‘Summer on Shaker Square’ resumes May 30 and every other Thursday with live bands, family fun
News
‘Summer on Shaker Square’ resumes May 30 and every other Thursday with live bands, family fun
By Thomas Jewell, special to cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Beginning Thursday (May 30), Shaker Square kicks off its biweekly series of community events to be held over the summer on the historic retail destination’s green space.
“Summer on the Square” will then take place every other Thursday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. through the first week of August.
It will feature free-to-attend and family-friendly events that showcasing some of Cleveland’s finest artists, local businesses and community spirit.
“Guests of all ages are welcome to enjoy an evening of complimentary activities and are encouraged to visit the restaurants on Shaker Square,” a press release stated, further recommending bringing a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the live entertainment.
Nonprofit owners seek new vision for Shaker Square
News
Nonprofit owners seek new vision for Shaker Square
The nonprofit owners of Shaker Square are developing a new vision for the historic shopping district on the city’s East Side before selling it to a new owner.
Burten Bell Carr Development Inc. and Cleveland Neighborhood Progress are about one month into a visioning process “that will help inform us and potentially a new owner of what the community will support” at the square, said Briana Perry, senior vice president for Cleveland Neighborhood Progress.
The nonprofit owners of Shaker Square are developing a new vision for the historic shopping district on the city’s East Side before selling it to a new owner.
Burten Bell Carr Development Inc. and Cleveland Neighborhood Progress are about one month into a visioning process “that will help inform us and potentially a new owner of what the community will support” at the square, said Briana Perry, senior vice president for Cleveland Neighborhood Progress.
Already, the square’s owners have learned that many Clevelanders have close ties to the square, which comprises four, two-floor retail and office buildings clustered around the Regional Transit Authority’s East-Side rapid transit line.
“People are very passionate about the square,” said Perry, who heads her nonprofit’s equitable neighborhood revitalization operations. “People have either worked here or grew up close [to] here or took the rapid to get to work through here.”
April 2024 Newsletter
Newsletter
April 2024
What does the future of Shaker Square look like to you?
The Shaker Square Vision Plan team is coming to a local event near you! The project team attended the opening of the North Union Farmers Market on April 6 to talk to attendees about the process, and they will be attending events at and around Shaker Square all summer long!
The next upcoming event will be an open house called “Stroll the Square” on May 2nd from 4-7pm. We invite you to join in-person at the Square to let us know what you think the future of Shaker Square should be.
- Check out this Cleveland.com article that shares more about the Visioning Process for Shaker Square.
- Share your thoughts on the future of the square in this survey.
Recognizing the work of Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and we want to acknowledge and celebrate the vital support and advocacy provided by the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC), located right here at the Square. CRCC’s Shaker Square location is one of seven offices across Greater Cleveland. At Shaker Square, CRCC provides therapy, child therapy, case management, and advocacy services.
CRCC’s home at the Square provides vital support in a welcoming and family-friendly environment that is crucially located near regular train and bus lines, in a safe, walkable, and accessible area. We are proud partners of CRCC in working together to create a safer community.
Learn More About the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center Here
Progress in Motion: Capital Improvements Keep on Coming at Shaker Square
We’re thrilled to share news of upcoming capital improvements set to 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 most recent investments include:
- A New Visitor’s Center
- Work is nearing completion for our new Visitor’s Center! This multifunctional space will serve as a convenient hub for merchants and property management, as well as a welcoming environment for the community to relax and meet. We are anticipating an opening date of May 2nd.
- Carpentry
- As part of ongoing restoration efforts, Shaker Square will see the refurbishment of seven door pediments, as depicted in this draft rendering. A skilled millworker will replicate these features with precision, ensuring they maintain the Square’s historic design.
- New Roofing
- April showers can’t get us down! Did you know that we replaced all of the flat sections of Shaker Square’s roof last year? Check out this shot for a view of Shaker Square that you don’t get from the sidewalk.
