The Vision:
Cultivating Akron's Future, Sustainably.
For too long, cities like Akron have grappled with the echoes of industrial decline, leaving communities yearning for pathways to prosperity and sustainable growth. We believe the future of urban revitalization lies not just in rebuilding, but in reimagining – creating self-sustaining ecosystems that empower individuals and ignite a new era of innovation. This audacious vision is the driving force behind The Milton Lumbergh Association (MLA).
A Dream Taking Root:
More Than a Building, A Living Blueprint.
My personal dream, twenty years in the making, has evolved into a concrete plan for a revolutionary hub in the heart of my beloved Akron. We are actively seeking to transform a grand, enduring structure—be it a venerable church, a robust old warehouse, or a classic elementary school—into a vibrant, multi-faceted complex. This isn't just a building; it's a living laboratory, a beacon of sustainable technology, and a thriving community nexus, designed to inspire wonder and foster genuine opportunity.
The Technological Ecosystem:
Where Innovation Meets Nature.
Imagine a facility that is a testament to cutting-edge design and environmental stewardship. Our grand structure will house: a Self-Sustaining Core: Powered predominantly off-grid, the building will integrate a colossal rainwater collection system. This isn't merely utilitarian; one side of this immense water tank will transform into an awe-inspiring, building-tall outdoor projection screen. Picture breathtaking digital art visible for miles, or community drive-in movie nights under the stars, drawing Akron together in shared experiences.Intelligent Climate Control: The collected rainwater will be integral to an advanced boiler system, circulating through a sophisticated piping infrastructure to precisely regulate the building's temperature and humidity. This ensures optimal comfort and energy efficiency, creating a seamless environment for all activities.Biophilic Integration: Embracing nature within our walls, the complex will feature vibrant plant ecosystems throughout, purifying the air and enhancing well-being. Critically, it will also house an innovative, free-roaming chicken coop within a carefully designed, caged area, offering fresh eggs and a direct connection to sustainable food sources. A dedicated greenhouse will grow specialized vegetables, embodying our commitment to replenishing resources.Digital Empowerment Hubs: The entertainment complex will include a fully equipped green screen YouTube/streaming station, a state-of-the-art stage where aspiring content creators, local bands, and artists can broadcast their talents live to the world. We will offer free access for learning, transitioning to charged time slots to sustain the program.Community Voice: Complementing our visual spectacle, we aim to establish a low-power community radio station. Staffed by volunteers and our trainees, it will offer a local voice, playing music, taking requests, and fostering live conversations, further cementing MLA as Akron's central gathering place.
The Heart of Our Mission:
Empowering Akron's Citizens to Cross the Digital Divide.
Within this extraordinary environment, MLA's core mission thrives: to provide a free, hands-on technology training program designed specifically for individuals from low-income backgrounds with a passion for innovation. Participants will immerse themselves in a multilingual, simulated office environment, gaining invaluable practical skills by learning about and supporting every piece of technology within the building—from its sustainable systems to its high-tech entertainment infrastructure. Our ultimate goal is direct job placement, equipping individuals with the skills not just for employment, but for thriving careers that contribute directly to Akron's economic resurgence.
Join Us in Building the Future.
This is more than a dream; it's a meticulously planned blueprint for a tangible, impactful future. The Milton Lumbergh Association stands poised to be a model of sustainable community development, technology education, and economic revitalization—not just for Akron, but as an inspiration for cities worldwide. Realizing a vision of this magnitude requires visionary partners. We invite philanthropists, corporate leaders, and community champions to join us in securing the significant capital investment needed to transform this bold plan into a vibrant reality. Together, we can cultivate Akron's future, one innovative step at a time.