Solon Magazine 2021 by clevelandmagazine

WORKING • LEARNING • THRIVING TOGETHER

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rom chef-inspired restaurants and fresh eatery options to playthe-day-away hangouts for kids and companies with deep roots in the city, discover those who are helping shape Solon’s thriving business scene.

team rentals and lessons for pitching, hitting and fielding. The more than 20,000-square-foot facility is also available for parties and monthly clinics and holds summer camps. Not to mention, it is equipped with a weight room and pro shop. But what Emerman is especially proud to share is how D-BAT is a safe, clean, healthy place to play. “I Popping with Fresh Flavors want the moms to come in and tell us how clean it is,” he quips. A century home in Solon’s historic district was transformed into Solon has been an ideal location for the business. Emerman says, a boutique dessert shop — a longtime dream of Solon native Nicole “The city has been really good to us, and because we are so close to Dauria, who started Pop Culture CLE in 2019 as a food truck featur- many different communities, everyone can get here easily.” ing gourmet ice pops, many of which are vegan. “A big driver was understanding what the community needed,” Take a Stylish Seat Dauria says of her unique offering. The ice pops have a gelato consisIn 1947 when the late John P. Sedlak started what is today Sedlak tency and include uncommon flavors like s’mores and creme brulee. Interiors Fine Home Furnishings, the showroom was his garage in During the heat of the pandemic, Pop Culture CLE’s mobile shop South Euclid. He began with jewelry and appliances, then made a big traveled to communities throughout Northeast Ohio. switch into furniture and eventually moved three blocks from Shak“With the restaurants closing, we had a product we could package, er Square on Larchmere Boulevard. people could pre-order and we’d show up on-site,” Dauria says. “It was “We had 14 buildings on that street, and we needed to be under amazing. We started with three communities and ended up visiting one roof,” says John’s daughter, Jan Sedlak, who co-owns Sedlak Inabout 20.” teriors with her brother, Jeff. Their mother, Dorothy, is the CEO. Business is sweet, and Dauria aims for wow-factor menu items that “So, we came out to Solon, and we’ve been here for 34 years.” ignite the senses. As for Pop Culture CLE’s next chapter, Dauria plans In Solon, John Sedlak introduced a new concept to the business. on launching a dessert truck complete with seasonal menu changes. “My father had the excellent idea of making it so you went from She says, “In the fall, we’ll roll out crepes, hot chocolate bombs, cara- one subject matter to the next so you would not be overwhelmed by mel apples, liege waffles and Dutch mini pancakes.” how much there is to see,” she says, describing how the showroom is set up by furniture category. “We also have salespeople and a design Big-Hit Business staff that works with customers and goes out to their homes.” Players of all ages and stages can batter up at D-BAT at 29001 SoToday, Sedlak Interiors’ 142,000-square-foot showroom includes lon Road, where franchise owner Brad Emerman opened the fami- hundreds of top international brands in 27 fully accessorized galleries. ly-friendly softball and baseball training facility in 2018. It’s next to his other business, ProNine Sports, which specializes in high-perfor- Appetite for Success mance baseball and softball gear — and sells balls and buckets to 125 The chef-inspired, from-scratch menu at 56 Kitchen introduced D-BAT locations across the country. fresh flavors to the city’s dining scene when Izzy Schachner and Jay D-BAT is the largest facility in the area that offers batting cages, Leitson opened it six years ago. clevelandmagazine.com / C L E V E L A N D

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CUTTING-EDGE Cuisine Innovation is the impetus of two Nestle USA renovation projects. At the heart of Nestle USA’s campus in Solon is its Culinary Innovation Center and Test Kitchens with a Large Auditorium, where a Chef Team cooks creative ideas to introduce to the market. Both areas are currently undergoing a major renovation. Culinary Innovation Center’s scope includes new decor, a Pizza Experience enhancement, best-in-class appliances to support the Meals Business, audio visual equipment and a residential corner addition. “The Culinary Center functions to inspire the teams with new innovative ideas, create on-trend food and beverages for the team to bring to market and act as an education center for the Nestle USA brands” says Kira Kabo, head of design, construction and project management, Workplace Solutions N. America. The Culinary Center and Chef Team take a restaurant perspective to bridge the gap between out-of-home and in-home dining experiences. For the Culinary Innovation Center’s project Nestle USA partnered with Vocon Architects and Amicon Construction, while Hestan supplied kitchen equipment. “The team has the ability to bring the most up-to-date experience in cooking technology,” Kabo says, adding that the suite will feature the first-ever cooking technology integration of industrial equipment and home cooking. Nestle USA is also redeveloping the Solon Test Kitchens and main Auditorium to allow for more flexibility, including a large main kitchen and three panel rooms with the latest audiovisual setups for different types of presentations. Teams will use the new test kitchens to recreate in-home scenarios, develop product tips and more. The spaces will also be used for internal product innovation, supplier partnerships and customer selling sessions. As for the project designed by Hixon Architecture, Engineering and Interiors, Kabo says, “This helps Nestle USA ensure we are keeping pace with current kitchen technology, and we are designing food and packaging that meets consumers’ needs both today and in the future.”

