Glendale Steps

At the foot of a parking lot adjacent to I-59, a monolithic stone staircase descends toward what was intended to be a public park designed by landscape architect Warren Manning. Built in 1936, the stairs appear like a mirage, ceremonial in stature, but unresolved. It stands as one of the few built remnants of the larger civic landscape that was never completed.

Manning's plan envisioned the stairs as a threshold and transition from the West Hill neighborhood to downtown through a public park.

Historical research of the site and a planting design was developed in collaboration with Progress Through Preservation Akron and was awarded a lease agreement for restoration from the City of Akron. The project was also a featured project for MKSK's Community Impact Studio.

Fundraising efforts for restoration and replanting will begin March 2026.