Akron Studebaker Dealer Building

[LeoH]

On a Studebaker Facebook group, a picture was posted of a Studebaker dealership building in Akron, OH that's probably going to be demolished. Do any club members in Akron know if there has been any effort to try to save the Studebaker Wheel Logos on the building at least when it's demolished?

Based on comments from locals, there is no interest in the building and little interest in its history as a Studebaker building.

A link for those of you not on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater

[StudeRich]

That is just SAD! That looks like a perfectly sound old Brick Building that could last another 100 years.

It SHOULD have been saved and at least the Stude. Wheels should be, but it is all about somebody's BIG $$, not Historical Preservation. I guess this is progress.

[sweetolbob]

Remove the Studebaker masonry and it's another old building. Hopefully someone will save the Studebaker Icons, could be worth a few bucks for the effort. Other than South Bend and Vernon, the brand had little traction in most communities. To bad to see it go, though. Bob

[LeoH]

I'm curious to know if any local SDC members have tried to see about getting the Studebaker logos saved, at least? Has the National Museum ever done any outreach to broker salvaging items, like in this case? Not that I expect them to buy it, but to at least officially point out there are historical pieces to save with modest effort and care on this building?

[rockne10]

Based upon the videos I've seen, it's all gone!

[DEEPNHOCK]

Supposedly the local chapter has known about it for years......

http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?22411-Akron-OH-Studebaker-Bldg

[DEEPNHOCK]

Seaching around turned up this link.....

http://www.tonysmith-wrecking.com/

[stude dude]

Looks like one or two of the wheel emblems had already been removed.

Chris.

[Hallabutt]

It looks like a perfect place to use for a cooperative car storage facility. Sometimes with a common area, with a kitchen and dinning area for group get togethers. Why wouldn't a place like this thrive in Akron?

[DEEPNHOCK]

Sure!
All it would take is someone to buy the place, bring it up to current codes (Asbestos/lead paint/wiring/plumbing/structure/handicapped access),
pay the taxes/utilities/insurance..
Then to get /car enthusiasts (club members) to pony up money (and storage fee's) to recoup those expenses and generate enough revenue to keep it going.
I love your phrase 'cooperative car storage'....
Remember that warehouse full of cars near Mishawaka that went up in flames?
Or that car storage whse in Miami (the one that the Velocity channel show had on..South Beach something)...up in flames..
Interesting idea.. Hard to fathom the concept all the way through....

It looks like a perfect place to use for a cooperative car storage facility. Sometimes with a common area, with a kitchen and dinning area for group get togethers. Why wouldn't a place like this thrive in Akron?

[LeoH]

Well, as much could be done, was done.

[studerex]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/176309765735271/?fref=nf

Does anyone know the fate of those wheels. I contacted some Akron locals and they said the building is all down as of Friday. Does anyone know the name of the demolition company.

[StudeRich]

Does Post #7 possibly answer that?

[studerex]

Does Post #7 possibly answer that?

I seen that post and do not know where that connection comes from. Maybe if Jeff can confirm that is the demo company I will contact them.

[Hallabutt]

There is no perfect world when talking about car storage. We can always point to failed attempts, but for each of these there are at least twice a many thriving and exciting venues.

http://www.candystoreclub.com/

https://www.americascarmuseum.org/membership/club-auto/club-auto-colorado/

https://www.facebook.com/Club-Auto-Kirkland-125471557524893/