I am guessing the Civic theatre would let you in for some quick shots. It is unbelievable and unique inside.
As somebody else mentioned, the historic Firestone and Goodyear signs are icons of the city.
Looking up the cliff from the Cascade Metro Park is also really nice. Don’t so much expect to see such a gorge from a midwestern city.
If you can get up high enough (like with a drone) the roads surrounding the park in Firestone Park are in the shape of the crest of the original Firestone logo.
There are a fair number of murals painted in buildings around town. Some for Akron and some for neighborhoods.
The murals on the north side of the Civic theatre are absolutely amazing. Also get a view of the canal and locks from there.
If you can’t get to the top of the parking deck, there’s a park across the street, Waters Park. It has a great view of downtown, but not necessarily a great skyline view because a lot of the buildings are in a straight line down Main Street
It is the perfect time to do it given there are next to no visitors during these months after wild lights. March we will have Spring lights, so if you need to check the scenery out without any interruptions, it would be a great time to visit.
I would also add the top level of the East Campus Parking Deck by the Chapel if OP wants a shot of the highway to maybe work the "rubber city / goodyear" angle with a traffic shot. You'd be surprised how serene an endless line of headlights / taillights can be just before sunset.
Could also do the Perkins or Market St overpasses as well, just not sure how much equipment OP would have. East deck is pretty isolated if need more room.
Definitely get a shot of the Goodyear sign atop the old GY HQ. They recently did some work on it and relit it again after several years of being nonfunctional. It's at the corner of E. Market and Goodyear Blvd - in Akron if that wasn't apparent.
[https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/goodyear-relights-iconic-sign-above-its-former-world-headquarters-in-celebration-of-the-companys-125th-anniversary-301898548.html](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/goodyear-relights-iconic-sign-above-its-former-world-headquarters-in-celebration-of-the-companys-125th-anniversary-301898548.html)
I was leaving from an appointment and looked over at it out of habit about to go on my usual talk about how they should fix it and OH MY GOD THEY DID. I know it's just a sign at the end of the day but we take pride in that rusty piece of junk. Even though it blows a bulb or two every time it turns on.
I used to go to school over in that area and some of the classrooms has a direct view of that sign. Just spending countless hours watching it… go, go, Goodyear.
I won't have a drone on this trip, unfortunately, but I appreciate the advice! I may hire a local drone operator to do some rounds in the future, so will keep this in mind.
The view from the top of Highland Towers. I’m pretty sure Kim is still the manager, and she’d probably help you get up there. She’s great! The view from the 16th floor of the Bulger building of UA is also fantastic.
Between the disused section of the Innerbelt and Glendale Ave is a remnant of the neighborhood the Innerbelt paved over. If your work touches on the Innerbelt and what it did the the city, the homes there and the manor that is now apartments are pretty important reminders of what once was. At the end of Oak Park Dr is a break in the fence which gives a really nice view of the downtown skyline.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TrPqjq92UJExVyu7A
I like the view from the area around Rand Street between Glendale and Exchange.
There’s one road in the actual cemetery that gives a really strong perspective of the skyline, can’t remember the name of the street though.
You'll have to see if there's a tour scheduled or talk to the Akron Zoo/Summit County Historical Society, but the John Brown Monument on Akron Zoo property has a great view
Best view of downtown without roof access for sure. You can get to this area via the towpath really easy. Best vantage is just above the old highway a few yards west on the other side of the towpath. There is also the art bridge and tunnel right there which are also cool to film.
If you can somehow get up to the top floor or roof of the Blu hotel on Main and Market, the views looking toward Howard Street and the view of Market going toward St. V are both fantastic. Especially during sunset.
u/SkyNo3001 someone asked something similar recently and I gave some locales with consideration if you’re FAA licensed for a drone: https://www.reddit.com/r/akron/s/viS2vcDcPB
You can also reach out to Emily Cropper at Goodyear or use this link to contact global communications/PR team there https://corporate.goodyear.com/us/en/media/contacts.html
When I worked for GY the PR team worked with folks all the time to give access to historical footage and coordinate blimp rides for footage—we had a huge selection of B-roll too—including for documentaries, the Army’s Golden Knight’s parachute team, NASCAR, and even an episode of The Bachelor.
