Strongsville Invests in Jobs, Business Growth and Community Development

A city’s economy is the engine that powers resident services, and in Strongsville, that engine has continued to accelerate. From 2005 to 2025, the city’s total income tax revenue increased by 95%, reflecting decades of manufacturing, retail and commercial investment.

“Income tax revenue is the best indicator of our economic health,” says Brent Painter, Strongsville’s economic development director. “To see it almost double in the last 20 years is evidence that companies keep creating job opportunities, which sustains the revenue that runs our city.”

Strongsville’s Industrial Backbone

That growth is particularly visible in Strongsville’s four business parks, which are now 98% occupied — the highest occupancy rate Painter remembers during his two decades with the city. More than 8,600 employees work at over 160 companies across the parks, including manufacturers such as Momentive Technologies, which produces semiconductor components, and Héroux-Devtek, which assembles aerospace landing gear.

Strongsville’s evolving business parks serve as a critical economic backbone for the city, helping fund resident services while supporting thousands of employees. Painter says he and Mayor Thomas P. Perciak have focused on retaining existing businesses and supporting their expansion while attracting new companies to strengthen the city’s industrial base, support job growth and encourage continued investment. That effort included the opening of the city’s 87.5-acre Foltz Parkway business park extension last fall, off the south side of Ohio 82, west of Prospect Road.

“There isn’t much undeveloped industrial land left in Cuyahoga County,” Painter says. “We spent a lot of time making sure this property would become an asset for both the city and the region.”

Reimagining SouthPark Mall

While manufacturing remains a major economic driver, city officials are equally focused on the continued evolution of SouthPark Mall and the surrounding retail area. Painter says the city has adjusted zoning and redevelopment strategies as shopping habits continue to change and malls increasingly shift toward entertainment and mixed use.

“Large shopping complexes and malls need to go beyond traditional retail and offer more experiences to survive,” he says. “Our mall has done well, and we want to ensure it continues to stay strong economically for the next 25 to 30 years.”

That shift is already visible at Dick’s House of Sport, which opened last October in the former Sears space. Painter says the project has become a strong example of how retailers are rethinking large mall spaces to attract customers in new ways. More than a typical sporting goods store, the location features an outdoor field and opportunities for customers to test equipment in person. “You can’t have that experience online,” he says.

SouthPark Mall is also expected to add a new 4-story Home2 Suites by Hilton and a Hampton Inn in 2027. Painter says the hotels answer long-standing requests from local businesses looking for additional lodging and conference space for visitors.

“We received many calls about needing a new hotel,” he says. “Most hotel operators want to be close to food and entertainment, and the mall is a natural fit.”

City officials expect the project to bring additional activity to the mall corridor while supporting nearby restaurants, retailers and entertainment venues.

What Business Growth Means for Residents

For residents, the impact of Strongsville’s business activity extends far beyond industrial buildings and storefronts. Last year, 82% of the city’s general fund revenue came from income tax collections, helping pay for everything from safety services to recreation improvements.

Painter says the city’s top priority is public safety, including police and fire services that support both residents and businesses.

“If you don’t have a safe community, you’re not going to attract business,” he says.

The city also continues to heavily invest in infrastructure, including road repairs, flood mitigation and winter maintenance. “Whether you’re driving to your house or to your business, we want to make sure the roads are taken care of,” Painter says.

Beyond core services, Strongsville has invested in quality-of-life amenities through projects like its Town Center, which features a community pavilion, pickleball courts and a splash pad. Plans are also underway to add a new dog park near Volunteer Park on Lunn Road this year. (Read more on page 5).

Painter says watching Strongsville progress into a strong and stable city over the last two decades has been satisfying, both as a city official and a longtime resident.

“Economic development is a team sport,” he says. “You need building, engineering, safety and other departments all working together to keep companies expanding. It’s exciting to see the success we’ve had and the way we’re positioning ourselves for future growth.”

Don’t Miss These New Spots in Strongsville

Grocery Outlet Bargain Market

Freshly opened this spring in the former Staples store space, Grocery Outlet offers discounted name-brand grocery and household items.

12421 Pearl Road | groceryoutlet.com

Deano’s Trattoria

In addition to Dean Martin’s Lanning’s in Bath, Dean and Bethany Martin of Amore Restaurant Group have renovated the former Italian Village space to serve modern Italian cuisine in Strongsville — Dean’s hometown.

16605 Pearl Road | deanostrattoria.com

Lao Sze Chuan

Local restaurateur Sheng Long Yu, owner of Shinto and more than a dozen restaurant concepts in Ohio and other states, opened a second Northeast Ohio location of Lao Sze Chuan in the former Red Lobster space. The upscale Chinese restaurant expands on the brand’s existing location at Pinecrest.

18086 Royalton Road | szechuangourmetstrongsville.kwickmenu.com

Barnes & Noble

Earlier this year, this national bookstore chain opened its sixth location in Northeast Ohio in the former Bed Bath & Beyond space in The Plaza at SouthPark. In addition to books, the store offers music, gifts, toys and a cafe.

16700 Royalton Road | stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/3577

Sir Troy’s Toy Kingdom

The locally owned toy retailer opened a Strongsville location last fall, in addition to its Solon and Canton stores. It features LEGO sets, train displays, puzzles and collectible toys, continuing its focus on hands-on shopping experiences.

15177 Pearl Road | sirtroys.com