The Legacy Building Project
Building Akron's first African American cultural center and museum complex.
The Legacy Building Project is a community-driven initiative led by AROPI to build a 25,000-square-foot cultural center and museum complex on Rhodes Avenue in the Sherbondy Hill neighborhood, near the decommissioned Innerbelt corridor. Estimated at $11.5 million for construction, the project is part of a $20 million capital campaign that has already raised $450,000 toward that goal, including $600,000 in state investment over the past two budget cycles.
Cultural Preservation
A permanent home for Black history in Akron, preserving stories, artifacts, and lived experiences while creating a space where culture is documented, celebrated, and passed forward.
Economic Empowerment
A business incubator and tech trade center that support entrepreneurs, small businesses, and workforce development, creating pathways to ownership, income, and long-term financial stability.
Innovation & Sustainability
A forward-thinking space integrating green technology, digital access, and modern infrastructure, positioning the community at the intersection of culture and future-focused innovation.
Community Ownership
Built with the community, not just for it: a community auditorium and community garden creating shared spaces for gathering, leadership, and intergenerational connection.
This will transform a community that has been devastated by the harms and ills of past decision making.N.J. Akbar, Administrative Lead, Legacy Building Project
A soft opening for the project's proof-of-concept space, connected to Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Sherbondy Hill, is planned for this fall, with the museum's first exhibition expected in February. Every gift moves this project closer to completion.
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