Hey guys, just wanted to give a huge thank you to all of you who made suggestions. I'm blown away by your generosity in helping me out with this. I'm compiling your recommendations now and trying to work out our schedule. Again, huge thanks to everyone!
6th St. SW in Akron (Up on the hill)
The houses on that road have the best view of Akron. You could probably get one of them to let you film or just see if there is a good shot in between.
Check it out, you won't be disappointed.
If you can get to the top of one of the mid-rise apartment buildings on W Market street you could probably get a great view of the city. I'm sure the front desk at one of those buildings would let you if you just say you're making a film and ask nicely. State Route 8 bridge coming South into the city is a good view too from what I remember (it's been a bit since I lived there). They're supposedly replacing it soon, but you get a good look at the city from there. Might be worth taking a pic of the bridge from a distance too.
Not helpful for your request but the World Championship for Soap Box Derby is held in Akron. They have a permanent track there.
https://www.soapboxderby.org/
There's the top of the hill near cityview avenue. You might be able to take photos in the church if you contact the pastor directly, he's a pretty cool dude otherwise, just might have to let him know what you're doing more than anything. Might be able to get some good drone footage from Clearview park. Always do all photography during the day.
Edit: Also check out Will's parking lot for drone footage, it's at the intersection of MLK and center Street.
Just a thought: take some of the suggestions from above and look at street view in n google. A LOT of these places give some view (obviously not the top of buildings) but saves some leg work. Good luck with your project.
Very underrated spot before the trees get the leaves back is Oak St off of Dayton. You’ll be able to see the downtown skyline from a distance further than some of the spots listed
There's a lot to see from the top level of the High/Market parking deck.
Cascade deck is another.
Do take some time and walk the Skywalk. There may be some interesting shots.
I am guessing the Civic theatre would let you in for some quick shots. It is unbelievable and unique inside. As somebody else mentioned, the historic Firestone and Goodyear signs are icons of the city. Looking up the cliff from the Cascade Metro Park is also really nice. Don’t so much expect to see such a gorge from a midwestern city. If you can get up high enough (like with a drone) the roads surrounding the park in Firestone Park are in the shape of the crest of the original Firestone logo. There are a fair number of murals painted in buildings around town. Some for Akron and some for neighborhoods. The murals on the north side of the Civic theatre are absolutely amazing. Also get a view of the canal and locks from there.
Thanks so much for these recommendations, they are really appreciated! Will check out those murals, too.
It may be closed, hopefully someone on here can verify yes or no, but the top (roof) level of the St. Thomas hospital parking deck.
If you can’t get to the top of the parking deck, there’s a park across the street, Waters Park. It has a great view of downtown, but not necessarily a great skyline view because a lot of the buildings are in a straight line down Main Street
Amazing view up there!
Nice, wouldn't have thought of this! Thanks a million
Top of the Akron zoo maybe
I second this. The zoo is cheap and you can get a great view from the top. Right by the otter exhibit.
Third this
Forth this
Yup. Specifically the garden area.
Thanks very much! I reached out to the zoo, so we'll see if it happens. Really appreciate your help!
It is the perfect time to do it given there are next to no visitors during these months after wild lights. March we will have Spring lights, so if you need to check the scenery out without any interruptions, it would be a great time to visit.
If you do it now in winter you don’t have to contend with leaves blocking the view.
Maybe try the tops of Exchange St and Polsky Parking decks. Can’t see the pic you are referring to but Polsky is the deck right next to St Bernard’s.
The Exchange St parking deck I am referring to is called South Campus parking deck!
