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
Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and Burten Bell Carr announce Agency Landscape + Planning to lead public visioning process.
News
Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and Burten Bell Carr announce Agency Landscape + Planning to lead public visioning process.
Last year, Shaker Square’s ownership team – the local nonprofits Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc. – issued an RFP seeking firms to guide a community visioning process for the future of Shaker Square. They also recruited a steering committee that included resident leaders from the adjacent neighborhoods, civic leaders from institutional partners, representation from the City of Cleveland, and subject-matter experts.
Over the last several months, the steering committee and members of the Shaker Square ownership team reviewed multiple proposals, advanced and interviewed several firms, and finalized the selection of the firm Agency Landscape + Planning to lead this important project.
Agency is a women-owned, small business and certified DBE/WBE practice dedicated to addressing social equity, cultural vitality, and environmental resilience through design excellence, strategic planning, and community engagement. Co-founders Brie Hensold, who grew up in walking distance to Shaker Square, and Gina Ford have worked together for nearly two decades on projects including the planning and design of commercial hearts in Portland, Boston, Raleigh, and Detroit.
“We believe that Shaker Square is a significant landmark broadly and a treasure to those close by,” said Brie Hensold when asked about Agency’s interest in the project. “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. And we believe that this effort needs a visionary, yet realistic roadmap for inclusive success.”
Tania Menesse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, which led the effort to save Shaker Square by purchasing it before foreclosure, also expressed excitement about engaging the Greater Buckeye community in the future of Shaker Square: “The visioning process will create a blueprint for the future of Shaker Square. Building off the public space planning process from 2018, Agency will ensure that the vision the community has for Shaker Square has a merchandise mix plan that works for the Square and complements Buckeye and Larchmere. It will ensure that the public space lifts up the retail and that the Square presents opportunities for the entire community to find themselves in Shaker Square.”
For this visioning project at Shaker Square, Agency will partner with Cleveland-based urban design and engagement consultancy Seventh Hill and retail leasing and place management experts Streetsense, who also led Downtown Cleveland’s recent retail strategy. Agency’s project manager Allen Penniman brings recent experience implementing retail and neighborhood revitalization strategies in Detroit. Together, this joint partnership is thrilled by the opportunity to support Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc., in their efforts to reposition Shaker Square for a long-term, sustainable future. This work speaks to the team’s collective passion for an age of equitable city change, our abilities as a diverse team of experts, our belief in community-driven planning, and our approach to design with grounded and actionable outcomes.
“This visioning process will allow residents, business owners, and other stakeholders an opportunity to engage with each other for the common good of the Shaker Square community and the value the property brings to the neighborhood,” shared Briana Perry, the President of New Village Corporation, which leads the Shaker Square ownership team. “I am most excited to see the engagement and recommendations around a merchandising mix, programming, and youth engagement.”
Joy Johnson, Executive Director of Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc., also noted that “This was a rigorous selection process led by a steering committee of community residents and project stakeholders. The visioning project will be the place for everyone to share their thoughts, ideas, suggestions, leads, hopes, and dreams for Shaker Square.” She added, “With Agency, Streetsense, and Seventh Hill, I believe the steering committee has selected the right team to ensure that everyone’s voices are heard.”
The steering committee that selected Agency will continue to be involved throughout the community visioning process, and they will meet with the Agency team regularly to guide the plan and community engagement in it.
Shaker Square’s rescuers ready to pivot from urgent repairs to pursuing new vision for a Cleveland landmark
News
Shaker Square’s rescuers ready to pivot from urgent repairs to pursuing new vision for a Cleveland landmark.
By Steven Litt, cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Merchants at the nearly century-old Shaker Square shopping center on Cleveland’s East Side can be a tough audience.
They’re impatient for change more than three years after the historic property fell into foreclosure in late 2020, jeopardizing a regional landmark and a retail anchor as important to the city as the West Side Market.
It took nearly another two years before Cleveland City Council voted in 2022 to spend $12 million to enable a pair of local nonprofit community development agencies to buy the troubled property from creditors and carry out a 21st century reboot.
Since then, the nonprofits Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP) and Burten Bell Carr Development, Inc., (BBC) have raised and nearly spent $5.25 million on urgently needed repairs.
November 2023 Newsletter
Newsletter
November 2023
This Month at Shaker Square
Season’s greetings from Shaker Square! Get ready to delve into the latest edition of the Shaker Square Newsletter. We’re thrilled to bring you exciting updates, stories, and insights that shine a spotlight on the incredible support and enthusiasm in our community. As we uncover the newest happenings, events, and initiatives that contribute to the vibrancy of Shaker Square.