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“It’s an unexpected gem because we opened in the Solon Square shopping center, and we hear customers’ surprise when they come inside and they feel like they are on East Fourth Street or in Tremont,” says Schachner, describing an inviting atmosphere reminiscent of “Cheers.” During the pandemic, 56 Kitchen moved to carryout, and the community supported the business. “The community here has really stepped up to support local businesses,” Schachner says. “We really understood that during the pandemic when customers told us that we were in their takeout rotation.” The pandemic also allowed for time to conceptualize and create, which is how the newly opened Birdigo was born. “It has a 56 Kitchen touch on ingredients, but it’s a fast-food concept,” Leitson says of the carryout only chicken stop that serves up southern favorites with a chef’s touch: cauliflower bites, specialty tots (like Thai!), cider slaw, charred brussels, southern-style greens and more. “Everything is made fresh, in-house.” On the opposite end of the dining spectrum is Elle, another new Solon restaurant endeavor by Schachner and Leitson. Located at 33730 Bainbridge Road, Elle has bohemian flair. Think crushed-velvet drapes, chandeliers and a characteristic bar. “It has a nice, cocktail lounge feel,” Leitson says, noting that former Parallax chef Pat Capuozzo will join Elle, bringing French-Italian fare. It is expected to open in the fall.

Play Day, Every Day When Nate and Barb Riles’ two boys were young, they had a tough time finding ways to busy their athletic, energetic kids. “We set out to create a space for younger children and parents, where the kids can burn off energy and have a great time, and parents can have coffee, snacks and healthy food,” says Barb Riles, explaining the inspiration behind Play Day Cafe, an indoor playground for infants through 12-year-olds. Play Day Cafe has five areas, including a toddler playground for children 3 years old and younger. “Infants can crawl around without getting trampled on by the big kids,” Riles relates. “A larger play structure is multilevel with slides, tunnels, activities and an obstacle course so they can’t move too fast and have to be creative to get around.” The facility also has a ball-blaster zone, track with hand-propelled cars and plenty of floor space. Not to mention, parents can grab coffee and refuel while their little ones wear out. “It’s a safe space that keeps kids moving, and we look forward to figuring out how we can service the community in new and creative ways,” Riles says. For example, Play Day Cafe hosts a Noon-Years Eve Ball Drop, along with other holiday activities and birthday party options.

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ALL STUDENTS Discover the reasons the Solon City Schools is consistently ranked among the best districts in the nation. BY JILL SELL

nspiring students to achieve excellence — that’s what learning is all about at Solon City Schools. Here, the district’s staff, parents and members of the community come together to provide students with a diverse learning community and achieve personal excellence. And these efforts are not going unnoticed, as the district, with an enrollment of almost 4,600 students, is consistently ranked among the best in the region, state and country. Earlier this year, the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation presented Solon City Schools with the NAMM 2021 Best Communities for Music Education Award, presented to 686 schools nationwide. The award program recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education a part of a well-rounded education.

Solon City Schools also has received the state of Ohio’s No. 1 School Report Card for student achievement several years in a row. In addition, the district was ranked the No. 2 Public School District in America in 2020 by niche.com, a community and academic rating organization. Need more convincing about the district’s superiority? U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best High Schools rankings lists Solon High School at No. 172 in national rankings, No. 5 in Ohio high schools and No. 1 in Cleveland Metro Area high schools. Schools are ranked

