Constructed in 1868 as the home of Akron lumber magnate Andrew Jackson, the house changed hands in 1910 when it was purchased by local railroad superintendent John Johnson.
In 1918, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows acquired the property and, after renovating the structure, began using it in 1919 as their meeting place for the next 70 years. The house was sold to a private owner in 1988 and sat vacant for two decades as redevelopment plans stalled, leaving it in disrepair.
Condemned in 2006, it was purchased the following year by The Chesler Group and fully restored by 2009. Today, Andrew Jackson House serves as the proud home of GAR Foundation.
If you're interested in learning a more complete story of Andrew Jackson House, view our AJH History Booklet.
A Snapshot of Andrew Jackson House
- The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- It features over 15,000 square feet of Class A office space on four finished floors, plus a mezzanine level.
- The project was among the first to receive both the State of Ohio and Federal historic tax credits.
- The renovation complies with historic standards set forth by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Before Restoration
After Restoration
AJH's Permanent Art Collection
In 2024, GAR Foundation continued to strengthen its support of the arts through the growth of a permanent art collection at the Andrew Jackson House.
The collection showcases works by local artists throughout the building, creating a welcoming and inspiring environment for visitors while highlighting the Foundation’s ongoing investment in the region’s creative community.
