January 18, 20232 yr 13 minutes ago, willyboy said: Deweys Coffee on the square has closed. You mean Biggby; Dewey's closed years ago. Apparently BBC is interested in bringing in a more Dewey-esque coffee shop rather than something the Starbucks-lite Biggby
January 20, 20232 yr On 1/18/2023 at 4:46 PM, bikemail said: You mean Biggby; Dewey's closed years ago. Apparently BBC is interested in bringing in a more Dewey-esque coffee shop rather than something the Starbucks-lite Biggby yup, meant Biggby.
March 15, 20232 yr "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 21, 20232 yr On 1/24/2021 at 1:50 PM, tykaps said: Article on the renovation of 2804 South Moreland Blvd: https://www.thelandcle.org/stories/shakertown-apartment-building-makeover-starting-to-take-shape 23-unit historic building near Shaker Square gets total rehab from local owner, offers affordable rents https://thelandcle.org/stories/23-unit-historic-building-near-shaker-square-gets-total-rehab-from-local-owner-offers-affordable-rents/
May 12, 20232 yr A lot of interesting tidbits in Steven Litt's new piece for cleveland.com, but this one stood out the most to me: Quote As for adding more housing, success may depend on developer Joe Shafran, who owns a major property behind the square’s southeast quadrant, with frontage along Van Aken Boulevard. Shafran bought the property, which includes a double-deck parking garage, surface parking, and a vacant retail strip, in 2018 for $800,000. He announced plans to build a new apartment tower but didn’t follow through. Now he’s offering to sell the property for an unspecified price. Menesse said it will be hard to come up with a transformative vision without the Shafran property, but she declined to comment on whether CNP would consider buying it.
May 12, 20232 yr 26 minutes ago, bikemail said: A lot of interesting tidbits in Steven Litt's new piece for cleveland.com, but this one stood out the most to me: I found this section interesting; Quote In November that year [2019], a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving, a crowd gathered at the square with a bullhorn and signs to protest the core recommendation of the earlier plan: closing Shaker Boulevard’s east- and westbound lanes, which bisect the square, and routing through traffic around its perimeter. Planners from the landscape architecture firm of Hargreaves Associates, now Hargreaves Jones, had argued that closing the lanes was the best way to improve the square’s public spaces and help make it profitable. But business owners said the proposal would cause gridlock and confusion, and make it harder for customers to reach their front doors. The Square basically functions like a traffic circle, right? I don't understand how interrupting the flow around the circle to allow the thru traffic on Shake Blvd would cause gridlock or confusion... I would also think removing the central sections of Shaker Blvd would make it safer for pedestrians to navigate, especially during events in the central square. Which, speaking of, you would have 2 larger green spaces to work with instead of 4 smaller ones giving you more flexibility with what you can do there.
May 12, 20232 yr Building off what I was saying above, Litt included this mockup of a central Square redesign I really like this design as it alludes to what I think should be the other area of focus of the Square's redesign. Litt talks about BBC's successful efforts to revitalize Larchmere just to the north and how they are now turning their attention to the Buckeye Rd business corridor just to the south. The multi-use trail would create a north-south connection between these three areas. Ideally the trail would connect to the Shaker Parklands.
