The Well CDC
location_onAkron, Ohio
infoAbout The Well CDC
The Well CDC
The Well CDC operates from 647 E Market Street in Akron's Middlebury neighborhood as a community development corporation that integrates tool lending with broader economic development programming. Founded as Akron's first place-based CDC devoted to the Middlebury neighborhood, the organization frames tool access as part of a larger mission to improve housing quality, create jobs, and foster neighborhood investment. The organization's integrated approach connects physical resources like tools and commercial kitchen space to educational programming and business support, positioning itself as a comprehensive economic development entity rather than a standalone tool library.
The organization's founding as a neighborhood-specific development corporation distinguishes it from broader city-wide service providers. By focusing explicitly on Middlebury residents while also serving the wider Akron region, The Well CDC attempts to balance targeted neighborhood improvement with community-wide economic opportunity. This geographic focus shapes both its tool lending operations and its ancillary programming, creating what the organization describes as a "holistic approach to address systemic issues" affecting quality of life in the area.
reviewsWhat Members Say
CUSTOMERS LOVE
Welcoming, accommodating staff and community-focused mission (multiple mentions). Great atmosphere, coffee, and food quality. Akron Good Works program for supporting food entrepreneurs.
GOOD TO KNOW
The Well offers commercial kitchen access and catering services. They run educational programs/classes for community members. Functions as a workspace with café amenities.
SOME NOTE
Three 1-star reviews cite concerns about resident evictions related to advocates reporting unsafe housing conditions, raising questions about tenant protections despite the organization's community mission.
BEST FOR
Food entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking kitchen space and support programs. Community members looking for a welcoming workspace with quality coffee and food.
helpFrequently Asked Questions
help_outlineWhere is The Well CDC located?
The Well CDC is located at 647 E Market St, Akron, OH 44304.
help_outlineHow can I contact The Well CDC?
You can reach The Well CDC by calling (330) 815-1062 or visiting their website at http://www.thewellakron.com/
help_outlineWhat is The Well CDC's mission?
The Well CDC invests in people through the built environment and seeks a holistic approach to address systemic issues in order to improve the quality of life within the Middlebury neighborhood. As Akron's first place-based community development corporation devoted to the Middlebury neighborhood, they focus on fostering choice in housing, job creation, and community pride while creating shared prosperity for current residents through housing, economic development, and placemaking initiatives.
help_outlineDoes The Well CDC offer classes and workshops?
Yes, The Well CDC offers both classes and workshops. Contact them at (330) 815-1062 or visit http://www.thewellakron.com/ for details about current offerings.
help_outlineWhat is the customer rating for The Well CDC?
The Well CDC has an excellent Google rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 100 customer reviews.
help_outlineWhat neighborhoods does The Well CDC serve?
The Well CDC is devoted to serving the Middlebury neighborhood in Akron, Ohio, and focuses on improving the quality of life for current residents in that community.
help_outlineHow does a tool lending library work?
Tool lending libraries allow community members to borrow tools for projects without having to purchase them. Members typically pay a small membership fee and can then check out tools for a set period, making tools more accessible and affordable for the community.
Tools are borrowed. These you own.
Safety gear, consumables, and basics that The Well CDCdoesn't lend — buy them once and finish the job. Every item below ships from Amazon.
Tool libraries lend the tools — but you bring your own PPE. These are the basics worth keeping on a shelf.
ANSI-Rated Safety Glasses
Anti-fog, scratch-resistant. The pair you'll actually wear.
Work Gloves (Cut-Resistant)
Level-5 cut resistance handles utility blades and rough lumber.
Ear Protection (NRR 28+)
Circular saws and routers exceed 100 dB. NRR 28+ is the safe floor.
N95 Dust Masks (10-pack)
Critical for sanding, sawing MDF, or drywall work.
Tool libraries don't lend the stuff that gets used up. Buy these once, finish your project.
Sandpaper Variety Pack
60 to 400 grit covers most rough-to-finish work.
Drill Bit Set (Titanium)
Goes through wood, plastic, and most metals. Lasts longer than HSS.
Utility Knife Blades (100-pack)
Standard-size, fit most retractable knives. Cheaper in bulk.
Wood Screws Variety Box
Mixed lengths and gauges — saves a hardware-store trip mid-project.
Cheap, used constantly, not worth a library trip. Build your own small kit with these.
25-ft Tape Measure
Magnetic hook, standout reach. The one tool you'll grab daily.
Combination Screwdriver Set
Magnetic tips. Phillips + flathead in the sizes you'll actually use.
Stud Finder (Magnetic + Electronic)
Multi-mode finders catch both magnetic fasteners and wood/metal studs.
9-in-1 Multi-Bit Driver
Replaces a kit of screwdrivers and nut drivers in one handle.
Books and plans that show you how to actually use the tools you're borrowing.
Reader's Digest Complete DIY Manual
Plumbing, electrical, carpentry, drywall — the household bible.
The Woodworker's Pocket Book
Joints, wood species, finishes — fits in a tool bag.
Black & Decker Wiring Guide
Code-current, illustrated, written for homeowners not electricians.
Pencil & Carpenter Marker Set
Mechanical carpenter pencils + deep-hole markers — endless small wins.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are editorially independent — picks based on what tool-library users typically need alongside borrowed tools.
location_onContact & Location
dashboardFeatures & Categories
compare_arrowsNearby Tool Libraries
| Name | Location | Distance | Rating | Membership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan Equipment Rental & Sales Inc | Village Of Clarkston, MI | 151 mi | star3.7 | — |
| East Lansing Public Library | East Lansing, MI | 192 mi | star4.7 | Free |
| Resource Rental Center | Clare, MI | 252 mi | star4.7 | — |
| DC Tool Library | Washington, DC | 279 mi | star5.0 | Free for DC residents |
| Louisville Tool Library | Louisville, KY | 299 mi | star5.0 | sliding scale donation |
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