Originally opened in 1985, the Akron Ronald McDonald House has long served the needs of patients and families at the nearby Akron Children’s Hospital. As the hospital expanded throughout the years, the Ronald McDonald House required its own expansion, and the organization worked with GPD to best meet the needs of the community.  

GPD worked directly with board and hospital staff to determine how the facility could preserve the past while being well-suited to meet future needs. GPD designed the expanded house to take advantage of a vacated street right-of-way and former city park. The design includes 42 large guest rooms, a dining room, a living room, a library and other spacious communal areas. Two kitchen areas allow families to prepare individual meals, and a large commercial-style kitchen exists where volunteers prepare evening dinners. Together, Ronald McDonald House and GPD created a revitalized structure that will serve the community for years to come.