EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one in a series looking at what Lake County communities, agencies and school districts experienced in 2025 and what is facing them in 2026. Wickliffe is “alive and well” as the city closes out 2025. That’s the view of Mayor Joe Sakacs who stated that “looking back ov er the past year, we are proud to report that we are moving forward, the theme of our year at the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Cities.” In 2024, the city noted they were looking forward to reaping the fruits of two planned developments and that both projects anticipated are now in full swing, Sakacs said. The former Ponderosa property, as many longtime residents refer to it, has seen great progress in 2025. Construction on the senior living apartments is well underway and is expected to be complete in 2026. This area just off of Euclid Avenue near Bellview Road will offer 54 one- and two-bedroom apartments for lease to those 55 and older. The cottage units will feature attached garages and a two-story apartment building will be located at the back of the property. Meanwhile, the Old School Way development, situated on the property that was previously the Wickliffe elementary and middle schools, is quickly taking shape. The model home is currently open and many of the homes are currently under construction. The property will also have single-family townhomes available for purchase. Construction on these units have also begun. Last year, Wickliffe shared that the property at the corner of Worden and Euclid Avenue would undergo asbestos abatement prior to construction of a new spec building. “Abatement of the asbestos should be wrapping up soon and we are anticipating the demolition of the current structure, and construction of the spec building in early 2026,” Sakacs said. Also in 2024, a long-vacant building that had garnered very little interest has found new life. Within a short timeframe, one company purchased the property, invested millions in renovations to the building, as well as upgrades to the parking lot and access road, and is now contributing to the economic growth of the city. “Wickliffe is pleased to welcome OLA (Online Liquidation Auction) and the many other businesses who have made their home in Wickliffe, and play an important role in our community’s ongoing success,” Sakacs said. Route 84 (Ridge Road) was resurfaced from the western end of the corridor to the eastern border and into Willoughby to Route 91. Although work caused some traffic delays due to its two-lane configuration, traffic was maintained in both directions. “The project, significantly funded by the State of Ohio (ODOT), is almost complete,” Sakacs said. “There are a few punch list items remaining, but travelers are enjoying a greatly improved roadway.” The city will be preparing for construction of Route 20 (Euclid Avenue) in late 2026 and early 2027. This will be a large-scale project as Euclid Avenue is one of Wickliffe’s three primary roadways. Wickliffe held six live summer concerts in 2025 with three taking place at the Community/Senior Center and three at the Coulby Park gazebo. These concerts will continue in 2026 with an added concert at Coulby in 2026. Work continues at Green Ridge Golf Course as turf improvements and irrigation updates extend into 2026. Several smaller road projects are upcoming after June of 2026. Going forward, Sakacs and the Wickliffe City Council will remain fully committed to improving the city, ensuring continued progress in the community. ...read more read less