Strongsville is kind of a quiet giant when it comes to industry in Northeast Ohio. You’ve probably driven past the massive warehouses on the south end of town without giving them a second thought. But lately, there’s been a lot of noise about the strongsville foltz parkway development and what it actually means for the city’s future.
For years, Foltz Parkway just... ended. It was a literal dead end. To the south, there was nothing but 87.5 acres of city-owned woods and brush.
Mayor Tom Perciak and the city council have been eyeing that land for decades. They knew that if they could just get a road through there, they could unlock some of the most valuable industrial real estate in Cuyahoga County. Well, as of early 2026, the "dead end" is officially gone.
The Extension: Breaking the Dead End
In late 2025, the city finally cut the ribbon on a 2,000-foot extension of Foltz Parkway. Honestly, it doesn't sound like much—it’s less than half a mile of pavement. But in the world of economic development, that's a massive win.
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Before this, Strongsville’s four business parks were sitting at a 97% to 98% occupancy rate. Basically, there was no room left to grow. If a big manufacturer wanted to move to town, the city had to tell them "sorry, we're full."
This new stretch of road, which terminates in a cul-de-sac just north of the Medina County line, changes everything. It opens up 87.5 acres of shovel-ready land.
Why the cul-de-sac matters
There was a lot of worry from residents about whether this road would connect to Boston Road. People were terrified of semi-trucks barreling through residential neighborhoods. The city kept its word: the extension ends in a turnaround. No cut-through traffic.
The Business Side: Who’s Moving In?
Now that the road is in, the city isn't just sitting around. They recently hired RFC Contracting for about $9.6 million to handle the heavy lifting of the infrastructure, and CBRE is actively marketing the sites.
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The city is looking for specific types of neighbors. They aren't just looking for another warehouse; they want manufacturers. Why? Because manufacturing jobs usually pay better and stick around longer.
We’re talking about sites that can handle buildings anywhere from 30,000 to 80,000 square feet.
- Zoning: It's all "General Industrial."
- Utilities: Everything is already at the curb—gas, electric, high-speed fiber.
- Incentives: Strongsville is known for being "business-friendly," which is code for "we have tax incentives if you bring enough jobs."
The Money: Where’s it Coming From?
Developing nearly 90 acres isn't cheap. The city managed to snag a $778,380 grant from the Ohio Department of Development to help cover the costs.
The rest of the funding comes from the city's own coffers, but it's more of an investment than an expense. The income taxes generated by these new businesses are what pay for the city's snow plows, the new Fire Station No. 5 on Royalton Road, and the high-end amenities at the Rec Center.
It's a cycle. You bring in a company like Union Home Mortgage or PLIDCO (who moved their headquarters to town recently), and their employees pay the taxes that keep the city's bond rating at AAA.
What Most People Get Wrong
There's a common misconception that this development is going to ruin the "small-town feel" of Strongsville.
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The reality is that this industrial land has been zoned for this purpose since the 1960s. The city has actually been very protective of the "buffer zones" between the factories and the houses. If you look at the site plans, there are significant "preserve areas" and easements designed to keep a wall of trees between the industrial park and the neighbors on Marks Road.
Also, some folks thought this was going to be a massive retail center like SouthPark Mall. Nope. This is strictly for "b2b" (business to business). You won't be going there to buy shoes; you'll be going there if you work for a company that makes medical devices or aerospace parts.
Looking Toward 2027
While the road is open now, the "Phase II" development is a multi-year project. Most of the heavy construction on the actual buildings is expected to hit its stride throughout 2026, with the first major tenants likely moving in by the first quarter of 2027.
The city is currently reviewing "exclusive sales listing agreements" to make sure they get the right mix of companies. They aren't in a rush to sell to the first person with a checkbook. They want companies that provide "high-wage jobs," as Economic Development Director Brent Painter has pointed out in several council meetings.
Your Next Steps
If you are a business owner looking for space or a resident keeping an eye on local taxes, here is how to stay informed:
- Check the City Newsletter: The January 2026 update has the most recent maps of the Foltz Parkway extension and the new "preserve" boundaries.
- Monitor Council Agendas: Most of the land sales for these 87.5 acres will require a public vote. If you want to know who is moving in, that’s where you’ll hear it first.
- Drive the Parkway: If you want to see the scale of the project, drive south on Foltz past Lunn Road. You can see exactly where the new asphalt begins and where the future of Strongsville's economy is being built.
The development of Foltz Parkway isn't just about a new road; it's the city's way of ensuring they don't have to raise residential property taxes to keep the lights on. It’s a calculated move to keep the "Crossroads of the Nation" growing without losing its balance.