Gwendolyn Jimmerson grew up in rural Elaine, Arkansas — far away from city living.
“Our closest restaurant was miles from us, we had to go 30, 40 miles just to get to a restaurant that was something simple like McDonald’s or Wendy’s,” recalls the 66-year-old.
So, it was a big change when Jimmerson moved to Akron to live with relatives in October 2021. Her sister saw an advertisement for the Mayflower Manor — an accessible apartment complex with income-based rent payments for those who are age 62 and older or are legally disabled. Jimmerson applied in October 2021 and moved in in December 2021.
“They called … You can come in, and we can show you what we have,’” she recalls. “I was accepted, thank God.”
What makes the Mayflower a good, accessible environment?
Gwendolyn Jimmerson: When you come into the building, I like that you can’t just walk in — they have the doors that you have to have the key fob to get in. … I like that you have elevators — unless you want to take the stairs, you don’t have to. As I’ve gotten older, the stairs are not as easy as they used to be. … I like the environment in a sense that we have seniors, and you get a chance to see familiar faces.
How does living in downtown Akron influence your daily life?
GJ: I go across the street to the Barley House. I get sandwiches, hamburgers, wings from the restaurant … to get out of the apartment, get out of the four walls and see the city. … I usually go around to Lock 3 since they renovated it.
Do you have a favorite restaurant to walk to?
GJ: The delicatessen down the street.
Can you describe your apartment's features?
GJ: I’m living in an apartment where I have a panoramic view of the baseball stadium, the Barley House and a portion of Lock 3. To be in this area is great, especially when activities are going on.
What do you love about downtown Akron?
GJ: You have access to so many different things that you can walk to, and I find that that is refreshing. You don’t have to call a taxi if you want to go to a restaurant. We have entertainment right next to the baseball stadium, and then there’s a bar or the establishment across the street where you can go — and the festivals … they’re so wonderful.
Mal McCrea
