Pritt Properties is honored to announce its reception of a Historic Restoration and Rehabilitation Award at the 2024 Summit County Architectural Heritage Awards. This prestigious award celebrates the company's exceptional work on The Carlton Building, located in the South Main Street Historic District of Akron.
The awards ceremony took place at an event on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at the Trailhead Event Center. Organized by The Summit County Historical Society and Progress Through Preservation, the event recognized projects, individuals, and organizations that celebrate and enhance the architectural importance and historic character of Akron and greater Summit County.
The Carlton Building, the oldest structure remaining in the South Main Street Historic District, has a storied past. Originally home to Carlton’s Clothes for over 45 years, the building faced a period of neglect and vacancy for nearly two decades. Since 2018, under the stewardship of Pritt Properties, the building has undergone a comprehensive transformation. This extensive restoration included structural repairs and installing modern electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems, ensuring the building’s adaptability to contemporary needs while preserving its historical integrity.
The project revitalized the building and contributed significantly to the community's economic vibrancy. The first floor continues to function as a retail storefront, enhancing Main Street's vitality, while the second and third floors have been converted into state-of-the-art office spaces for a cutting-edge video production and animation company. Throughout the renovation, care was taken to preserve the building's character, integrating original materials and historical artifacts into the design, and embracing sustainability with energy-efficient systems. The Carlton Building's transformation stands as a testament to Pritt Properties' dedication to blending history with modernity, reinforcing the architectural heritage of the South Main Street Historic District.
The Historic Restoration and Rehabilitation Award aligns with Pritt Properties’ mission to restore classic buildings with storied pasts and transform them into modern spaces while retaining their historic character. This commitment to preserving and enhancing architectural heritage helps revitalize communities and foster connections between history and the present.