April 6, 20205 yr They claim to have been inspired by the townhomes on VanAken, but it seems more like a Days Inn or a La Quinta Inn to me. Awful.
April 6, 20205 yr Part of what makes those buildings so beautiful (particularly the South Shaker condos, which is one of my favorite structures in the neighborhood) is their symmetry. This building has none of it, which is probably my biggest problem with it.
April 6, 20205 yr It looks like every other retirement home built in the last 20 years. Nothing special.
October 13, 20204 yr Shaker Heights paves the way for concerted revitalization effort along Lee Road corridor https://www.cleveland.com/community/2020/10/shaker-heights-paving-the-way-for-a-concerted-revitalization-effort-on-lee-road-corridor.html SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Much like they did in the Van Aken District, city officials are getting their ducks in a row for a “visionary transportation and reinvestment plan” along Lee Road -- especially the commercial corridor south of Chagrin Boulevard. ... The action plan will provide detailed recommendations for transportation enhancements, such as: -- Traffic-calming measures and better-access plans, including pedestrian and bike amenities within the district and enhanced connections with surrounding neighborhoods and corridors -- Urban design and streetscape strategies to achieve a corridor transformation with both infrastructure and appearance When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
October 17, 20204 yr On 10/13/2020 at 9:09 AM, Boomerang_Brian said: Shaker Heights paves the way for concerted revitalization effort along Lee Road corridor https://www.cleveland.com/community/2020/10/shaker-heights-paving-the-way-for-a-concerted-revitalization-effort-on-lee-road-corridor.html SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Much like they did in the Van Aken District, city officials are getting their ducks in a row for a “visionary transportation and reinvestment plan” along Lee Road -- especially the commercial corridor south of Chagrin Boulevard. ... The action plan will provide detailed recommendations for transportation enhancements, such as: -- Traffic-calming measures and better-access plans, including pedestrian and bike amenities within the district and enhanced connections with surrounding neighborhoods and corridors -- Urban design and streetscape strategies to achieve a corridor transformation with both infrastructure and appearance If the current lane reduction for Lee road northbound by Van Aken is an indication of how traffic will be if lanes are eliminated permanently, I'm not convinced this will be as successful as they say it will be. Right now, traffic gets clogged back towards Lomond because of the one lane road and worse during rush hour.
January 13, 20214 yr "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 13, 20214 yr Great news! I'm glad to see the new Land Bank program off to a good start. We have some infill housing coming to South Euclid through them too. The article mentions a house going in on Lee. I wonder which lot it's going to be. From what I can see, there are only two city owned lots on Lee. One is just north of the court/police which is fill with some beautiful old trees, and the second is the NE corner with Shaker Blvd. If its the first, I'm sad to see the trees go. If its the second, I'm sad to see such a large lot with the - best transit access - be taken by just one SFH. I always thought that would be a great lot for townhomes.
February 22, 20214 yr According to Realtor.com, a developer is looking to build a 4 new homes in town. 1 on Lee and 3 on Chagrin. I love the price point (400k) more than the design
February 23, 20214 yr 23 hours ago, EricRx1 said: According to Realtor.com, a developer is looking to build a 4 new homes in town. 1 on Lee and 3 on Chagrin. I love the price point (400k) more than the design If I'm not mistaken, these are in partnership with the County Landbank's new program.
July 28, 20213 yr New developer, extended tax abatements on tap for Townhomes of Van Aken https://www.cleveland.com/community/2021/07/new-developer-extended-tax-abatements-on-tap-for-the-townhomes-of-van-aken.html Summary: Orleans bought the property from Marous, which built 12 units and has sat on the rest of the property for several years with no intention of finishing. Additional good info in the article beyond what is posted below. SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio -- In turning over the keys to a new developer on the stalled Townhomes of Van Aken project, City Council will also extend the 100 percent tax abatement period from 10 to 15 years. Shaker resident Ken Lurie, chief operating officer for The Orlean Company, attended Monday’s in-person council meeting (July 26) -- the first since the coronavirus statewide health emergency was declared in March 2020. “Staff has confidence in this project moving forward, as The Orlean Company has experience taking over struggling developments and pivoting to adjust to market conditions,” a memo to councilstated. When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
August 7, 20213 yr Construction is starting on the HarborChase center (see top of this page). All of the trees were cleared out about two weeks ago, and excavation began today. This is on corner of Van Aken and Winslow Ct, behind Shaker Town Center. I'm personally not super excited about this, as the setbacks don't fit in line with any of the other buildings on Van Aken. I suppose it's better than a huge vacant grassy lot though.
September 29, 20213 yr Shaker Heights City Council Votes To Support Dam Removal At Horseshoe Lake Jenny Hamel - Ideastream - Sep. 27, 2021 "The Shaker Heights City Council overwhelmingly passed a resolution Monday night that supports a proposal by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District to pay $28 million to remove the dam at Horseshoe Lake, restore the natural Doan Brook habitat, and replace the dam at Lower Lake. ... 'There is no question that Horseshoe Lake Dam is in active failure and beyond its useful life. This poses a very real threat to life safety, and it's incumbent upon us to act quickly so that life and safety are protected both in Shaker and downstream,' Weiss said. 'I'm often asked what keeps me up at night, and this has moved to the top of the list.'"