May 12, 20232 yr 7 hours ago, Luke_S said: I found this section interesting; The Square basically functions like a traffic circle, right? I don't understand how interrupting the flow around the circle to allow the thru traffic on Shake Blvd would cause gridlock or confusion... I would also think removing the central sections of Shaker Blvd would make it safer for pedestrians to navigate, especially during events in the central square. Which, speaking of, you would have 2 larger green spaces to work with instead of 4 smaller ones giving you more flexibility with what you can do there. Car brain is a hellavu drug. Removing Shaker Blvd would unequivocally make Shaker Square better. When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
May 13, 20232 yr Closing shaker boulevard would basically be the equivalent of what happened with Public Square. Shaker Boulevard closing is like Superior closing to car traffic and substitute the bus only traffic with rail. We all adjusted to Downtown traffic flowing around the square, this is considerably less traffic so they could do the same here.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
June 6, 20232 yr CNP and Burten Bell Carr are looking for experienced urban design & retail professionals to develop a long-term plan for Shaker_Square. Our goal is to build on progress made in 2019 & hear from the community about its vision for the Square. View the RFQ: http://ow.ly/uVFy50OFUHA "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
June 6, 20232 yr 11 hours ago, KJP said: CNP and Burten Bell Carr are looking for experienced urban design & retail professionals to develop a long-term plan for Shaker_Square. Our goal is to build on progress made in 2019 & hear from the community about its vision for the Square. View the RFQ: http://ow.ly/uVFy50OFUHA Is there any reason not to be cynical about this? On the surface it just sounds like another master plan to add to the pile
June 6, 20232 yr On 5/12/2023 at 11:13 AM, Luke_S said: Building off what I was saying above, Litt included this mockup of a central Square redesign I really like this design as it alludes to what I think should be the other area of focus of the Square's redesign. Litt talks about BBC's successful efforts to revitalize Larchmere just to the north and how they are now turning their attention to the Buckeye Rd business corridor just to the south. The multi-use trail would create a north-south connection between these three areas. Ideally the trail would connect to the Shaker Parklands. I didn't see design before. This is awesome! Why would this hurt anything? This is basically what downtown Medina has and their shopping/restaurants are thriving. If car-centric Medina can do it, why not Shaker Square?
June 6, 20232 yr 20 minutes ago, bikemail said: Is there any reason not to be cynical about this? On the surface it just sounds like another master plan to add to the pile From the report it sounds like the previous effort to put a comprehensive plan together stopped midway due to the downturn. Personally, I think its the next logical step for Burton since they're trying to bring in a development partner / offload the Square completely. Having a master plan should at least help hold whoever inherits it accountable. Edited June 6, 20232 yr by ASP1984
October 5, 20231 yr On 5/12/2023 at 10:21 AM, bikemail said: A lot of interesting tidbits in Steven Litt's new piece for cleveland.com, but this one stood out the most to me: @KJPfyi at today's Shaker Square Alliance meeting there were rumblings that Lionheart Capital is exploring buying Shafran's property on Van Aken Blvd
October 5, 20231 yr 4 minutes ago, bikemail said: @KJPfyi at today's Shaker Square Alliance meeting there were rumblings that Lionheart Capital is exploring buying Shafran's property on Van Aken Blvd Thanks! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
October 5, 20231 yr 4 hours ago, KJP said: Thanks! Im looking foward to to the Square's revitalisation. With retirement coming up un February, Im seriously considering moving back to the area-Shaker Square to be precise.
October 5, 20231 yr 44 minutes ago, B767PILOT said: Im looking foward to to the Square's revitalisation. With retirement coming up un February, Im seriously considering moving back to the area-Shaker Square to be precise. Any chance you'll use your CFII and do some instructing in retirement?
October 5, 20231 yr 1 hour ago, Cleburger said: Any chance you'll use your CFII and do some instructing in retirement? Actually might be doing some Part 135 flying....
February 16, 20241 yr Shaker Square’s rescuers ready to pivot from urgent repairs to pursuing new vision for a Cleveland landmark Feb. 16, 2024 By Steven Litt, cleveland.com The work so far has included replacing flat roofs that account for 85% of the total roof area at the square and replacing 60 of the 120 rooftop heating, ventilating and cooling units. Contractors have replaced some of the square’s rotting woodwork and will continue that work this spring and summer. They’ve fixed a nasty sewage backup, doubled the intensity of street lighting, and repaved the square’s two large parking lots. ... CNP and BBC, working with the city and a 15-member neighborhood steering committee, have chosen the Boston-based firm of Agency Landscape + Planning to lead a new, nine-month, $250,000 planning effort for the square. Details on dates of meetings and events will be forthcoming at ShakerSquare.com. ... The vacant, 2.1-acre “Bonwit Teller” shopping strip, built along Van Aken Boulevard behind the square’s southeast side in 1939-40, appears to be headed for demolition this year. Clearing the site would remove an eyesore and open a path toward redevelopment, possibly with new apartments. https://www.cleveland.com/news/2024/02/shaker-squares-rescuers-ready-to-pivot-from-urgent-repairs-to-pursuing-new-vision-for-a-cleveland-landmark.html
February 16, 20241 yr That 'Bonwit Teller' shopping strip is going to be crucially important to turning shaker square around. New development should also include the surface lot - they'll have an opportunity to put structured parking in. The square is charming, but it is hindered by everything being one/two story - This gives them an opportunity to go as vertical as they can , put storefronts on van aiken and drexmore, and connect thru that diagonal hallway in the square. That would open the opportunity to develop the lots behind dave's
February 16, 20241 yr 2 minutes ago, Whipjacka said: That 'Bonwit Teller' shopping strip is going to be crucially important to turning shaker square around. New development should also include the surface lot - they'll have an opportunity to put structured parking in. The square is charming, but it is hindered by everything being one/two story - This gives them an opportunity to go as vertical as they can , put storefronts on van aiken and drexmore, and connect thru that diagonal hallway in the square. That would open the opportunity to develop the lots behind dave's Agree 100% with this. There was a good plan a few years ago that clearly didn't go anywhere.
