Channel 19’s Katie Tercek came to Shaker Square to speak with tenants, visitors, and Cleveland Neighborhood Progress’ Tania Menesse about the work underway to improve this historic destination.

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and Burten Bell Carr Inc. took over ownership of Shaker Square in August 2022. “To bring Buckeye, Shaker Square, and Larchmere together to support this community is what we’re working to do,” Mensesse told Channel 19.

In the midst of restoring buildings, grounds and streets around historic Shaker Square, the nonprofit ownership on Saturday (Aug. 19) will celebrate the one-year anniversary of acquiring the landmark commercial and transportation hub.

Running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., this year’s third and final monthly installment of “Summer on the Square” features an “Art, Community and Anniversary” theme, along with a young foodie attraction that is certain to be a big draw as well.

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and Burten, Bell, Carr Development Inc., the owners of Shaker Square, have consolidated property management and leasing services with FASS Real Estate Services (FASS). Effective August 4, 2023, this move will ensure that Shaker Square tenants, store patrons, and visitors continue to benefit from quality services and activities.

This marks a smooth transition of property management service from CRESCO Real Estate to FASS, a boutique real estate brokerage firm specializing in property management, real estate sales and leasing, real estate consulting, and commercial real estate and development. FASS’ corporate offices are located at 3705 Lee Rd, Shaker Heights, Ohio 44120.

FASS has provided leasing services for the Square since August 2022. FASS is a minority certified and led firm. The team is led by Akil Hameed, Broker/Owner of FASS Real Estate Services. The FASS team is committed to working with each of Shaker Square’s tenants to make this historic destination the place to be in Cleveland.

Over a year-long partnership with CRESCO leading up to this transition, critical work around the Square got underway regarding maintenance, repair, and addressing safety requests from tenants and customers. During this time, a capital needs assessment was completed that outlines the Square’s infrastructure priorities, including roofing, carpentry, windows, landscaping, HVAC, electrical, and other needs. With this capital needs assessment in hand, CNP, BBC, and FASS are moving forward with a strategic plan for investing in and improving Shaker Square for tenants, customers, and residents.

With boots on the ground in Shaker Square to address a long list of deferred maintenance issues, the new nonprofit owners also expect to have a 10-month “community vision plan” in the works by the end of the year.

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP) and Burten Bell Carr Development Corp. (BBC) set a Friday (July 14) deadline on a request for proposals (RFP) from consultants. Eight firms already have expressed interest as of last week — four of those local.