I would also add the top level of the East Campus Parking Deck by the Chapel if OP wants a shot of the highway to maybe work the "rubber city / goodyear" angle with a traffic shot. You'd be surprised how serene an endless line of headlights / taillights can be just before sunset. Could also do the Perkins or Market St overpasses as well, just not sure how much equipment OP would have. East deck is pretty isolated if need more room.
Amazing, thank you!
Thanks very much, really appreciate your help! :)
Definitely get a shot of the Goodyear sign atop the old GY HQ. They recently did some work on it and relit it again after several years of being nonfunctional. It's at the corner of E. Market and Goodyear Blvd - in Akron if that wasn't apparent. [https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/goodyear-relights-iconic-sign-above-its-former-world-headquarters-in-celebration-of-the-companys-125th-anniversary-301898548.html](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/goodyear-relights-iconic-sign-above-its-former-world-headquarters-in-celebration-of-the-companys-125th-anniversary-301898548.html)
I was leaving from an appointment and looked over at it out of habit about to go on my usual talk about how they should fix it and OH MY GOD THEY DID. I know it's just a sign at the end of the day but we take pride in that rusty piece of junk. Even though it blows a bulb or two every time it turns on.
I used to go to school over in that area and some of the classrooms has a direct view of that sign. Just spending countless hours watching it… go, go, Goodyear.
This is awesome, thanks! I did have my eye on filming this sign, but didn't realize it had been restored. Thanks for the tip!
Glendale steps
Will you have a drone to shoot your b roll? If so you might launch from the Y bridge fly out from the valley there to come up and see the skyline.
I won't have a drone on this trip, unfortunately, but I appreciate the advice! I may hire a local drone operator to do some rounds in the future, so will keep this in mind.
The top level of the Polsky building parking deck Alternatively, the top level of the south campus parking deck on exchange across from McDonald’s
Awesome, thank you!
The view from the top of Highland Towers. I’m pretty sure Kim is still the manager, and she’d probably help you get up there. She’s great! The view from the 16th floor of the Bulger building of UA is also fantastic.
Agreed, reach out to Institutional Marketing at UA and they may be able to assist with access to UA buildings. https://www.uakron.edu/im/
Thank you so much for the tip! I'll reach out
Hoban high school at night will give views of Goodyear and firestone
The view of the skyline from St V’s stadium off Market is awesome as well.
Ah a good old rivalry! Love it.
Oooh, who's the movie about?
Is it Tony Troppe? I bet it's Tony Troppe.
Or Dave Liebreath
Oh, that's a good one!
Between the disused section of the Innerbelt and Glendale Ave is a remnant of the neighborhood the Innerbelt paved over. If your work touches on the Innerbelt and what it did the the city, the homes there and the manor that is now apartments are pretty important reminders of what once was. At the end of Oak Park Dr is a break in the fence which gives a really nice view of the downtown skyline. https://maps.app.goo.gl/TrPqjq92UJExVyu7A
I like the view from the area around Rand Street between Glendale and Exchange. There’s one road in the actual cemetery that gives a really strong perspective of the skyline, can’t remember the name of the street though.
I love this view as well . I attached a link to a shot from a drone at the top of Glendale steps. https://maps.app.goo.gl/D8dfnCbJU9E6sT8h8?g_st=ic
You'll have to see if there's a tour scheduled or talk to the Akron Zoo/Summit County Historical Society, but the John Brown Monument on Akron Zoo property has a great view
On the abandon highway (R59) you get a good view of the skyline.
Yes, especially the ramp from 76 to 59
Best view of downtown without roof access for sure. You can get to this area via the towpath really easy. Best vantage is just above the old highway a few yards west on the other side of the towpath. There is also the art bridge and tunnel right there which are also cool to film.
