City of Akron Seeks Housing Developers for 50 Lots in Summit Lake

Akron, Ohio, June 10, 2025  — The City of Akron has issued a request for proposals seeking qualified developers for the purchase and development of 50 lots in the Summit Lake neighborhood of Akron. The sale price of the lots is $0.50 sq/ft. View the RFP here. The City of Akron has also allocated $350,000 of HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds to be used for the redevelopment of 10 city-owned residential properties located in Summit Lake. This will take the form of a grant to the Low-Income qualifying purchaser in order to fill the gap between the purchase price and the mortgage amount they qualify for.

The goal of this project is to bring positive development and infill housing to Summit Lake. The project sites offered provide an opportunity for new housing development within the Summit Lake neighborhood. The City is seeking proposals that:

• Enhance the vibrancy of the neighborhood.

• Align with city and community goals for providing healthy, equitable, beautiful, and resilient housing.

• Development of single-family detached homes, duplexes, townhouses, and small apartment buildings are encouraged.

• Are compatible with the existing neighborhood housing types.

• Follow best practices for urban design by meeting the requirements of the City of Akron Form-Based Zoning Code and of the City’s Housing Standards, included in the RFP.

“During the State of the City Speech last week, I spoke about the importance of infill housing in our neighborhoods,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “This is a critical piece of our Living Together agenda which emphasizes the need for attracting investment and development to address housing challenges in Akron. Our amazing neighborhoods need more neighbors and I’m excited about this next step.”

Proposals are due by 4pm on July 31, 2025. Proposals can be mailed to City of Akron Office of Integrated Development, 166 S. High St., Room 400, Akron, Ohio 44308 or can be uploaded online to AkronOhio.Submittable.com.   

All questions about this RFP should be directed by email to Development Manager David Messner at DMessner@akronohio.gov. Questions should be submitted no later than July 11, 2025. Any responses to questions will be posted to the “Developers” section of the City’s website: www.akronohio.gov/rfp.