Downtown Kent has changed in many ways over the years, and yet some of your favorite historic buildings still stand. Alumni remember their favorite old haunts fondly, with a fervent love for places like Ray's (still frequented) or the Robin Hood (lamented), and some have morphed into something new, like the change from Brady's Cafe to an outpost of Cleveland Bagel.
Drag the slider across the image to view Downtown Kent Then and Now
In 2006, Kent City Manager Dave Ruller and former Kent State President Lester A. Lefton met to talk about the town-gown connection between the university and the city. Through those talks, the ideas for the revitalization of downtown Kent were sparked, and a closer relationship was formed. Since then, downtown looks completely different. Entire blocks were torn down to make way for Acorn Alley, many new shops and restaurants came to town, and the Lefton Esplanade was built to connect the campus to the new downtown.
Now, a new phase of construction has begun, with the redevelopment of East Main Street, or state Route 59, a four-lane thoroughfare that borders the front of campus and connects to downtown. The city has committed to Route 59 improvements that include making the road a boulevard with dividers and landscaping in its median, a realignment of Horning Road to link it to Overlook Drive, and improving pedestrian safety along the corridor.
As this time marks another period of redevelopment and aesthetic change for Kent, we thought it would be fun to look at some of the previous "before and after" projects around downtown. From the early 1900s to today, as some things change, you'll see some have remained the same.
Come and visit and spot the differences this year at Homecoming! Homecoming 2025 will take place on Oct. 11. The Golden Flashes will take on the University of Massachusetts for the annual Homecoming football game. Bring your family and friends home for a weekend of reminiscing, excitement and Golden Flash pride. Stay up-to-date on the schedule of events with #KentHC.