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COURTESY: SOLON CITY SCHOOLS

based on their performances on state-required tests, graduation rates and how well they prepare students for college. At Solon High School, students can choose from more than 140 courses, including 27 AP classes. In addition to these prestigious rankings, all schools in the district have been recognized at least once as National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. Superintendent Fred Bolden acknowledges the partnership between the schools and the community as vital to the district’s success. Parents and other community members volunteer without hesitation for school-related organizations that support student academics, athletics and arts. Adults “step up,” according to Bolden, “not just to support their own children, but everyone’s kids.” The superintendent also cites fiscal responsibility as one reason the community has been willing to stand by the schools and support levies. “We don’t spend frivolously. We try to focus our spending where it is needed,” says Bolden. “We try to maintain our existing buildings instead of just saying, ‘Hey, let’s build a brand-new building.’ It’s the bricks versus books debate — where do we spend our money and how? We try to balance that.” Solon is also a diverse community, and diversity, equity and inclusion across the schools has been paramount. “It’s understanding that those differences between us are what make us strong that is so important,” says Bolden. “When kids understand other cultures, they can successfully navigate different situations.” That philosophy, coupled with the district’s “every child, every day” mission, ensures every student gets individual assessments and is provided with the tools and assistance they need to succeed. “We look at the whole child, not just if can they can pass this or

that test. We look at their social and emotional needs as well,” says Bolden, who has been superintendent since 2020 and part of the district’s education team for more than 20 years. He joined the district as a student teacher in 1996. “You can get a great education in many school districts in Ohio,” says Bolden, whose own two children graduated from Solon High School. “But I really like our community’s and schools’ diversity and the fact that we all really care about all of our children.”

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O H I O Community members enjoying one of Solon’s four pickleball courts

Connecting the

COMMUNIITY

The city of Solon and residents are coming together to protect and enhance green spaces and create additional recreational and transportation opportunities. BY JILL SELL

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tions for walks or bike rides, Kraus believes. Established and new local businesses appreciate the foot/pedal traffic, and those considering moving into the community consider the opportunities a plus. Kraus says the city’s most recent planning efforts have concentrated on incorporating more walking and bike paths into its road projects, redevelopment and construction activities rather than just creating one or two big changes. John Busch is Solon’s city engineer. Busch notes that the Harper Road Reconstruction Project, scheduled for 2023, will reconstruct Harper Road between Cannon and Miles roads. It also will include a multipurpose path on the east side of the road and a bike lane and sidewalk on the west side. The Miles Road Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project, tagged for 2022, will also include a sidewalk from SOM Center to the Chagrin Valley Estates subdivision on the south side of Miles Road. In addition, a Diverging Diamond Interchange, scheduled for 2024, will provide free-flowing traffic movement involving the U.S. 422 WB ramp. The nontraditional interchange configuration and twophase signal is designed for safety and efficiency.

COURTESY: SOLON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

ayor Ed Kraus has lived in Solon for 28 years and considers himself “a big walker, runner and biker.” He agrees with residents that the community has not always been the easiest city to navigate outside of a car. But that’s all about to change. The Solon Connects Plan was created to establish “a unified network of safe, convenient, affordable and accessible multimodal connections” in the community. The city received master plan funding from the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission to help launch its goal for equitable bike and pedestrian connections. Kraus believes there are many reasons to improve connectivity. First are the health benefits. “Great parks can exist in a city, but if they aren’t connected by the next sidewalk or path, no one can move safely between them,” he says. “Also, leaving the car in the garage is better for the environment, and shared physical activities also provide social interactions between friends and family.” Small businesses, such as ice cream shops and restaurants, as well as recreational areas, including pools or tennis courts, are great destina-

CELEBRATING THE

City’s Tree Canopy

ISTOCK

This year, Solon was awarded a Tree City USA designation for the 41st consecutive year for its support of urban forestry. The service department’s arborist and crew are responsible for 8,700 trees — planting, removing and pruning. Each year, the city plants 100 to 125 trees in spring and fall, unlike many cities that just plant sporadically. “It’s a quality-of-life issue. People want to be able to get out and exercise safely. But we want to be realistic. Some of our plans will take one to three years, others longer,” says Kraus, who welcomes input from residents. That includes Mike Walker, president of Bike Solon, a local chapter of Bike Cleveland, a nonprofit bicycle advocacy group. Walker, a cyclist and parent of three young children, wants to change the culture of the car-centric society and improve opportunities for Solon students to bike safely to schools. In addition, the Solon to Chagrin Falls Trail is a proposed 2.4-mile-long, paved all-purpose trail that will connect to the existing 1.7-mile Cleveland Metroparks trail that runs from Chagrin River Road along the corridor to Chagrin Falls. “This trail will connect the city of Solon to South Chagrin

About 10 to 15 varieties are planted to ensure diversity and make sure a large concentration of trees will not be affected if a devastating situation occurs, such as the one involving the destructive emerald ash borer. “We always encourage residents to call us to determine the best trees for their particular properties. They usually want ornamental trees, but we look for the best and biggest trees to help preserve the city’s urban canopy,” says Mark Hawley, director of city services.

