The HÜG Place
Illuminating Akron's Historic Spirit Through Arts
An Iconic Place
Housed in the historic Temple on Merriman, The Highland Universal Gathering Place (The HÜG Place) has a rich history of promoting peace, compassion, and unity for generations.
Today, The HÜG Place rekindles that spirit through the transformative power of the arts.
A Historic Place
In 1865, the Akron Hebrew Association was formed, marking the beginning of a community-driven initiative.
Over the years, Temple Israel witnessed significant milestones, from the establishment of a school to changes in worship rituals.
By 1911, the congregation had a new home on Merriman Road, solidifying its identity as Temple Israel.
A Place for the Arts
In 2022 Tony Troppe, an Akron developer and entrepreneur envisioned a renewed purpose for the former Temple Israel.
In 2023, The HÜG Place was born, a 46,000-square-foot space dedicated to cultural enrichment.
The neoclassic revival building now features an auditorium, event spaces, and a commercial kitchen, all set to host a variety of events.
