Three projects to build more than 140 housing units in or near Akron’s downtown were awarded more than $12 million in Ohio tax credits Wednesday.
All three projects will transform former office and industrial space into housing: the Akron Soap Co. and Federal Warehouse buildings and two former B.F. Goodrich buildings that are part of the Canal Place complex at the south end of downtown.
The Akron Soap Co., built in 1893 at 237-243 Furnace St., was rehabbed in 2016 for office use. With less need for office space, it will now be turned into 11 residential units. Next to it, the Federal Warehouse will be turned into a first-floor performance space and more apartments above. The project will cost $14 million, with $3.1 million in tax credits…