September 29, 20213 yr I'm surprised this passed so smoothly, because the opposition to the dam removal has been overwhelming. Everybody wants to feel like an environmentalist, standing out in fields, and taking pictures of furry animals but when push comes to shove and being an environmentalist means giving up a bit of faux nature, people aren't so keen. I'm also glad this passed so smoothly because the current flood risk based on all analysis is just catastrophic.
September 29, 20213 yr I haven't been there in a few years, but on Google Earth it looks like the lake has been drained for 2-3 years anyway.
September 29, 20213 yr Glad things were sensible. The park and nature will still be there, and for those who love dam infrastructure - we just got a brand new one for Green Lake.
September 30, 20213 yr 8 hours ago, LlamaLawyer said: I'm surprised this passed so smoothly, because the opposition to the dam removal has been overwhelming. Everybody wants to feel like an environmentalist, standing out in fields, and taking pictures of furry animals but when push comes to shove and being an environmentalist means giving up a bit of faux nature, people aren't so keen. I'm also glad this passed so smoothly because the current flood risk based on all analysis is just catastrophic. Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights jointly manage Horseshoe Lake. The opposition to dam removal is alive in well to the north. Cleveland Heights hired a consultant to confirm the cost of dam removal and repair, but with this vote from Shaker I think that Cleveland Heights ultimately will follow Shaker's lead.
June 3, 20223 yr Very cryptic description for next week's City Council meeting: https://shakeronline.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06082022-868?html=true Quote To discuss the purchase, sale or the development of real property where premature disclosure of information would give an unfair competitive or bargaining advantage to a person, or otherwise adversely affect the general public interest.
November 11, 20222 yr Anyone have more info? "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 11, 20222 yr 4 hours ago, KJP said: Anyone have more info? https://www.shakeronline.com/774/Lee-Road-Action-Plan#phase3 https://www.shakeronline.com/DocumentCenter/View/7862/Lee-Road-Action-Plan-Draft?bidId= https://www.shakeronline.com/DocumentCenter/View/7864/Lee-Action-Plan-Public-Meeting-3?bidId=
May 1, 20232 yr Posted in the GCRTA thread: Just now, KJP said: $208m Shaker Rapid rebuild down the line By Ken Prendergast / May 1, 2023 Starting next year and continuing until 2028, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) plans to completely rebuild its two rail rapid transit lines in Shaker Heights, east of Cleveland’s Shaker Square. Called the Blue and Green lines, this would be their first major infrastructure rebuilding since 1980. But not everyone is on board with this $208.2 million initiative that is included in GCRTA’s proposed capital budget, scheduled to get a public hearing May 2. MORE: https://neo-trans.blog/2023/05/01/208m-shaker-rapid-rebuild-down-the-line/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 23, 20241 yr The old Larchmere Tavern appears to have some significant upgrades going on. Is this the previously announced cocktail bar or something else? Edited February 23, 20241 yr by scg80
February 23, 20241 yr 1 hour ago, scg80 said: The old Larchmere Tavern appears to have some significant upgrades going on. Is this the previously announced cocktail bar or something else? Scorpacciata Italian Restaurant (previously in Van Aken) is moving into that storefront.
February 23, 20241 yr 13 hours ago, brownsfan1226 said: Scorpacciata Italian Restaurant (previously in Van Aken) is moving into that storefront. Yeah we never heard another peep about that cocktail bar.
May 28, 20241 yr All GCRTA Blue Line stations in Shaker Heights to be rebuilt By Ken Prendergast / May 28, 2024 The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) needed $16 million from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to rebuild eight of its stations in Shaker Heights along the light-rail Blue Line. Not only did GCRTA get the full $16 million, it got the money it needed on the first try. That’s a big win considering the FTA received nearly $1.1 billion in requests nationwide for the $343 million in stations funding available this year. MORE: https://neo-trans.blog/2024/05/28/all-gcrta-blue-line-stations-in-shaker-heights-to-be-rebuilt/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 29, 20241 yr 20 hours ago, KJP said: All GCRTA Blue Line stations in Shaker Heights to be rebuilt By Ken Prendergast / May 28, 2024 The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) needed $16 million from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to rebuild eight of its stations in Shaker Heights along the light-rail Blue Line. Not only did GCRTA get the full $16 million, it got the money it needed on the first try. That’s a big win considering the FTA received nearly $1.1 billion in requests nationwide for the $343 million in stations funding available this year. MORE: https://neo-trans.blog/2024/05/28/all-gcrta-blue-line-stations-in-shaker-heights-to-be-rebuilt/ Exciting news. I always felt the other smaller stations were decaying in a way that reflects badly on RTA. Im also glad that the 79th St station is getting rebuilt soon because it was always depressing riding through it and it looked like a relic from the past. I am also interested in seeing the new Warrensville Station and how it will integrate into the Van Aken District.