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Reservation and to the nearby Geauga Park District,” says Sara Maier, Cleveland Metroparks senior strategic park planner. “Increasingly, residents are requesting investments in [trail systems] as the Solon Connects Plan demonstrates.”

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Parks and Recreation Highlights “The pinging sound and unanticipated bounces of a plastic ball add to the lighthearted feelings during play,” says Jill Frankel, director, department of senior services, describing the sport of pickleball. “The game is designed for all ages and stages to play separately and together.” Solon maintains four permanent pickleball courts, which provide “physical activity, socialization and laughter, which has been shown to improve both mental and physical health,” Frankel says. Additional courts are likely in the community’s future. The city’s director of Parks and Recreation, Rich Parker, says a state-of-the-art, standalone pickleball court complex may become part of Solon’s new parks facilities master plan. The historic,18-hole, city-owned Grantwood Golf Course has seen several staffing changes in the past several years. But new leadership is determined to keep the course’s respected reputation intact while maintaining and improving the grounds and facilities. “Golf had been on somewhat of a decline before the pandemic, but now it’s on an uptick. Outdoor activities last year were very popular and still are,” says Parker. “We are on track to have another great year.”

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In addition to its dedication to enhancing the city’s indoor and outdoor environments, the city of Solon also cares about bringing the community together by offering a variety of engaging events throughout the year, from farmers markets, watch parties and movies in the park to engaging classes for all ages at the community center and theater productions at Solon Center for the Arts. Then, there’s the annual Solon Home Days and Fall Fest events. This year, Fall Fest takes place Oct. 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Solon Community Park. Pandemic guidelines may alter some of the plans, but there will still be plenty of activities to enjoy, says Tracy Sullivan, director of community and cultural enrichment. Events currently scheduled include a petting zoo, live music, an artisan/craftsman market, hayrides, pumpkin patch, log carving, inflatables and art activities. As the weather turns cold and residents look for quality indoor entertainment, Solon

Center for the Arts (SCA) is a good place to begin. SCA’s Spotlight Youth Theater presents the musical “Seussical Jr.” Dec. 3, 4 and 5, starring sixth to eighth graders. “It’s truly an ensemble piece with a variety of characters. We hope families and audience members are familiar with Dr. Seuss, as this story combines multiple books and rhymes,” says Katherine Tekesky, theater coordinator, adding the production incorporates “bright colored costumes and sets, as well as upbeat and fun music.” SCA is also looking forward to adding adaptive adult programing to its offerings this fall. A grant from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities will help bring opportunities in art, dance, music and theater. Classes, productions, showcases and special events will incorporate the programming, according to Allison Urban, SCA dance development coordinator.

For a complete list of community activities, visit solonohio.org and check out the 2021 Fall Citywide Activity Guide.

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Rendering of the community reinvestment area in Solon’s central retail district

Growing Connections in the

CITY CENTER A community reinvestment area in Solon’s central retail district will invite a range of development. BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE

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our central retail district,” says Angee Shaker, Solon’s director of economic development. It’s part of the city’s master plan and an opportunity to create a mixeduse development with a combination of retail, restaurants, modern housing and outdoor gathering spaces in the heart of town. “We are working hard to create a walkable, vibrant downtown area that encourages people to shop, dine and connect with people and places throughout our city,” Shaker says. Connecting means establishing multipurpose trails that invite walkers and bikers to access Solon’s central amenities. Investment comes from interested stakeholders and developers who are investing in the plan and committed to the shared vision. Gathering means establishing fresh housing opportunities for Solon, which is mostly single-family homes and will benefit from luxury living for young professionals and empty nesters, along with active community-based neighborhoods

