A new Akron apartment complex, 401 Lofts, is currently under construction on Cedar and Main streets. The upscale complex, located on 2.2 acres that formerly was home to Parrish McIntyre, is scheduled to be ready for occupancy in August 2013.

A 21-county food and funds drive kicked off on the morning of Wednesday this week, February 29. The annual Harvest for Hunger fundraiser and food drive is coordinated by the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank and the Cleveland Food Bank. The 2012 campaign launched at 10 am from the Tower City Center in Cleveland, north of Akron. Northeast Ohio initiates the food and fund drive every spring. The campaign is currently one of the largest drives in the nation and brings in an estimated $3 million each year. In 2011 alone, the efforts put forth by the citizens of northeast Ohio raised enough money to provide about 14 million meals.

The Akron Art Museum reached its 90th anniversary on February 1st. To commemorate the special occasion, Mayor Donald L. Plusquellic has set aside the month of February as Akron Art Museum month. The museum intends to acknowledge its 90th anniversary with a year-long celebration that kicks off this weekend, on February 5. A Community Open House with free admission will signify the start of the celebration. Special exhibitions and entertainment will also be free to the public.

Akrons Winterfest celebration will take place February 18 through 20 in honor of Presidents Day. This years celebration hopes to blow in a stream of talent as the Chamber of Commerce plans an exciting take-off of the popular television contest Americas Got Talent.

The Akron Area Arts Alliance (AAAA) marked its 20th anniversary at the 6th Annual Arts Alive! Awards Ceremony on Sunday, November 20. Every two years, the alliance, founded on October 22, 1991, gathers to honor and celebrate artistic individuals who help enrich the lives of others through their participation in cultural and artistic activities and events in and around the Akron area. This years celebration was held at the Stage Door, located at EJ Thomas Hall. Special events included dinner, entertainment, and a silent auction.