- Painting & Facade Work
- Shaker Square is undergoing a facelift with new painting and facade work, breathing fresh life into our cherished landmark.
- HVAC Installation
- Our team is continuing work on installing new HVAC units across all of Shaker Square, with completion anticipated by June 2024.
Announcing a New Tenant!
We are excited to announce that Employment Specialist International, a staffing agency, is joining the Shaker Square family! You will be able to find them in the second-floor offices of Quad B.
See Full Shaker Square Directory
Navigating Safety Together: Shaker Square’s Partnership with RTA
The Shaker Square Property Management team, FASS Realty Services, recently met with RTA Chief of Police Deirdre Jones to discuss opportunities for partnership in enhancing safety measures at the Square. Moving forward, FASS will include RTA in communications for safety concerns requiring police involvement and will coordinate with RTA’s licensed social workers to assist individuals facing homelessness or mental health challenges. RTA has also expressed interest in engaging with events at the Square and Chief Jones plans to join Merchant meetings to discuss RTA’s community engagement.
Additionally, FASS has requested periodic patrols by RTA around the Dave’s and Atlas parking lots. RTA’s Transit Ambassador Program will expand to Shaker Square to provide onboard and station assistance, enhancing community support.
Stay tuned for more updates as we work to make the Square safe and welcoming for all visitors!
Upcoming Events
Stroll the Square
Shaker Square
Saturday, May 2nd
4:00 – 7:00 PM
The Shaker Square Vision Plan team is coming to a local event near you! We invite you to join an open house called “Stroll the Square” on May 2nd from 4-7pm to let us know what you think the future of Shaker Square should be.
North Union Farmers Market
Shaker Square
Saturdays
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The North Union Farmers Market at Shaker Square is back! Join us for the outdoor markets from 8 am to 12 pm every Saturday. Remember, SNAP benefits are welcomed and matched (up to $25) at all market locations!
Coming Soon: Summer at the Square
Shaker Square
Every other Thursday evening throughout the Summer
Save the date for the 2024 Summer Series on the Square! Follow our social media to learn more and to stay up-to-date on event details.
- May 30, 2024
- June 13, 2024
- June 27, 2024
- July 11, 2024
- July 25, 2024
- August 8, 2024
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!https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/L-IjoKY1Nz7zPCI9eIWZVg
Partner: Larchmere District
Community
Larchmere District
Upbeat Vitality, Offbeat Charm.
The Larchmere District starts at East 120th Street and extends east to North Moreland – one block north of Shaker Square, and is home to rich arts and culture, local businesses, and more!
The district also hosts annual events like the Holiday Stroll, Larchmere Festival, and the PorchFest and is a great partner destination to the Square.
Partner: Shaker Square Area Development Corporation
Community
Shaker Square Area Development Corporation (SHAD)
Serving the vibrant and diverse neighborhoods of Buckeye & Shaker Square.
Shaker Square Area Development Corporation’s mission is to provide the people and businesses of the Shaker Square area with the leadership and action needed to foster well-maintained, economically strong neighborhoods.
SHAD’s focus is on advocacy of Shaker Square and its adjacent neighborhoods, and communication. You can learn more about their impact in the SHAD Connection, a quarterly award-winning newspaper, featuring news about Shaker Square and its communities.
Profile: Scott Kim, Owner of SASA
Community
Profile: Scott Kim, Owner of SASA
Fine Japanese cuisine at Shaker Square
Shaker Square has long been known to attract diners from across Greater Cleveland to its range of fine dining and internationally-inspired restaurants. One such restaurant is SASA, which became Cleveland’s first Japanese Izakaya restaurant when it opened its doors at Shaker Square in 2007.
SASA owner and chef Scott Kim takes pride in more than just being the chef of a highly regarded Asian bistro, as being a sought after community destination at Shaker Square comes with great importance to him as well.
