Midway Plaza condemnation order deadline passes. What happens next?

Midway Plaza, pictured in 1977, straddles the Tallmadge-Akron line. The building and first two rows of parking are in Tallmadge while the rest of the parking lot is in Akron.
Midway Plaza, pictured in 1977, straddles the Tallmadge-Akron line. The building and first two rows of parking are in Tallmadge while the rest of the parking lot is in Akron.

The extended deadline for Midway Plaza's owners to restore, vacate or raze the site has now passed without any signal about the fate of the 66-year-old strip mall.

Tallmadge city officials are staying quiet on what happens next.

This well-known sign towers over Midway Plaza in 2011
This well-known sign towers over Midway Plaza in 2011

"The city is actively pursuing next steps relating to Midway Plaza. At this time, there is no additional information to be released," Law Director Megan said.

Ed Matzules, a vice president with Colliers International Real Estate who was tapped to sell the 18.5 acre property, said Monday there has been some activity on the property, but "nothing solid at this point."

The now 80% vacant plaza has been owned by Namdar Realty Group and its retail partner Mason Asset Management since 2016.

At the end of 2020, Tallmadge sent Namdar a 15-page notice of violation detailing numerous aesthetic and structural deficiencies, and in September 2021, the Summit County chief building inspector issued condemnation orders for four of the vacant units.

Midway Plaza: Summit County condemns half of Midway Plaza; Tallmadge strip mall's future still unknown

The orders, issued by the county but enforced by the city, gave Namdar 30 days to address the issues.

Shortly after, Namdar put Midway Plaza up for sale and the city extended the deadline to Jan. 15.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Midway Plaza condemndation order deadline passes