credit and abatement financing made the project viable and replicable for other Ohio cities.
Behind the Build
Navigating Historic Tax Credits
Historic tax credits can be a powerful tool for revitalizing older buildings, but they introduce strict preservation requirements. For The Goodrich, AVID Architects collaborated closely with a historic preservation consultant to ensure the design met the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
Defining architectural elements such as brick façades, structural columns, floor systems, and window openings were preserved as part of the building’s historic character. Where replacement was required, new materials were designed to match historic profiles while improving building performance.
Early coordination between the design team, preservation consultant, and development team helped streamline approvals and maintain alignment between preservation goals and project feasibility.
How Structure Shapes Floor Plans in Historic Buildings
Historic industrial buildings often provide advantages for residential conversion. The Goodrich’s concrete structural system, large floor plates, and generous ceiling heights created a strong framework for apartment layouts.
Rather than forcing a conventional residential plan, AVID used the existing column grid to organize circulation and define unit boundaries.
This strategy preserved the building’s historic character while creating efficient, comfortable apartments suited to modern urban living.
