Out of the (bus) seats, into the Medina streets
This year, CREW Greater Akron’s Annual Bus Tour heads to Medina, Ohio, a community known for “Preserving the Past. Forging the Future.” From its historic square to exciting new development, Medina offers a perfect example of how thoughtful growth can honor history while creating opportunity. This year, we’ll be walking to four featured locations on or near the square. The tour will include a mix of iconic Medina destinations, thoughtfully renovated spaces, and a project currently under construction, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the community continues to evolve.
The timing of this year’s event is especially meaningful as it coincides with Economic Development Week’s 100th anniversary. This national celebration highlights the crucial role professionals play in creating jobs, attracting investment, and strengthening local infrastructure, all made possible through the partnerships that drive prosperity in communities like Medina.
Join fellow CREW members and industry professionals for an engaging afternoon exploring the places and projects that are preserving the past, while forging the future!
PARKING INFORMATION: Please park in the Castle Noel parking lot. If that lot is full, please use the lot at the southeast corner of South Court Street and East Smith Road.
AGENDA
Registration: 12:45-1:00pm
(1:00-1:10) Welcome remarks from Mayor Jim Shields!
(1:10-1:50pm) Castle Noel – Mark Klaus (Owner): America’s largest indoor year-round Christmas entertainment attraction
(2:00-3:00pm) Historic Farmer’s Exchange Building – Jerry Fiume, SVN Commercial Real Estate Group (Owner): A historic former agriculture-based building renovated into a multi-tenant commercial and residential location.
(3:15-4:00pm) Black Cat Books & Oddities – Max and Alicia Frazier (Owners): Located in two, 100-year old homes, this is an immersive shop that has become a community space and tourist attraction
(4:15-5:00pm) The Legacy Hotel – Jason Stevenson, Autonomy Capital (Owner): Actively under construction, this boutique hotel is a major economic development project on the square that will stand as a landmark tribute to the city’s history, culture, and community.
(5:00pm) Happy Hour at H2 Wine Bar