Sears Demolition

Since its closure in 2017, the former Sears building has been the subject of limited proposals that failed to align with the City’s vision for the area. Concerned about the future of Southland and determined to prevent underutilization, the City took decisive action.

Recognizing the importance of redevelopment, the City acquired the former Sears property for $1.8 million, and immediately following that purchase, the City applied for and successfully secured a Brownfield demolition grant. The demolition of the Sears building had long been a major hurdle due to the high costs and complexities involved, but this funding provided a crucial path forward.

With the property secured and funding in place, the City engaged with developers, brokers, and potential end-users to ensure the site’s future served the community’s needs. This proactive approach ultimately led to a deal with Meijer, which purchased the property for $5.5 million. Meijer will bring a 160,000-square-foot supercenter to Middleburg Heights, featuring 70,000 square feet of general merchandise and an additional 20,000-square-foot garden center, reestablishing a one-stop shopping experience for local residents.

The successful acquisition of a $5+ million Brownfield grant played a key role in moving the project forward. The demolition process is set to begin in April, with environmental remediation as the first step. Demolition will commence with the automotive building before proceeding to the main structure. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year, paving the way for a revitalized commercial hub in Southland.

With this transformation, the City of Middleburg Heights is demonstrating its commitment to economic growth and strategic redevelopment. The new Meijer Supercenter will bring renewed energy and convenience to the community.