Month: August 2024

CLEVELAND — Two years after being taken over by a nonprofit, Shaker Square is wrapping up $5 million worth of renovations meant to help existing businesses and attract new ones to the nation’s second-oldest planned shopping center.

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and Burten, Bell, Carr Development Inc. hosted local stakeholders Monday to highlight progress being done on Shaker Square, including new HVAC systems, new roofs, outdoor lighting, awnings, historic light fixtures and other items that added up to 20 years of delayed routine maintenance.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The nonprofit owners of Shaker Square on Monday announced a new tenant, Cafe Indigo, and detailed the work that’s been done to the center toward eventually making it attractive to a new buyer.

The Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and Burten, Bell Carr Development Inc., which took over operation of the historic square two years ago, had a news conference to highlight changes under their ownership.

Two years ago this month, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP) and Burten, Bell, Carr, Inc. (BBC) acquired Cleveland’s historic but faded Shaker Square mixed-use district. Today, the new owners outlined what they considered to be significant work and investment in making capital improvements to the property and carrying out a retail strategy to restore vibrancy to the square.

Today’s event centered around the unveiling of new storefront awnings, planned landscape improvements and recent roofing, electrical and heating-ventilating-air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades. All told, the investments to update the 95-year-old Shaker Square so far amount to approximately $4.5 million.

Preliminary Vision for Shaker Square Unveiled!

A community vision for Shaker Square is taking shape. Co-owners, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP) and Burten, Bell, Car (BBC) invite the Shaker Square community to see and comment on a preliminary vision for the future of the Square. The unveiling will take place at an open house on September 19, from 4pm to 7pm in the former Dewey’s Coffee space at 13201 Shaker Square. Attendees will enjoy live music and complimentary refreshments. Folks are welcome to drop in at their convenience to check out the interactive gallery. A presentation will take place at 6pm.

The Shaker Square Vision Plan is investigating marketplace strategies and public realm designs that support local businesses and position Shaker Square as both a metro-wide destination and neighborhood hub. This plan aims to determine an aspirational, yet achievable future for the Square based on the community’s interests and sensible development and retail opportunities. The vision plan is building on insights from the 2019 planning study, focusing its components that currently resonate with the community.

The plan is being co-created with community and merchant input. Nearly 500 people have responded to a survey, over 200 attended Stroll the Square in June, and many more stopped by a Vision Plan table at Summer on Shaker Square, Larchmere Porchfest, Parade the Circle, the Van Aken Block Party, and the Moreland Festival. Many of the Shaker Square merchants lent their time and insights via interviews.

All of this grassroots input has driven the creation of the Vision Plan. Check out the preliminary results at the September 19 open house and stay up to date at our website.

Learn More 

Celebrating Two Years of Investments at the Square

On Monday, August 26th, Shaker Square came together to celebrate the unveiling of our new awnings. This event marked the culmination of $5M invested in completed capital investments made at the Square over two years of ownership by Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and Burten, Bell, Carr, Community Development Corporation. These investments include roof repairs, HVAC replacements, electrical updates, improved lighting, paved parking lots, façade improvements, new windows and the most noticeable, awning replacements. These investments represent the commitment of CNP and BBC to the future of Shaker Square as a vibrant retail district and community gathering spot. We were joined by our many philanthropic and government partners that were responsible for funding the capital improvements, without which, we would not have been able to make the great strides at the Square!

Join us in celebrating the revitalization of Shaker Square. Visit our local businesses, participate in community events, and experience the new energy that these improvements have brought to our district.

Shaker Square In the News

• Cleveland.com
• Crain’s
• News 5 
• NEO Trans Blog 

New Café Coming to the Square

Join us in welcoming Café Indigo, a vibrant new addition to Shaker Square. Owned and operated by local entrepreneur Melissa Hirsch of Larchmere’s Unbar, Café Indigo is set to open in November. This new coffee shop will offer a much-needed third space for the community to gather, enjoy delicious food, drinks, and sweet treats, and connect with neighbors.

“It feels like confirmation that this is the time to be doing this,” said Hirsch. “Revitalizing the Square is such a big deal and for me to get in at that time and do the same transformation at this corner, I feel the stars are aligned.”

Celebrating Black Business Month

August is National Black Business Month.  Let’s celebrate and support the Black Businesses in Shaker Square.

