Kent State University has played no small role in helping to redevelop and revive downtown Kent.
The university is , its on-campus leg of The Portage Hike and Bike Trail, through the neighborhood west of campus and into downtown.
The Esplanade will meet up with the at the intersection of Erie Street and Haymaker Parkway. A groundbreaking for the hotel is scheduled for Sept. 19.
The hotel is being developed by Columbus-based developer The Pizzuti Companies, which is owned by Kent State alumni Ron Pizzuti, with a large investment by the .
Scroll down for a recap of recent stories on the university's role downtown:
Kent State University projects