Save the date! On December 17th from 2pm to 6pm it’s going to be festive fun at Shaker Square, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you. Dust off your holiday cheer because we’ve got a festive lineup that’ll jingle your bells.
Say Cheese with Santa
Join us at Quad B (Next to Breakfast Club) from 2 pm to 6 pm for a holly jolly photo session with Santa! It’s first come, first served, and the best part? The photos are on the house! All participating families will receive a link to download their edited snapshots.
Fireside Festivities and Melodies by Brent Kirby
Captain Tony’s patio space will be lit with an outdoor fire and live holiday tunes by Brent Kirby. Grab a seat, stay warm, and let the festive vibes sink in.
Gingerbread Galore
Head over to Quad B (Next to Captain Tony’s) of Shaker Square for some sweet fun. We’re hosting a gingerbread man decorating party!
Horse-Drawn Wonderland Wagon Rides
Take a magical ride around Shaker Square on a horse drawn wonderland wagon ride!
RTA Holiday Trolley Extravaganza!
All aboard the RTA Holiday Trolley! This trolley is bringing the holiday spirit with tours, a festive elf, music, and giveaways. Check out more about the trolley here: RTA Merry Trolley
Merchant Magic!
Our Shaker Square tenants are spreading the joy too:
- Cleveland City Dance: Open house with studio tours and complimentary lessons. Dance your way into the holidays!
- Goldenrod Montessori: Open house with family activities (surprises await, so stay tuned!).
- Psychopomp Coffee: Enjoy a cozy cup of coffee and hot chocolate as you wander throughout the event.
Zanzibar’s Culinary Comeback: Creator Akin Affrica Returns
Exciting news unfolds as Akin Affrica, the previous owner of Zanzibar, makes his triumphant return to Shaker Square! Affrica’s deep-seated motives and unwavering mission stem from cherished childhood memories spent at Shaker Square.
But this isn’t just a homecoming; it’s a culinary renaissance! Zanzibar is unveiling six tantalizing new menu items, and the maestro himself, Chef Tony Fortner, is back to weave his culinary magic.
As the pioneering full service African American-owned restaurant in Shaker Square, Affrica is determined to restore Zanzibar to its premier status. To ensure this success, a dynamic new management team has been assembled, infusing the venture with fresh energy and unwavering motivation.
Stay tuned for the flavorful revival of Zanzibar, where tradition meets innovation in every dish!
Explore the incredible food and exciting new energy at Zanzibar!
Fresh Look for the Square: Illuminating the Season Ahead
Recent Façade Enhancements
Acknowledging the importance of maintaining a visually appealing environment, we are pleased to share that recent refurbishments have taken place in prominent storefronts, including the two corners at South Moreland and Shaker Square. These spaces have received a fresh coat of paint that has brought a refreshing look to the Square.
Holiday Lights Installation
Our dedicated team is installing the holiday lights across the Square. It is great to see how the Square is starting to sparkle as our holiday event approaches! Check out this process with behind the scenes content of the Seasons Greetings from the Square event on our social media platforms!
Celebrating a Season of Gratitude, Giving, and Community Success
We hope your Thanksgiving was joyous! As always, we extend our gratitude to residents, visitors, and businesses for making Shaker Square a special destination. Your love and support are the heartbeat of the Square. In the spirit of giving this season, we invite you to invest in local ownership and contribute to the thriving community we cherish. We appreciate your essential role in the success of our community.
Want to make a lasting impact on Shaker Square?
Keep Up With Us
Whether it’s events at Shaker Square, in the neighborhood, or across Cleveland, stay up to date by following Shaker Square and the BBC on social media!
Shaker Square Social Media
BBC Social Media
Events
Since its opening in 1929, Shaker Square has been a place to meet and share experiences, together. There is always something happening in the Square inviting you to gather, engage, and enjoy the spirit of community!
Visit the Shaker Square website to see all upcoming events.
North Union Farmer’s Market
December 2, 8 am – noon
Shaker Square Market will be on East and West Bound Shaker Blvd. You will find an assortment of fresh produce, meats, dairy, baked goods, and more every Saturday.
Shaker Square Holiday Event
December 17, 2 pm – 6 pm
Join us in Shaker Square’s public space to celebrate the holidays! Get a family photo with Santa, create fun crafts, and listen to live holiday music!
Don’t see your event listed above?
Submit it through the link below!