May 29, 20241 yr Article updated with a quote from Mayor Weiss. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 29, 20241 yr Does anyone know what will happen to the current Shaker Middle School site when those grades move to Woodbury? Maybe available land for residential development?
May 29, 20241 yr 23 hours ago, KJP said: All GCRTA Blue Line stations in Shaker Heights to be rebuilt By Ken Prendergast / May 28, 2024 The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) needed $16 million from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to rebuild eight of its stations in Shaker Heights along the light-rail Blue Line. Not only did GCRTA get the full $16 million, it got the money it needed on the first try. That’s a big win considering the FTA received nearly $1.1 billion in requests nationwide for the $343 million in stations funding available this year. MORE: https://neo-trans.blog/2024/05/28/all-gcrta-blue-line-stations-in-shaker-heights-to-be-rebuilt/ Where (and when) will the Warrensville station be moved?
May 29, 20241 yr 1 hour ago, Clefan14 said: Where (and when) will the Warrensville station be moved? Probably more accurate to call it a realignment since it's only moving about a few feet south and more sharply angled to the southeast... https://www.riderta.com/majorprojects/warrensvillevanaken "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 30, 20241 yr 6 hours ago, Clefan14 said: Does anyone know what will happen to the current Shaker Middle School site when those grades move to Woodbury? Maybe available land for residential development? From what I'm told, it's going to be demolished.
May 30, 20241 yr My hope is that it will be a site for a new rec center, pool, and other amenities. Then Thornton park is developed for residential/commercial.
May 31, 20241 yr On 5/29/2024 at 10:54 PM, scg80 said: My hope is that it will be a site for a new rec center, pool, and other amenities. Then Thornton park is developed for residential/commercial. Yes that is the plan. But that will be a while and likely 2 additional levies down the road (after passing the first of several needed last year and the next being for a new High School). Will Shaker actually reach a breaking point by then (my tax payment already well exceeds my mortgage payment)? There are enough famous people from Shaker, certainly they could pay for a nice new rec center that could be named after them? Edited May 31, 20241 yr by willyboy
May 31, 20241 yr As someone who desperately wants to move to shaker when kids are school age, the taxes burden is my only pause. Have there been any considerations of just making the current middle school site residential?
June 1, 20241 yr On 5/31/2024 at 1:25 PM, Clefan14 said: Have there been any considerations of just making the current middle school site residential? I have no idea what Shaker schools are thinking or whether they are coordinating with the city government. But, my understanding is that the state has tightly restricted what school districts can do with excess property. Before it can be sold on the open market it must be offered up to bids from charter schools, for example. I don't know all the details of the conditions under which a school district could profit from the sale of excess property, but it's not as simple as if a company owned the property and wanted to sell it.
January 12Jan 12 GCRTA to upgrade 22 Shaker Hts rail stations By Ken Prendergast / January 12, 2025 When the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s (GCRTA) new trains enter service in the next few years, they will be picking up and dropping off riders at more attractive and user-friendly stations in Shaker Heights. That’s due to a $2 million program to enhance station amenities at all 22 stations in this eastern suburb that was built around its two light-rail lines, the Blue and Green lines. MORE: https://neo-trans.blog/2025/01/12/gcrta-to-upgrade-22-shaker-hts-rail-stations/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 12Jan 12 Have there been an discussion on ways to activate the old tudor train stations at Coventry (Green line) and Farnsleigh (Blue line)? Both look great architecturally, but have been vacant for at least 10 years. It would be great if a small coffee shop or something went in there that catered to both RTA riders and others.
January 12Jan 12 ^ I'd love to see that. Believe it or not, up until sometime in the 1960s, the Coventry one was a Sohio gas station. The pump lane was parallel to the Shaker Blvd. westbound left lane, and right next to it.
January 12Jan 12 2 hours ago, Quilliam said: ^ I'd love to see that. Believe it or not, up until sometime in the 1960s, the Coventry one was a Sohio gas station. The pump lane was parallel to the Shaker Blvd. westbound left lane, and right next to it. TOG = Transit-Oriented Gas station ;) I'm all seriousness the cafe concept would be really cool. I've always loved how the Shaker Square station has a built-in diner.
March 16Mar 16 I’m not sure the best or most appropriate place to put this so hope this is okay. my family and I are looking to move to shaker between this summer and next. If anyone on the forum lives there and/or has anything helpful to share please message me. We’re hitting a bit of dead end with our current search and trying to do the right thing. Thank you!
March 20Mar 20 On 3/16/2025 at 7:10 PM, Clefan14 said: I’m not sure the best or most appropriate place to put this so hope this is okay. my family and I are looking to move to shaker between this summer and next. If anyone on the forum lives there and/or has anything helpful to share please message me. We’re hitting a bit of dead end with our current search and trying to do the right thing. Thank you! Your best bet is probably Facebook. Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights both have pretty active Facebook Groups with more than 5k active members and dozens of posts per day. They are great resources for questions about the city that will be answered by people who live there. The groups are listed as Private, so you will need to request to join before you're able to see the conversations in the groups.
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