Residents, families, and supporters take part in a ribbon cutting ceremony at Solon Community Living on June 7, marking the official opening of the nonprofit’s inclusive neighborhood for adults with developmental disabilities.Kaitlin K Walsh
From Cleveland.com
By Maura Zurick
Families, city leaders, and longtime supporters gathered Saturday to celebrate the completion of Solon Community Living’s inclusive residential neighborhood, a project more than a decade in the making.
The private ribbon-cutting event, held June 7, marked the official opening of the nonprofit’s thoughtfully designed community for adults with developmental disabilities. The neighborhood is now home to 15 residents and two live-in resident assistants, with amenities tailored to promote connection, independence, and well-being.
“This community is a testament to what’s possible when families, city leaders and supporters come together around a shared cause,” said Ara Bagdasarian, co-founder and president of Solon Community Living. “We didn’t just build homes, we built a model that can be replicated to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities across the country.”
Located near the Solon Recreation Center, the new development includes 14 private homes, six caregiver suites, and a clubhouse with features such as a sensory-friendly space, teaching kitchen, and barrier-free design. The homes were constructed with accessibility in mind, with details like fire suppression systems, wide doorways, durable finishes, and backup generators.
Before the larger event began, residents and their families took part in a quieter pre-ceremony celebration designed to minimize overstimulation. The formal program included remarks from former Solon City Councilman Bill Russo, Planning Commission Chair Macke Bentley, and residents Evan Burg and Aletta Sinoff, who spoke about what the new community means to them.
Supporters, community leaders, and residents gathered on June 7 to cut the ribbon at Solon Community Living. Kaitlin K Walsh
For parents like Kristin and Tim LaCrosse, the moment carried special meaning. After years of searching for the right living environment for their daughter Jackie, they found it at Solon Community Living, where she now lives.
The project faced several challenges over the years, including zoning changes, a citywide ballot measure in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising construction costs. Despite the obstacles, the organization raised over $4 million to bring the vision to life.
One standout feature of the development is the inclusion of on-site caregiver housing. While two resident assistants have already moved in, four caregiver suites remain available, and the organization is actively seeking applicants. Bagdasarian said he hopes to build waitlists not only for future residents but for caregivers who want to be part of a supportive, stable work environment.
