AKRON, OH — August 14, 2025 — A significant piece of Akron’s spiritual and architectural heritage has entered a new chapter. The former Our Lady of the Elms Motherhouse, located at 1230 West Market Street, has been sold by Cleveland’s Dominican Sisters of Peace to Life Gurukula, a Hindu spiritual organization that plans to honor the site’s legacy by transforming it into a retreat and spiritual reflection center.
The $2,210,000 transaction was facilitated by SVN | Summit Commercial Real Estate Advisors, with Jerry Fiume – Managing Director, and Brian Foster – Associate Advisor, representing the seller, and Nichole Booker, PhD – Senior Advisor, and Jenna Tharp – Advisor, representing the buyer.
“This property has served generations as a place of reflection, service, and spiritual connection,” said Jerry Fiume, Managing Director at SVN Summit CRE. “So, when we were presented with a buyer whose vision so closely aligned with that mission, it became clear this was the right fit.”
“The buyer’s intent to continue using the site as a sacred and educational retreat honors the legacy of those who came before,” said Nichole Booker, PhD, Senior Advisor at SVN Sumit CRE. “It’s a powerful example of cultural continuity and mutual respect—one that reflects a shared understanding of the property’s deeper purpose. It was a privilege to help facilitate a transaction rooted in intention.”
The property, once home to the Dominican Sisters of Peace and part of the broader Our Lady of the Elms campus, holds a special place in Akron’s religious and architectural landscape. Life Gurukula’s plans will retain the existing structure’s purpose, establishing a serene environment for interfaith reflection, holistic education, and spiritual retreat.
“There is a natural harmony between the history of this property and the purpose we envision for it,” said Rajiv Sahni, spokesperson for Life Gurukula. “We are honored to continue the property’s mission as a place of retreat, reflection, and community.”
“The sale brings an inspiring legacy of presence to a close,” said Sr. Patricia Twohill, Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, “and at the same time, opens a new door for people of cultural diversity to educate their young people and pursue a spiritual purpose in mutual respect – ideals that are perfectly aligned with our own aspirations. In addition, it is important to know that Our Lady of the Elms school will continue to offer girls and young women from Pre-K to grade 12 a quality college preparatory education. Our ecological ministry at Crown Point, in Bath, OH, will continue to practice Earth-friendly organic gardening to supply nutritious food as well as ecological education to the community.”
The sale of 1230 West Market Street is expected to positively impact the community by welcoming diverse expressions of spirituality and reinforcing Akron’s legacy as a home for religious and cultural inclusivity.
About SVN | Summit Commercial Real Estate Advisors
SVN Summit CRE is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage firm serving Northeast Ohio. Committed to collaborative, client-centered service across all property types, SVN Summit CRE Advisors create value through integrity, innovation, and results.