Canal Square Apartments

The apartment complex is fantastic, but the amount of marijuana usage in the building makes it unlivable if you don’t like the smell of it. It’s an outrageous amount, and it’s not only on my floor. I have my windows always open, multiple air filters, and I still struggle with it.

I love the space here, but the area can be a bit iffy and I don’t feel as you’ll be getting the money worth for paying this much in rent for a 1 bedroom.

Maintenance and residents are not friendly, and neither is any Testa employee. You have an assigned parking spot, but that doesn't mean anything, and when one person parks in your spot all they do is put a note and hope for the best. Slightly overpriced, but there isn't much better in the area. Great location downtown next to the hospital with really nice views, nice gym and game room, and apartment layouts are decent.

I have lived at Canal Square Plaza on and off for the past 14 years as jobs took me out of state and back.

The building is a unique Art Deco treasure and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1931, it has served over the years as a traditional YMCA, then later (from the 1980s on) as apartments plus a YMCA fitness center. For the past two years, renovations have been underway to convert the fitness center to new apartments, as well as to upgrade the existing units.

The first… three floors also include some commercial properties, mainly offices for Akron Childrens Hospital. A hidden benefit of this is that there is 24 hour security patrolling the area and building.

The owner of the building also resides in one of the units, as do several other well-known local dignitaries. This, as well as the owner's obvious pride in the building, contributes to responsive management and excellent maintenance. The quality of management and maintenance have also both improved over the past five years.

Rents are moderately high for the area, but lower than nearby "luxury" units. But keep in mind that, other than student housing, there is very little rental housing in the area, and many of the residents work for the nearby hospitals. There are also some graduate students, retirees, and other downtown professionals.

The interior finishes are a bit dated, but if you can deal with that until your unit is upgraded, and you like the idea of living in a beautiful historic treasure, this place might be for you! Read More