The Goodrich

Akron, Ohio
AVID Architects transformed a former BF Goodrich tire factory into The Goodrich, a 139-unit multi-family building in downtown Akron. Through thoughtful adaptive reuse and historic preservation, the project preserved the building's industrial character while creating much-needed housing that supports continued investment in the city's urban core.
download project
180,000 SF
$40 Million
139 units
Multifamily
Adaptive Reuse
Historic Tax Credit Recipient
download project

Originally constructed as a BF Goodrich tire factory, the building offered many of the qualities that make industrial structures ideal candidates for adaptive reuse. Expansive floor plates, large industrial windows, durable concrete structure, and a prominent downtown location created an opportunity to transform a historic manufacturing facility into modern urban housing while preserving an important piece of Akron's architectural heritage.

Converting the building into apartments required careful planning to balance historic preservation with the expectations of today's residents. AVID Architects optimized unit layouts within the existing structural grid, preserving original elements while creating comfortable, marketable living spaces. The project also required close coordination to maintain occupied office space elsewhere in the building throughout design and construction, adding another layer of complexity to the adaptive reuse effort. Historic Tax Credits and the Akron Community Reinvestment Area Tax Abatement further informed design decisions, ensuring the building's historic character remained intact while supporting its long-term viability.

Completed in 2022, The Goodrich introduced 139 market-rate apartments to downtown Akron and quickly became one of the city's premier residential destinations. The success of the project demonstrated continued demand for urban living and helped pave the way for the next phase of redevelopment, further reinforcing the potential of adaptive reuse to revitalize historic buildings and strengthen downtown communities.