When the City of Akron assumed responsibility for the Oliver Ocasek Building, it inherited more than just a towering 250,000-square-foot former state office complex—it also faced a pivotal decision that would shape the future of the building’s operations: whether to maintain its aging, on-site HVAC system or transition to community energy. Today, thanks to that decision, the Ocasek Building stands as an example of cost-effective modernization and energy efficiency in downtown Akron.
Initially, John Blickle, Facility Manager for the Ocasek Building, admits he had his reservations. “Candidly, I was very apprehensive,” Blickle said. “I didn’t have much experience with anything other than traditional, gas-fired HVAC systems.”
What changed his mind? A conversation with key partners from the City of Akron and Akron Energy Systems.
“I sat down with Chris Ludle, Akron’s Service Director, and Marc Divis from Akron Energy Systems,” Blickle explained. “Chris made it clear the City considers Akron Energy Systems a critical partner in the downtown heating and cooling infrastructure. Since the Ocasek Building was transitioning from state-owned to city-owned, it made sense for us to be a part of that system. I took a leap of faith.”
That leap, it turns out, was well worth it.
Cost Savings That Speak for Themselves Since connecting to the community energy system in October 2023, the building has seen significant savings in heating and cooling expenses.
“For the first 12 months, our heating and cooling costs were about $2.50 less per square foot than they were under the old in-building HVAC system,” said Blickle. “That’s nearly half a million dollars in reduced operating costs. While we made some minor energy upgrades like skylight improvements, the bulk of those savings are due to the switch to steam and chilled water.”
The building operates under a unique financial arrangement with the City: a fixed budget allocation is provided annually, and any cost savings are returned to the City. “The state used to increase the building’s operating budget year over year, regardless of actual need,” Blickle said. “Now, we’re running the building more efficiently, and those savings go back to the taxpayers.”
Improved Comfort, Responsive Performance Beyond the budget sheet, the new system is delivering results where it matters most—tenant comfort.
“We have virtually no complaints now about heating and cooling,” Blickle noted. “There were some early hiccups, but those had more to do with existing units in tenant spaces. Once those were worked out, the system has been incredibly reliable—especially in those tricky transitional seasons where temperatures swing drastically from one day to the next.”
He added, “This system adapts very quickly to temperature changes. It’s much better than what we had before.”
A Strong Case for Expansion For Blickle, the success of the Ocasek Building’s transition isn’t just a one-off win; it’s a blueprint for others.
“I would recommend community energy to any building in downtown Akron that can connect to the system,” he said. “More importantly, I think the system should be expanded so more buildings can join. It’s simple economics: the more buildings on the system, the lower the per-unit cost for everyone.”
From Blickle’s perspective, the benefits aren’t limited to one building or owner. “It’s really good for downtown Akron to have this kind of alternative energy infrastructure. It’s efficient, cost-effective, and reliable.”
A Home Run for All Involved In a city committed to revitalization and smart energy solutions, the Ocasek Building’s story proves what’s possible when vision and execution meet. And for Blickle, that leap of faith has landed squarely in success.
“Operating costs here [at the Ocasek Building] are much better than before. The tenants are happier. The system is more efficient. It’s a home run for everyone involved,” he said.