Akron School Board Secured Grant for Barrett Demolition
The city has accepted a $1.16 million grant from the Summit County Land Bank to tear down the vacant elementary school.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Administration
Live Poll
Should your local government prioritize the demolition of abandoned public buildings?
The Akron School Board has officially accepted a $1.16 million grant to fund the demolition of the former Barrett Elementary School building. The funding will cover up to 75 percent of the project costs as the district moves forward with plans to sell the property.
Why it matters
The decision addresses ongoing safety concerns at the site, which has been plagued by trespassing and theft since it was vacated. Securing this grant allows the district to clear the land for future use while mitigating potential liabilities.
The Summit County Land Bank grant covers up to 75 percent of the total demolition costs for the Barrett Elementary School site. Funds must be utilized by June 2027 to satisfy the agreement.
The players
Akron School Board
The local governing body responsible for the management and disposal of district-owned property in Akron.
Summit County Land Bank
A public agency dedicated to property redevelopment and the remediation of blighted structures in the region.
Bridges Learning Center
A former occupant of the Barrett Elementary site that operated in the building starting in 2015.
Akron Police
The municipal law enforcement agency that has documented security incidents including trespassing at the vacant facility.
The details
The building has remained largely unused since serving as home to the Bridges Learning Center in 2015, following a stint as a YMCA alternative school. Akron police have responded to multiple incidents at the location, including a May 2026 arrest of a man for stealing copper wire.
Timeline
The Akron School Board closed Barrett Elementary in 2012.
The building reopened as a YMCA alternative school in 2014.
Bridges Learning Center moved into the site in 2015.
A man was arrested for stealing copper wire in May 2026.
The grant funds must be used by June 2027.
Culture Shift
This project reflects the broader national trend of municipal districts attempting to offload underutilized school facilities to reduce overhead and site maintenance burdens. By demolishing the structure, the city pivots away from struggling with vacant school assets toward preparing land for future community use.
Neighbors in East Akron can expect the removal of the hazardous structure, which has recently been a site for trespassing and criminal activity. The project aims to improve local safety by finally clearing the site before the school district pursues a property sale.
The takeaway
Clearing the Barrett Elementary site eliminates a long-standing source of security concerns and blight in the East Akron neighborhood. Residents can now monitor local district meetings for future developments regarding the land sale and potential site redevelopment.
Further reading
Learn more about local government property management and city policy at the Akron Administration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WNIR 100 FM.
Live Poll
Should your local government prioritize the demolition of abandoned public buildings?
