- Industrial Realty Group has begun redeveloping the 1.4 million-square-foot former headquarters of Joann, which sits on 130 acres in Hudson.
- The site could serve corporate headquarters, manufacturing, light manufacturing, distribution, research and development, retail and other opportunities for ground leases and build-to-suit properties.
- IRG plans to bring in companies that will replace jobs lost through the loss of Joann.
A new commercial and industrial site called the “Hudson District” — touting itself as one of the largest collections of land parcels in Ohio — is under development.
Until earlier this year, it served as the headquarters of a major arts and crafts retailer.
That’s right: Joann Fabrics’ former, 1.4 million-square-foot Hudson headquarters is being redeveloped.
Industrial Realty Group (IRG) — the developer behind the transition of Goodyear’s headquarters into the East End and renovation of B.F. Goodrich’s downtown Akron campus into Canal Place — is working on the project.
IRG is preparing the 130-acre campus for development, including industrial and office space and developable land, according to a news release from the company. Leasing agents from CBRE and Anchor Retail will represent IRG, the developer said in its release.
IRG spokeswoman Lauren Crumrine declined to share estimated costs for the redevelopment.
In 2022, IRG purchased about 130.2 acres between six Hudson land parcels from Joann, according to the deed on file with the Summit County Fiscal Office. IRG was Joann’s landlord through the arts and crafts company’s 2024 and 2025 bankruptcies.
“The former Jo-Ann Headquarters represents one of the most sought-after site types in today’s market,” said Katie Meehan, manager of site strategies at Team NEO. “Demand for industrial space is rising, with nearly 70% of this year’s business attraction opportunities focused on existing buildings. Bringing a large facility with modern specs like this to market strengthens Northeast Ohio’s ability to compete and win.”
Before Joann occupied the site, it served for years as a Terex plant.
IRG is marketing the Hudson District for corporate headquarters, manufacturing and light manufacturing, distribution, research and development, retail and other opportunities for ground leases and build-to-suit properties, the release said.
“IRG’s vision for the Hudson District aligns with the City of Hudson’s goals to strengthen our income tax base and create high-quality employment opportunities for our residents,” said Hudson City Manager Thomas Sheridan. “We are proud to support this initiative and are committed to working in partnership to attract forward-thinking corporations to the Hudson business community.”
IRG plans to bring in companies that will replace jobs lost through the loss of Joann. During its 2025 bankruptcy proceedings, Joann announced possible plans to lay off more than 1,100 employees in Ohio.
“We’re excited to work alongside Jobs Ohio, Team NEO, and the City of Hudson to create a new chapter for the site,” said Justin Lichter, IRG’s chief investment officer. “With industrial buildings in high demand in this market, we anticipate Hudson District will receive significant interest.”
Will the Hudson District impact other projects in the city of Hudson?
The Hudson District project will not lead to other development projects in the city being negatively impacted or scaled back, Sheridan said via email.
“We are committed to ensuring that all approved projects contribute to the vibrant future of Hudson,” Sheridan said.
Patrick Williams covers growth and development for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached by email at pwilliams@gannett.com or on X @pwilliamsOH. Sign up for the Beacon Journal’s business and consumer newsletter, “What’s The Deal?“