Akron’s former Steinway Hall – also known as the Robinson Mansion after its original builder, Byron W. Robinson. Robinson was a wealthy businessman in the industry of clay products. He had built the mansion in 1906, on land that was originally Akron’s Millionaires Row. Today, it’s the only original mansion remaining on East Market Street, and in 2020, an Akron Developer and a group of investors plan to restore it.

Former operations

For 30 years, the building was owned by Ted Good, president and CEO of Steinway Piano Gallery Cleveland. For 25 of those years, Good had operated Steinway Hall and the T.S. Good Organ Co. inside of this 44-room mansion. In 2013, Good decided to move his business to an empty Harley-Davidson dealership in Boston Heights, and put the mansion up for sale for $950,000. He made sure to seek out the right buyer with concrete plans to restore and take care of the building properly. On March 12, 2019, the mansion was purchased for $375,000 by developer and historic renovator Tony Troppe, along with a team of investors, including Medina-based Pride One Construction. Troppe and investors make up the Robinson Revival Group.

Vacant for five years

The mansion, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, had sat vacant for 5 years, but is on its way to a new life. It had almost met the end of its life with the wrecking ball, but thanks to Troppe, it will continue to stand, and showcase part of Akron’s history. Since purchasing, the team has been working on plans for redeveloping the property. The project has been cleared to receive $250,000 from the state in historic preservation tax credits, as the structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The team estimates a cost of $1.6 million to see restoration all the way through. The team does plan to save as many of the original architectural elements as possible.

All of the other mansions, which once sat close to this one, had been demolished after most of the millionaires moved to Merriman Road in order to escape the smell of rubber coming from downtown. From 1900 through 1990, Akron had become the rubber capital of the world, and had even birthed the American trucking industry. Four major tire companies were headquartered in Akron, including Goodrich Corporation (1869), Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company (1898), Firestone Tire and Rubber Company (1900), and General Tire (1915).

Early history

The mansion’s original builder, Byron Robinson, was a second-generation leader of the family business, Robinson Clay Products Co. You can see some products from his company on the roof and exterior architecture of the mansion. 

Robinson had lived here with his family into the 1930s. When he sold the mansion, it would go on to be used for 35 years as the Florence Crittenton Home for unwed mothers. Later around the 1970s, the building was taken over by a fraternity.

Most pianists performing with the Akron Symphony Orchestra, the Canton Symphony and Tuesday Musical Club have performed or played in the former Steinway Hall, including Emmanuel Ax. During the 1989 grand opening of Steinway Hall a Steinway descendant had been in attendance as a featured guest.

Future plans

Troppe plans to use the building for a mix of things, including providing room for companies or organizations, as well as loft-style apartments. Out back there is a carriage house, which will be a second phase project to include more loft apartments.