Akron Approves $312,770 to Demolish 11 Properties

City Council approved two contracts to tear down 11 condemned commercial buildings across five Akron neighborhoods.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Commercial

Akron Approves $312,770 to Demolish 11 Properties

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Should your city use public funds to demolish neglected, condemned commercial buildings?

Akron City Council approved two contracts totaling $312,770 to demolish 11 condemned commercial properties that failed to meet minimum safety standards. Demolition costs will be added to the property taxes for the sites, and the land will remain owned by the current property owners.

Why it matters

The properties were found to be in such disrepair that they pose a serious hazard to the health and safety of the community. Owners failed to comply with the city's codes for vacant commercial and industrial buildings, leaving the city to act.

The two contracts cover 11 buildings, with Ray Bertolini Trucking Co. handling five at $213,050 and Butcher & Son Excavating handling six at $99,720. No demolition dates have been announced for the sites.

The players

Akron City Council

The Akron City Council is the legislative body of the city, responsible for approving the demolition contracts and funding the work through property tax assessments.

Vacant Commercial or Industrial Building Appeals Board

The Vacant Commercial or Industrial Building Appeals Board is the city body that reviews and approves the condemnation and demolition of vacant commercial structures.

Ray Bertolini Trucking Co.

Ray Bertolini Trucking Co. is a local trucking firm awarded the $213,050 contract to demolish five of the condemned properties.

Butcher & Son Excavating

Butcher & Son Excavating is an excavation contractor awarded the $99,720 contract to demolish six of the condemned properties.

The details

The 11 buildings were individually condemned over several years by the city's Vacant Commercial or Industrial Building Appeals Board and approved for demolition. The properties are located in West Akron, Sherbondy Hill and Kenmore, and the city's approval makes demolition contingent on the sites being cleared.

June 2022: 348 Cole Ave. approved for demolition.
2023: 332 Trigonia Dr. and 409/411 W. Thornton St. approved for demolition.
April 5, 2024: Rubber City Lounge LLC purchased 558 and 560 Vernon Odom Blvd.
July 2024: 1097 Bellows St. approved for demolition.
November 2025: 1030 and 1032 Kenmore Blvd. approved for demolition.

Roadmap

The city is enforcing its vacant commercial and industrial building codes through condemnation and demolition rather than rehabilitation. Each of the 11 sites was condemned over several years before council approved contracts to clear them.

Residents near the 11 sites in West Akron, Sherbondy Hill and Kenmore may see demolition crews and equipment once work begins, though dates have not been set. Property owners should expect demolition costs to be added to their property taxes.

The takeaway

Property owners facing code violations on vacant commercial buildings may ultimately bear the cost of demolition through added property taxes, even after the structure is removed. Monitoring city council agendas can give neighbors early notice of when work will begin.