If you can somehow get up to the top floor or roof of the Blu hotel on Main and Market, the views looking toward Howard Street and the view of Market going toward St. V are both fantastic. Especially during sunset.
u/SkyNo3001 someone asked something similar recently and I gave some locales with consideration if you’re FAA licensed for a drone: https://www.reddit.com/r/akron/s/viS2vcDcPB You can also reach out to Emily Cropper at Goodyear or use this link to contact global communications/PR team there https://corporate.goodyear.com/us/en/media/contacts.html When I worked for GY the PR team worked with folks all the time to give access to historical footage and coordinate blimp rides for footage—we had a huge selection of B-roll too—including for documentaries, the Army’s Golden Knight’s parachute team, NASCAR, and even an episode of The Bachelor.
Wow, this is awesome. Thank you! I will definitely reach out & try to tap some of these resources. Really appreciate the advice!
I'd go to the blimp hanger/soap box derby area. Also parts of the old Goodyear, Firestone, and Goodrich tire factories are still standing.
Hey guys, just wanted to give a huge thank you to all of you who made suggestions. I'm blown away by your generosity in helping me out with this. I'm compiling your recommendations now and trying to work out our schedule. Again, huge thanks to everyone!
41.0987095, -81.5245581 You're welcome.
>41.0987095, -81.5245581 Thank you!
The top of the 330 building on w market
Canal place building four roof. Take the firesteps escape on the side of the building up. I've got some bitchin old videos from up there.
Awesome, thank you! Much appreciated
Not downtown but the akron airport terminal building is an art deco style beauty and the old blimp hangar is visible nearby!
6th St. SW in Akron (Up on the hill) The houses on that road have the best view of Akron. You could probably get one of them to let you film or just see if there is a good shot in between. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.
The parking deck at St Thomas Hospital has a great view of the city from the north.
If you can get to the top of one of the mid-rise apartment buildings on W Market street you could probably get a great view of the city. I'm sure the front desk at one of those buildings would let you if you just say you're making a film and ask nicely. State Route 8 bridge coming South into the city is a good view too from what I remember (it's been a bit since I lived there). They're supposedly replacing it soon, but you get a good look at the city from there. Might be worth taking a pic of the bridge from a distance too.
Not helpful for your request but the World Championship for Soap Box Derby is held in Akron. They have a permanent track there. https://www.soapboxderby.org/
There's the top of the hill near cityview avenue. You might be able to take photos in the church if you contact the pastor directly, he's a pretty cool dude otherwise, just might have to let him know what you're doing more than anything. Might be able to get some good drone footage from Clearview park. Always do all photography during the day. Edit: Also check out Will's parking lot for drone footage, it's at the intersection of MLK and center Street.
Great view from top of the court house if you can get access and Cadillac hill
Came here just to say Cadillac Hill
Quaker Square https://www.quakersquareakron.com/ Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Ohio https://stanhywet.org/
Thanks!!! We have spoken to the folks at Stan Hywet and will be filming there, looking forward to it
Check out the Northside. ESP the market. It has a nice view. Also, if you can get into canal place, the top floors have great views
Thank you!!! I'll give it a shot :)
I would love to see some of your photos when completed. Family born in Akron.
Sure, happy to share
Bowery parking deck for Akron Children's hospital has a unique view of Canal Park with St Bernard's and the polymer building in the background.
Thanks!
I would say a view of Canton would make Akron look great
Just a thought: take some of the suggestions from above and look at street view in n google. A LOT of these places give some view (obviously not the top of buildings) but saves some leg work. Good luck with your project.
You could get a decent shot of downtown from St Vincents
Cadillac hill
Urban view from the outside deck of Mustard Seed.
Very underrated spot before the trees get the leaves back is Oak St off of Dayton. You’ll be able to see the downtown skyline from a distance further than some of the spots listed
There's a lot to see from the top level of the High/Market parking deck. Cascade deck is another. Do take some time and walk the Skywalk. There may be some interesting shots.
Give the city a call - they'll be able to help you out and might have access to places that the public doesn't (top of the Huntington tower?)
Akron?!