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Conversion with Self-Storage Pre-Approved 711 Johnston St Vacant Industrial Building Online Auction Sale Akron, OH 44306



Investment Highlights
- Subject opportunity at 711 Johnston Street presents 98,246 square feet ready to be converted/redeveloped, with approved self-storage plans.
- $1.75M in historic tax credits and a complete set of approved self-storage plans provide a shovel-ready redevelopment opportunity.
- University of Akron's large student population and annual housing turnover drive consistent demand for self-storage throughout the Akron market.
- Prominently located at the central interchange in Akron of Interstates 77, 76, and Route 8; approximately 1 mile from the University of Akron.
- Current features include four loading docks, one (10’x10’) drive-in door, and all five floors equipped with a freight elevator shaft.
- Absolute auction | Starting bid $1.
Executive Summary
Originally constructed in the 1920s, the 98,246-square-foot, five-story warehouse played a significant role in Akron's tire industry, notably associated with the Schrader Valve, a component still used in vehicle and bicycle tires today. The proposed conversion opportunity has pre-approved an updated facility comprising over 500 climate-controlled units and roughly 70 exterior drive-up units.
Strategically positioned with excellent visibility along both Johnston Street and Ohio Highway 8, the site benefits from traffic counts exceeding 113,000 vehicles per day. The development has secured $1,750,000 in historic tax credits, which can be sold to an investor for equity upon project completion or retained by the developer. The Akron self-storage market has historically been identified as undersupplied, with prior market studies citing just 4.41 net rentable square feet per capita within a 3-mile radius and more than 600,000 square feet of unmet demand.
Akron's strategic location between Cleveland and Canton, along major interstate corridors, makes it a key distribution and logistics hub. The region's industrial market is tight, with availability rates among the lowest in the nation, reflecting a high barrier to entry for manufacturing and warehouse space. Recent investments, such as the $31 million Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub, aim to accelerate growth in advanced materials and related sectors.
Developers seeking a transformational adaptive reuse opportunity are encouraged to capitalize on 711 Johnston Street's unique combination of approved self-storage plans, $1.75 million in historic tax credits, and a strategic location at the crossroads of Akron's major transportation corridors. With nearly 100,000 square feet primed for redevelopment, existing loading infrastructure in place, and strong demand drivers from the University of Akron, a dense surrounding population, and a historically undersupplied storage market, the property offers a rare opportunity to accelerate a project, with much of the entitlement work already completed. Whether pursuing the approved self-storage conversion or evaluating alternative redevelopment strategies, this asset provides the scale, incentives, and market fundamentals to create significant long-term value.
Property tours are by appointment only. Please contact the listing broker to schedule.
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Property Facts
| Sale Type | Investment | No. Stories | 5 |
| Sale Condition | Auction Sale | Year Built/Renovated | 1921/1987 |
| Type of Ownership | Fee Simple | Parking Ratio | 0.06/1,000 SF |
| Property Type | Industrial | Clear Ceiling Height | 12’ |
| Property Subtype | Warehouse | No. Dock-High Doors/Loading | 4 |
| Building Class | C | No. Drive In / Grade-Level Doors | 1 |
| Lot Size | 1.62 AC | Parcel Number | 68-30719 |
| Zoning | U-4 - Industrial | ||
| Sale Type | Investment |
| Sale Condition | Auction Sale |
| Type of Ownership | Fee Simple |
| Property Type | Industrial |
| Property Subtype | Warehouse |
| Building Class | C |
| Lot Size | 1.62 AC |
| No. Stories | 5 |
| Year Built/Renovated | 1921/1987 |
| Parking Ratio | 0.06/1,000 SF |
| Clear Ceiling Height | 12’ |
| No. Dock-High Doors/Loading | 4 |
| No. Drive In / Grade-Level Doors | 1 |
| Zoning | U-4 - Industrial |
| Parcel Number | 68-30719 |
Utilities
- Gas
- Water - City
- Sewer - City
- Heating
About Akron
Akron is among the five largest cities in Ohio and is home to nearly 200,000 residents. Healthcare, education, and manufacturing represent some of the area’s major industries. Top employers in Akron include Summa Health System, Akron General Health System, Goodyear, and Kent State University. Located 40 miles south of Cleveland, Akron is accessible via major roadways such as Interstate 78 and State Route 8. The area is also home to the Akron-Canton Airport and the Akron Fulton International Airport.
Akron’s urban amenities and affordability make the area a sought-after location for families and young professionals. In addition to several museums and cultural attractions, popular destinations in Akron include the Akron Zoo, Lock 3 Park, and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Akron is also home to several universities including The University of Akron, Kent State University, and Midwestern University.
With mid-level rents and access to over 50% of US households within a one-day drive, Akron is an attractive location for industrial tenants and investors alike. Some of the top leases signed in recent quarters come from tenants such as All Pro Freight Carriers, Haydon Corporation, and Full Circle Logistics.
Demographics
Regional Accessibility
Sale Advisor
Ronald Midcap, Senior Vice President
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Conversion with Self-Storage Pre-Approved | 711 Johnston St