• Fluker Consulting
• Greater Cleveland Film Festival
• Mastermind Your Business LLC
• Wellness Counseling & Consultation, LLC
• Cleveland Breakfast Club
• The Vegan Club
• Zanzibar Soul Fusion
• Fashions by Fowler
• From Me 2 U Inc.
• Burten, Bell, Carr, Development Inc.
• Black Men’s Mental Health

Learn more about Shaker Square businesses at:

Shaker Square Directory

Summer on the Square Rescheduled

The Summer on the Square event scheduled for August 8, was postponed due to inclement weather. But, don’t worry—Hubb’s Groove will be back on Thursday, September 12, for an evening of jazz, R&B, and fun activities!

From 6-8:30pm, enjoy delicious food from Zanzibar Soul Fusion, lawn games for all ages, and a special ice cream giveaway from Trikeable Treats. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and join us for a night of free entertainment and community spirit.

Learn More

Navigating Road Construction

The City of Cleveland is making improvements along South Moreland Boulevard, Shaker Square, and North Moreland Boulevard. While construction is underway, there will be a change in the traffic patterns.

Use this website to stay up-to-date on construction, road closures, and other information about these important roads that lead into Shaker Square. Learn more about the project and the easiest way to get to the Square at:

Learn More

Progress in Motion: Capital Improvements Keep on Coming at Shaker Square

We’re excited to share news of ongoing capital improvements that will elevate your Shaker Square experience! From revitalized spaces to enhanced amenities, these developments promise to rejuvenate the Square, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for the community to gather, shop, dine, and enjoy.

Some of the investments over the past month include:

• Former Balaton Storefront
  • We have finished up the replacing of the copper gutter liner at the former Balaton storefront.
• Paneling
  • Our crews have continued to replace rotted panels on the facade throughout the Square.
• Steel Lintels
  • The Breakfast Club got a refresh with new steel lintels over their windows.
• CVS Storefront
  • The structural column repairs at the CVS storefront are now complete!

Invite the Shaker Square Ownership Team to your next meeting to share more about Shaker Square

Over the last two years, a lot of work has happened at Shaker Square. From fundraising for capital repairs to installing new roofs and facades, and from hosting community events to launching a Visioning Plan for the future, there is so much to share.

If you would like to invite CNP and BBC to share a little more about the work that has been done and what’s coming next at Shaker Square, please feel free to invite us to your next meeting! You can do that by using the “Contact Us” form from the Shaker Square website.

Just tell us what group is meeting, when and where they meet, and who we should contact for additional details and scheduling.

Invite Us to Your Next Meeting!

Upcoming Events

Bike Your Neighborhood – Ride with Artists
Saturday, September 14
11:00 AM

Meet in Parking Lot Behind Dave’s Market

Our final Saturday ride of the season, this ride will be a gentle 6-8 miles and begin and end at Amos Norwood Park. Free Bike Rentals: Arrive by 10:30 am with a valid photo ID if you want to borrow a bike. Please register and complete the ride waiver.

Learn More

Envisioning the Future of the Square
Thursday, September 19
4:00-7:00 PM

Former Dewey’s Coffee space at 13201 Shaker Square.

Save the date, September 19th, for a preview of the Shaker Vision Plan. Join us for an open house and presentation where you can learn about retail strategy recommendations and public space ideas to make sure Shaker Square is successful and thriving long into the future!

Learn More

Mark Your Calendars for “Season’s Greetings on Shaker Square”!
Saturday, December 7
2:00-6:00 PM
Shaker Square

We’re thrilled to announce that this year’s festive celebration will take place on December 7, 2024, from 2-6 p.m. Bring your family and friends to enjoy an afternoon filled with holiday cheer, entertainment, and seasonal activities. Don’t miss out on the holiday magic—plan to be at Shaker Square for an unforgettable event! More details to come soon—stay tuned!

Learn More

North Union Farmers Market
Shaker Square
Saturdays
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Join us for an outdoor market from 8 am to 12 pm every Saturday. Remember, SNAP benefits are welcomed and matched (up to $25) at all market locations!

Learn More

Merchant Meetings
Third Thursday of every month
Virtual Merchant Meeting
Time: 9:00 AM
Join via this link

Buckeye Merchant Meeting:
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Key Bank, 11461 Buckeye Rd, Cleveland, OH 44104

Shaker Square Merchant Meeting:
Time: 3:30 PM
Location: Visitors Center, 13206 Shaker Square, Cleveland, OH 44120

Please utilize the link below to submit any upcoming events in the neighborhood. Your contributions will help us keep our community informed.

Submit an Event!