“Lots of chefs can cook, but not all of them are a part of the community,” Scott said of his bistro’s deep ties to not only his customers but also to many families in the surrounding community. He and his wife Brenda make it a point to get to know the individuals and families who regularly dine at SASA.
Scott and his wife Brenda take pride in owning their business on Shaker Square, a destination the Kims refer to as a “backbone of Cleveland’s retail scene” and a place where all tenants and visitors benefit from the range of amenities offered here.
In addition to Japanese cuisine, you can enjoy handcrafted cocktails, sake, and craft beer. You can check out SASA’s full menu and plan your visit below.
Profile: Courtney Laves-Mearini, Owner of Cleveland City Dance
Community
Profile: Courtney Laves-Mearini, Owner of Cleveland City Dance
Something for everyone: Cleveland City Dance has been a regional draw to Shaker Square since 2008
Whether you’re three or 83, Cleveland City Dance has something for you. A staple in the Greater Cleveland area since its founding in 1965, it’s the region’s premier dance school offering a variety of classes for children, teenagers, and adults.
Owner Courtney Laves-Mearini moved this esteemed dance school to Shaker Square in 2008, and she’s worked to double her student population since then.
As a longtime neighborhood resident and business owner, Courtney appreciates what the Square offers without having to get in a car: “if I need something I can walk to the grocery store, there are restaurants to eat at, there’s music on the weekends.”
“Shaker Square has the feeling of a downtown but it’s smaller,” she added. “There’s a lot of potential here, we just need to bring it all together and make sure people know about it.”
Notably, Cleveland City Dance is the resident home of the City Ballet of Cleveland, providing students with the opportunity to audition for this pre-professional ballet company.
Program offerings include ballet, boys ballet, jazz, modern, tap, hip-hop, and adult classes and conditioning.
Profile: Elina Kreymerman, Owner of Shaker Square Dry Cleaning & Tailoring
Community
Profile: Elina Kreymerman, Owner of Shaker Square Dry Cleaning & Tailoring
Three decades of dedicated customer service
2024 marks 30 years of serving customers at Shaker Square for Elina Kreymerman. Just two years after immigrating here from Ukraine in 1992, Elina opened Shaker Square Dry Cleaning & Tailoring in 1994.
With her business continuing to run strong three decades later, today Elina is the longest-tenured business owner on Shaker Square. Elina credits the neighborhoods surrounding Shaker Square, and the loyal customer relationships she has forged, for making her success possible, especially amid the challenges posed to businesses in recent years.
“Shaker Square is a great place,” Elina shares. “A lot of businesses like ours did not survive the pandemic, but we have very loyal customers around here. We know our customers, we know their children, we even know their dogs! We’re a local business that serves our local community.”
If you speak to customers who frequent Shaker Square Dry Cleaning & Tailoring, you’ll soon realize the quality of service and attention to detail the business offers. Some customers from a few towns over even opt to drive past closer dry cleaners to drop their clothes off at Elina’s business.
The next time you’re looking for dry cleaning, tailoring, or altercations, look no further than this neighborhood icon to meet your needs.
March 2024 Newsletter
Newsletter
March 2024
The Agency Team visits Cleveland to begin the Shaker Square Vision Plan
After first acquiring Shaker Square and then beginning to stabilize it with millions of dollars of capital investments, the third phase officially kicked off in March. The Shaker Square Vision Plan began with a dynamic, two-day strategy session led by CNP and BBC. Our partners from the AGENCY, which was selected from a pool of eight firms by the Shaker Square Steering Committee, arrived in Cleveland and spent two days engaging with members of the Steering Committee, touring Shaker Square and the surrounding neighborhoods, and laying the groundwork for a year-long comprehensive planning process full of thorough engagement and planning.
The Shaker Square team will use future newsletters and social media to keep you and other community members informed about upcoming engagement activities, opportunities to contribute your thoughts and ideas, and key project milestones, partners, and updates. We can’t wait to share more with you!
- Read this Cleveland.com article that shares more about the Visioning Process for Shaker Square.