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onnections are the core of Solon — strong partnerships among businesses, schools, residents and city administrators, all working toward a shared objective to make the city a special place to live, work, play and thrive. Connection is the key element of Solon’s economic development agenda to transform the central retail district into a walkable, diversely developed hub. With more than 900 businesses already located in the city, there’s a track record for attraction, retention and investment. Now, there’s even more of an incentive with the establishment of a community reinvestment area (CRA) that encompasses the entire Central Retail District. This area is bounded on the north by U.S. Route 422, south by the Aurora Road, east by the SOM Center Road and west by the Solon Road/ Aurora Road and Bainbridge Road/Kruse Drive Intersections. “The goal of the community reinvestment area is to aggressively pursue redevelopment and revitalization activity within the 340 acres of

that give longtime Solonites a forever place to call home while they enjoy what the city has to offer. Specifically, the CRA is a tax-exemption program that benefits property owners who renovate existing buildings or opt for new construction. While each project is negotiated on a case-by-case basis, there is a potential for up to 100% tax exemption for 15 years. “There is an incredible opportunity here for a developer to turn a vacant former car dealership and surrounding city-owned property into a transformational mixed-use development,” Shaker says. Flexible Living Solon residents with an empty nest and strong desire to stay in the city will have more housing options with the upcoming Hawthorne Golf Estates — a project not directly tied to the CRA, yet a complementary development that will feed into the city center and its growing retail and business base. Since the former golf course was rezoned in November 2020, plans are underway to create a 50-plus community with low-maintenance living and access to the Cleveland Metroparks’ walking trails. “You have an opportunity to have a house in the city surrounded by parks and open spaces,” says Larry Apple, project manager, Hawthorne Golf Estates. The development is an exciting proposition for Solon. Apple says, “There has been widespread support in the city for this type of development.”

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Active Expansion Almost daily, Omni Senior Living Founder and Chairman Pat Finley walks to a nearby Solon restaurant for lunch — and there are about 15 options close by that staff can frequent since the company’s headquarters is located in the heart of town. “The only thing that could rival this convenience is a Downtown Cleveland location,” he says, adding that walkability is an unexpected benefit the city offers — and one that is expanding with the CRA. Vitalia is part of the Omni Senior Living portfolio as an active adult community where residents enjoy walking the property and visiting nearby businesses, Finley says. With the first phase’s opening in September 2020, the development is now growing and Finley has a vision for additional green space along Kruse Drive. “Our intention is to make this a more walkable connection,” he says, relating that

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We are working hard to create a walkable, vibrant downtown area that encourages people to shop, dine and connect with people and places throughout our city. – Angee Shaker, Director of Economic Development

there is somewhat of a pathway through the site that can be expanded dramatically toward Panera Bread. “Our expansion in this location should only enhance patronage to area restaurants and businesses.”

O H I O “We are in the early stages of putting plans together and securing funding for the expansion,” she says. “The need for people to be able to skill themselves up is there, as well as the demand for talent. We can provide the space and programming.” Making Solon more accessible for workers and growing and retaining talent is a priority for this bustling job hub. “We are strategically placing our chips on the table to continue spurring the economic development for which Solon is known,” Shaker says. “We have a tremendous school district, favorable tax rates and are conveniently located at U.S. Route 422 and U.S. Route 91 and offer quick and convenient access to Interstate 480 and Interstate 271.”

Investing in the Future As developers and existing business owners invest in properties in Solon’s CRA, access to public transportation will be enhanced through a partnership with RTA. Four additional bus shelters in the business district will be available for the city’s workforce. “We are also working with RTA to determine how to expand bus routes deeper into our central retail district,” Shaker says, adding that new shelter construction will be completed this fall. Plus, the city is collaborating with the Cuyahoga County Public Library to create an innovation center at its Solon Branch in partnership with the business community and higher education partners. Tracy Strobel, executive director for the Cuyahoga County Public Library, envisions the innovation center as a space that will provide customized training options and equipment to continue to build the talent pipeline for employers and entrepreneurs in the area.

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FROM SERVING OUR CUSTOMERS TO CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY

QUALITY BEGINS WITH US. Since 1965, Swagelok Company has been a part of the Solon community. This year, we are proud to commemorate the completion of Swagelok’s Global Headquarters and Innovation Center. The state-of-the-art campus represents our commitment to drive innovation and opportunity in Northeast Ohio. Built with a focus on the future, our new headquarters celebrates the spirit of Swagelok. The facility highlights innovation, increases collaboration, and features a world-class customer center. As we mark this new milestone and move forward, Swagelok thanks the city of Solon for its ongoing partnership and support! Visit jobs.swagelok.com to explore opportunities to join our team.

SOLON 16

C L E V E L A N D / October 2021

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