Grassroots Architecture picked for Made in Akron housing initiative

The Summit County Land Bank and the city of Akron have selected a local firm to help shape the future of new housing across the city.

Officials announced that Grassroots Architecture LLC – an Akron-based architectural firm led by owner and architect Ryan Grass – has been selected to create a set of pre-reviewed residential home plans as part of the Made in Akron Housing Plans initiative, city officials announced.

The decision came after a competitive request for proposals process that drew six submissions from architectural firms. Grassroots Architecture stood out for its experience with urban infill projects, its design philosophy and its familiarity with Akron’s neighborhoods, according to city officials.

Land Bank Executive Director Patrick Bravo said the goal of the initiative is to make it easier and faster to build housing without sacrificing quality.

“This project is about creating practical tools that help people build housing more efficiently while still prioritizing quality and neighborhood character,” Bravo said in a statement. “Grassroots Architecture demonstrated a clear ability to balance thoughtful design with the realities of development in Akron.”

Under the program, Grassroots Architecture will collaborate with the city of Akron and the Summit County Land Bank to develop a plan book of permit-ready home designs. The pre-reviewed plans will be available to residents and developers looking to build new housing in the city, with the aim of cutting down on design costs, reducing approval timelines and encouraging high-quality infill development.

Kristen Scalise, chair of the Summit County Land Bank Board, said the initiative is designed to remove common hurdles that can slow or stop housing projects, particularly for smaller developers and individual homeowners.

“By offering well-designed, pre-reviewed plans, we’re making it easier to invest in Akron’s neighborhoods while maintaining consistent standards,” Scalise said.

City leaders said ensuring new homes fit within existing neighborhoods is a key focus of the effort. Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said the initiative supports the city’s broader housing strategy while respecting neighborhood character.

“These pre-reviewed plans will help streamline development while ensuring new homes fit the scale, style and character of the communities where they are built,” Malik said. “This is an important step in our Living Together strategy centered around solving housing challenges in Akron neighborhoods.”

The project is expected to take about four months to complete, with work scheduled to wrap up by April 30.

Grassroots Architecture brings experience from similar infill housing work in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood, along with a local perspective rooted in Akron. Ryan Grass said the firm is eager to contribute to a project with a direct impact on the city.

“As an Akron-based firm, we’re excited to support a program that directly supports our city’s neighborhoods,” Grass said. “These plans are about creating flexible, buildable designs that feel appropriate for Akron while making the process easier for people who want to invest in new housing.”

Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro said the initiative aligns with broader county efforts to stabilize neighborhoods and expand housing options.

“By simplifying the development process and encouraging high-quality design, this project helps expand housing choice and supports stronger, more resilient neighborhoods,” Shapiro said.

More information about Grassroots Architecture LLC can be found on the firm’s website.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at [email protected], or on Twitter @athompsonABJ

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