- Learn more about AGENCY’s partnership with Shaker Square
Spotlighting Woman-Owned Businesses on the Square
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible woman-owned businesses right here at Shaker Square.
From boutiques like Fashions by Fowler offering unique fashion finds to cafes like Psychopomp serving up delicious drinks, these entrepreneurs contribute to the vibrant tapestry of our community.
- Kamron Khan Photography
- Shark&Minnow
- Cleveland City Dance
- City Ballet of Cleveland
- North Union Farmers Market
- Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival
- Fashions by Fowler
- Psychopomp Cafe
- Shaker Square Dry Cleaning & Tailoring
- Pari House of Photography
- Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
- Mastermind Your Business
View the Full Shaker Square Directory
Capital Improvements to Enhance and Improve Shaker Square
It is our commitment to keep you and other community members updated on the work we are doing to improve Shaker Square through ongoing capital improvements aimed at enhancing the overall experience for our community.
You can’t always see the improvements we are making, but some of the most recent investments include:
- Improved lighting: The recent completion of lighting enhancements, including LED installations, additional poles, and uplighting, alongside asphalt renovations behind Dave’s and CVS, marks significant progress.
- Roof repairs & replacement: We finished replacing and repairing sections of flat roof across all four quads of Shaker Square.
- Facade improvements: We completed comprehensive masonry, carpentry, and storefront facade work for Dave’s Grocery and the former T-Mobile space. Our team continues preparing additional carpentry in the former Balaton space so that it can be installed quickly this spring.
- HVAC Installation: Our team has ordered and started installing new HVAC units, with completion anticipated by June.
Celebrating Today’s Tenants and Welcoming New Neighbors
We’re thrilled to announce the growth of our Shaker Square community by celebrating those who sign new leases and are committed to the Square, as well as welcoming new tenants and their employees. So, we want to celebrate the following businesses:
- Daves Market, Quadant C
- Dave’s Market has been a cornerstone of our community since 2005, and they have signed a five-year lease extension for their location at Shaker Square! Stay tuned to see improvements that will help retain current customers and attract new ones. A special thank you to Dave’s for their dedication to Shaker Square and our community!
- Kamron Khan Photography, Quadrant C
- We have some new faces at the Square, including Kamron Kahn Photography! The new photography studio will be located across from Dave’s Market (in the former T-Mobile space) and is set to open by the end of March.
- Pari House of Photography, Quadrant B
- Exciting news! Pari House of Photography is joining Shaker Square. They will utilize an office space in Quad B as a photography showroom, offering clients a display of their work and a convenient location to explore their services.
- Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Quadrant B
- We’re pleased to announce that Burten Bell Carr (BBC), one of the joint owners of Shaker Square that leads community engagement, will be opening an office in Quad B to serve residents of the Greater Buckeye area, including Shaker Square and Larchmere. This strategic move underscores BBC’s dedication to fostering local connections while positioning them at the heart of Shaker Square’s vibrant community.
- Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival, Quadrant B
- Exciting news for film lovers! The Greater Cleveland Film Festival, known for its annual festival hosted at Shaker Square, is setting up its offices in Quad B.
See Full Shaker Square Directory
Coming Soon: Our New Visitors Center
Exciting developments are underway at Shaker Square with the imminent opening of a new Visitors Center, slated to open by the end of April.
This multifunctional space will serve as a convenient hub for merchants to provide leave-behinds and newsletters. Additionally, it will offer a welcoming environment for the community to relax, with seating and lounge areas available. With the capacity to accommodate small meetings of 10-20 people, the center will also provide essential services such as water and refreshments for Police and Fire personnel.
Moreover, it will serve as a central hub for property management, offering a shared office space for tenant meetings and ensuring a daily presence on the premises.
Focused on Safety
Ensuring the safety of our community is paramount, and we’re pleased to announce that the City of Cleveland and the Cleveland Police are in the final stages of integrating our video cameras at Shaker Square into their citywide FUSUS System. This collaboration should be finalized by the end of March, which will increase safety for visitors, customers, tenants, and everyone at Shaker Square.
