February 2023 Newsletter

Newsletter

February 2023

Thank you for signing up to receive email communications from Shaker Square. We’re eager to share updates and news about everything happening on the Square.

This fall, the ownership team was busy building a strong support system for Shaker Square.

  • CRESCO Playhouse Square is now serving as the property manager and has been working hard to address the overwhelming maintenance and bookkeeping needs.
  • FASS Real Estate Services is the Square’s commercial brokerage firm. The team at FASS has completed a market study to help us determine the most successful types of tenants for Shaker Square.
  • At the recommendation of CRESCO Playhouse Square, we have added a maintenance person to our on-the-ground team. Our top priority has been to be responsive to the needs of our tenants, both inside and outside of their spaces.
  • We are contracting directly with Block by Block to provide improved services from our clean and safe ambassadors. Safety and security are top concerns for both tenants and residents at the Square

Holiday Recap
We were as disappointed as the rest of the community that the holiday lighting was not as impactful as we had hoped. Unfortunately, significant electrical issues did not allow for portions of the Square to be illuminated. CRESCO Playhouse Square is working on resolving those issues. Additionally, some of the lighting equipment was sadly stolen from the holiday display.

We were thrilled with the success of Burten, Bell, Carr’s Holiday Jam, held on December 16 on the Square, and we hope you were able to join us for the event. In addition, we’d like to thank the Shaker Square Alliance for donating festive wreaths to decorate the merchants’ storefronts.

Financial Update
Over the next five years, improvements to the Square are expected to cost over $10M. The good news is that immediate improvements can be made with the $5M raised from various sources. The priorities for these improvements include roof replacements, façade improvements, electrical and HVAC upgrades, lighting, parking lots, and awnings.

This month, you can expect to see an increase in our social media presence, and in early March we will launch a new website that showcases the Square’s unique impact on the community around it.

Thank you for your support and interest in the ongoing work at Shaker Square.

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Shaker Square sold to local non-profits; improvements planned while group mulls future - WKYC

News

Shaker Square sold to local non-profits; improvements planned while group mulls future - WKYC

Shaker Square, the historic retail center on Cleveland’s east side that has been in foreclosure limbo for over a year, is now officially under new ownership.

Community development non-profit Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, with its real estate subsidiary New Village Corporation and collaboration with Burten Bell Carr Development, has completed an $11 million purchase of the property, opening the way for maintenance improvements and keeping the historic landmark in local control.

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