Adynamic destination and true town center is transitioning from blueprint to groundbreaking in spring 2024, with continued momentum for The District mixed-use development project on 9.5 acres of land on Aurora Road. Angee Shaker, Solon’s director of economic development, calls the project “transformational” on many levels.
Imagine a parklike setting with green spaces for people to gather and hold community events. Pair this with a lively retail and dining district boasting top-shelf regional brands and a mix of grille, tavern, fast-casual and a robust food hall that emulates those in urban centers like Chicago and New Orleans.
“No food hall like this currently exists in Ohio,” says John Joyce, CEO of RHM Real Estate Group, which is heading up the project with partners Steve Passov of Passov Real Estate Group; Bobby Krueger, Krueger Group; and Doug Leohr and Tim Courtad, Pride One Construction; with Norr international architecture and engineering firm on board.
The District will include 209 apartment homes, a hotel, a parking garage and 20,300 square feet of retail — arranged with architectural thoughtfulness to create a downtown village feel in keeping with Solon’s Western Reserve style.
“Projects like this only come to fruition with the immense support of the city and school board, and they have been tireless advocates of The District and are key to making it work and be successful,” Joyce says.
Andrew Iarussi, vice president of development & acquisitions with RHM, adds, “We believe Solon wants this, and that the residents will embrace it. Our vision is to create a highly amenitized, engaging district that will transform the city.”
The existing property has long needed more than a facelift. It comprises unused city-owned land, a vacant former auto dealership, a rundown motel and a neglected building used for car rentals. “This investment in our city will play a crucial role in driving economic development and attracting even more talent and businesses to Solon,” Shaker says.
The mixed-use concept is integral to creating “character and a cool vibe that Solon residents and businesses have been longing for,” she adds.
The development’s range of uses aligns with what the city desires for its residents as a place where the community can convene. Shaker says, “We, the city and the developer, want The District to promote a sense of well-being and cohesion in our diverse community.”
