Newsletter
October 2023
This Month at Shaker Square
Welcome to the latest addition of the Shaker Square Newsletter! In this issue, we’re thrilled to share exciting updates, stories, and insights that showcase the continued support and excitement in and around Shaker Square. Join us as we explore the latest developments, events, and initiatives that make our community thrive.
Shedding Light on Ongoing Capital Improvements
Walk around Shaker Square, and you will see many – but not all! – of the capital improvements that we already have underway.
You’ll notice many improvements to lighting around the Square. All lighting in the parking lots for Dave’s and CVS have been replaced with LED bulbs. We have also added additional light poles in those parking lots to increase brightness and security at night. We have also transitioned the lightbulbs in the historical lampposts to LED bulbs. Last, you’ll notice that the trees and gardens around Shaker Square have new uplighting, allowing them to show off at night.
In addition to the improved and new lighting in the Dave’s and CVS parking lots, we also laid new asphalt and painted new striping for parking spaces. All of this work looks and feels great. There are other improvements happening throughout the Square that you won’t always be able to see. For example:
- Flat roof repair and replacement – Our team has been working to repair and replace all of the flat roof sections of Shaker Square. We expect to wrap up this work in November.
- Masonry – Across the Square, we are investing in repairing brickwork and tuck pointing.
- Storefront repairs and updates – Before we can install new awnings in the Spring, we are making repairs to facades and carpentry. This work is happening now, all in preparation for a refreshed look with new awnings in 2024.
- HVAC – Among all the lessons we learned during the pandemic, one important one is that HVAC systems matter. And Shaker Square’s HVAC systems already had a long list of deferred maintenance issues. For both of those reasons, we will be replacing the HVAC systems throughout Shaker Square, and – to get this process started – we’ve begun placing orders for everything we’ll need to begin this process.
Celebrating One Year of Progress, and Making Plans for the Future
Thank you to everyone who came out on September 28 for the first fundraiser to support the future of Shaker Square. It was a great opportunity to share the investments made in the first year of new ownership in this historic anchor of the East Side. Those updates included planned investments in Shaker Square public spaces, including improved signage, updated landscaping, new murals and playscapes, and a stage – all of which is contemplated for 2024.
On top of those updates, guests at this event also heard about the initiatives underway in the surrounding neighborhoods. Those initiatives complement the work happening at Shaker Square, and though they require longer term, systemic changes, they will have a magnified and transformational impact for everyone.
It was wonderful to feel the excitement and positive energy in the room as plans were outlined to activate the Square on a near daily basis – not just for major events – and to develop a vision to position the Square for the next generation. This is all possible if the broader community stands with us to support the revitalization of Shaker Square!
Improvements You Can Feel: Investing in Safety and Security
Based on feedback from tenants, patrons, and other stakeholders, the Shaker Square ownership team and its leasing and property management partners FASS are making changes and investments to improve safety at and around Shaker Square. To that end, we are contracting with Safe Choice Security Service to provide patrol and safety services. These improvements will include a mobile unit and guards who will patrol the Square and escort employees and patrons to cars.
The Shaker Square leadership team also recently met with local police departments from the City of Cleveland, the city of Shaker Heights, and the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority to coordinate and improve security at and around Shaker Square. As we work with these partners, we hope to bring alignment to safety and security efforts in this historic commercial district that sits at the border of two cities and near multiple other police departments.
All of these changes and partnerships will improve safety and security at Shaker Square for you, for residents, for tenants, and for customers. We welcome your feedback as these changes are implemented, and we are committed to continuing to update you on these and future investments to the safety and security of Shaker Square.
Illuminating Shaker Square’s Future through a Community Visioning Process
Last month, we shared an update with you on the Community Visioning process that Burten, Bell, Carr Development Inc. (BBC) and Cleveland Neighborhood Progress started during the summer. They had released a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking urban design and retail professionals to work collaboratively with the community on visioning a future for Shaker Square. We are grateful for all of the responses from interested partners and the time and participation of our Advisory Committee members. There is so much interest in Shaker Square’s future – and everyone understands it must start by engaging the community and understanding their interests, hopes, and dreams for this neighborhood.
This process will build upon past planning efforts and engage community in propelling the historic Shaker Square shopping center into an even more vibrant future. In addition, the visioning process will position the Square for a new owner – not tomorrow, but farther in the future. It will provide a prospective buyer a blueprint for what the community would like to see at the Square and what is financially feasible from a merchandising and programming standpoint.
Community Visioning will likely be a year-long process, which we plan to start in 2024. We are currently fundraising for the planning process. This work is critically important because it is how we ensure resident and community voices get included in the future plans for Shaker Square.
Make a Gift to Support the Shaker Square Visioning Process Today
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
Tenant Spotlight: Atlas Cinemas
Atlas Cinemas’ roots in Shaker Square date back to 1937. Today, the cinema proudly remains locally owned and independently operated. Since its 2019 renovation, it has not only hosted movie-goers in Cleveland, but has also been a host of wonderful events such as the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival (GCUFF) and the Short. Sweet. Film Fest, providing a platform for Black independent filmmakers.
Atlas Cinemas is also a venue available for event rentals. Host a private movie screening of current releases, bring a DVD of your favorite film, or utilize the theater stage for events, gaming challenges, and more!
Learn more about event offerings and book your next movie night here!
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
November 4, 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!