Upcoming Events
North Union Farmers Market
Shaker Square
Saturdays
8 AM – 12 PM
Mark your calendars for the return of the North Union Farmers Market on Saturday, April 6 at Shaker Square. This outdoor market takes place from 8 am to 12 pm every Saturday. Remember, SNAP benefits are welcomed and matched up to $25!
Golden Montessori Plant Sale
Golden Montessori, Shaker Square
Saturday, March 30th
12 PM – 5 PM
Join Golden Montessori for their first annual plant sale fundraiser! They will have a variety of plants available for purchase including vegetables, seeds, herbs, and house plants (both common and rare). All proceeds go to supporting the school. Plant sale open til 5pm or until they run out! Learn more at the link below.
Learn More About Upcoming Events
Please utilize the link below to submit any upcoming events in the neighborhood. Your contributions will help us keep our community informed.
February 2024 Newsletter
Newsletter
February 2024
A Purpose-Driven Future
“We believe that a commitment to a sustainable and enduring vision can unlock Shaker Square’s latent potential. The future of Shaker Square must be driven by purpose and consensus.”
Shaker Square’s newest partner, AGENCY, shares its excitement about the visioning project. AGENCY is a women-owned, small business and certified DBE/WBE. They are partnering with both Cleveland-based urban design and engagement consultancy Seventh Hill and retail leasing and place management experts Streetsense. Both partners will support the efforts to reposition Shaker Square for a long-term, sustainable future.
- Cleveland.com article that shares more about the Visioning Process for SHSQ here.
- More about AGENCY’s partnership with SHSQ here.
Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses on the Square
Many of the stores at Shaker Square represent the dreams and investments of Black entrepreneurs. From leaders in education like Jill Evans who founded Goldenrod Montesorri to Akil Akins, founder of a trio of restaurants at Shaker Square, we would like to celebrate these businesses and entrepreneurs during Black History Month. Here are a couple highlights from the many of black-owned businesses on Shaker Square.
- Fashions by Fowler, Quadrant D
- Founded by sisters Renay and Tracy Fowler, Fashions by Fowler has been a vibrant and long-standing Black-owned business at Shaker Square. As we celebrate Black History Month what better time to check out their apparel and accessories?
- Zanzibar, Quadrant A & Cleveland Breakfast Club, Quadrant B
- You know Akin Africca as the visionary behind Zanzibar, but did you know that he’s also the founder and owner of The Breakfast Club and the newly opened Vegan Club? Whether you’re a regular or a newcomer, we invite you to experience the warmth and flavors of these amazing restaurants – from brunch through dinner there’s an option for everyone!
- Goldenrod Montessori, Quadrant C
- Goldenrod Montessori, founded by Jill Evans, is a member of the Wildflower Network of schools. Wildflower is an ecosystem of decentralized Montessori micro-schools that support children, teachers, and parents. Their goal is to give all families the opportunity to choose high-quality learning environments.
See Full Shaker Square Directory
On Air: Sharing the Square’s Progress
Listen or watch our conversation with Ideastream as we discussed the past, present, and future of Shaker Square on Ideastream Public Media’s Sound of Ideas.
Safety on the Square
Thanks to the use of cameras and the collaborative relationship between Shaker Square’s ownership team, FASS Real Estate Services, and Cleveland’s 4th District Police, the individuals responsible for the holiday break-ins were promptly apprehended and detained.
Know of Any Upcoming Events?
Please utilize the link below to submit any upcoming events in the neighborhood. Your contributions will help us keep our community informed.
Important Contact Information
For Leasing and Property Management
FASS Real Estate Services
(866) 861-4761
For Media Requests
aj@sharkandminnow.com
For the Buckeye Woodhill Safety Collaborative
tallen-white@bbcdevelopment.org