Progress Continues on Solon’s Transformed City Core

After years of planning, public engagement and investment, Solon continues to move forward with revitalizing its downtown core along Aurora Road. Anchored by the Solon Connects plan, the town center is shifting from an auto-oriented commercial corridor to a vibrant, mixed-use district shaped around resident quality of life and long-term economic development.

“The way people live, work and move is changing,” says Director of Planning and Community Development Michael Ionna. “We are cultivating a district that meets the evolving expectations of a next-generation community, while positioning the city to remain competitive for decades to come.”

Since the demolition of the long-vacant Liberty Ford site in October 2024, progress has been happening behind the scenes on the plan’s flagship project. Site preparation has cleared the way for environmental testing, engineering and other work to build the apartments, retail space, food hall, hotel and other exciting elements of the block.

The Downtown Solon Core will also tie into the new Headwaters Connector Greenway, an all-purpose, paved path that will span 7 miles along a former rail line through three Ohio counties. A collaboration between the city of Solon, the city of Aurora, Bainbridge Township, Cleveland Metroparks and others will allow bikers and walkers to enjoy the safe, scenic link that extends to the Towpath Trail and Cleveland Emerald Necklace. 

Beyond offering Solon residents recreation, Ionna says the trail will bring more visitors and economic benefits. Nationally, trail-oriented districts have increased property values and helped local retailers thrive.

“We are designing a downtown for people — not just cars,” he says. “This plan brings walkability and public spaces to the forefront: hallmarks of the most successful cities in the country.”

At the same time, Solon will begin designing public improvements that enhance both mobility and aesthetics along downtown streets. These will include sidewalks, crossings, lighting, landscaping and navigation that support a modern, pedestrian-friendly experience.

“This transformation isn’t just physical — it’s cultural,” says Ionna. “We’re developing a downtown that invites people to slow down, explore, connect and experience Solon in a completely new way.”

Solon Connects: A Framework for a People-First City

Solon Connects is a transportation plan for reshaping the community into an accessible, connected and experience-rich environment. The planning process began in January 2020, when the city was awarded funding through a competitive grant from the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission. In 2021, Solon Connects won an award for Best Small Jurisdiction Plan. 

The plan aims to construct a unified network of safe, convenient connections that offer recreational opportunities and alternative options for getting around while elevating health, well-being and economic activity. Building stronger pedestrian and bicycle connections between existing civic, commercial and open spaces will enable active transportation options for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

A defining feature is the Headwaters Connector Greenway, operating as downtown’s “energy spine,” Ionna says, drawing residents and visitors into the city’s core and supporting trail-front dining and retail.