February 16, 20241 yr 8 minutes ago, Whipjacka said: That 'Bonwit Teller' shopping strip is going to be crucially important to turning shaker square around. New development should also include the surface lot - they'll have an opportunity to put structured parking in. The square is charming, but it is hindered by everything being one/two story - This gives them an opportunity to go as vertical as they can , put storefronts on van aiken and drexmore, and connect thru that diagonal hallway in the square. That would open the opportunity to develop the lots behind dave's Agree, building structured parking to allow for development of the lots surrounding the Square would help, whether its more activity through retail or residential. They should also be looking at ways to bring the vitality of Larchmere south, and I think you do that through an improved pedestrian corridor down Moreland Blvd. Lastly, they need to unify the center of the Square as much as possible for programing and that means removing the central sections of Shaker Blvd. I didn't include the excerpts from the article, but there was a disappointing section about Brandon Chrostowski's past opposition to closing this section of Shaker Blvd.
February 16, 20241 yr This is how we improve Shaker Square - direct rapid rail access to University Circle and Cleveland Clinic. And (obviously) removing Shaker Blvd. When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
February 17, 20241 yr What's the building height limit for the Bonwit property? How high can something go? If the green or blue were routed towards UC, I'd have it run down Moreland to Kemper, already at ground level.
February 18, 20241 yr 23 hours ago, scg80 said: What's the building height limit for the Bonwit property? How high can something go? If the green or blue were routed towards UC, I'd have it run down Moreland to Kemper, already at ground level. I’m obsessed with grade separation, which would be easier with the routing I proposed. I understand that with American cost structures that’s extremely difficult. My other reason for choosing East 116th is political expediency - the whole project would be in City of Cleveland. Moreland and Kemper route takes it through Shaker Heights, adding another City government to deal with. (And a potentially obstinate one at that.) When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
February 18, 20241 yr I prefer the look and feel of trains being on the same grade as cars/pedestrians. It works on Shaker/Van Aken and I saw some great examples of it in Toronto.
February 18, 20241 yr 5 minutes ago, scg80 said: I prefer the look and feel of trains being on the same grade as cars/pedestrians. It works on Shaker/Van Aken and I saw some great examples of it in Toronto. Toronto is the poster child of why we should go for grade separation. Many of their streetcars are literally slower than walking. And we have our own issues to refer to here - the HealthLine is scheduled for 25 minutes from Public Square to University Circle. It takes 26 minutes to bike! Rapid transit really needs to be faster than other transit modes so that we can get an aggressive mode shift. And even with grade separation on my proposed routing, much of it would still be at grade. I just want to minimize grade crossings to keep it as fast as possible. When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
February 18, 20241 yr On 2/17/2024 at 5:11 PM, scg80 said: What's the building height limit for the Bonwit property? How high can something go? If the green or blue were routed towards UC, I'd have it run down Moreland to Kemper, already at ground level. It appears to be 115’.
February 19, 20241 yr One of the many things l love about Europe is the skinny trams running on surface streets. I never noticed that they were slow, just efficient. They are a perfect solution. No need for expensive rights of way. No need for bulky, in the way platforms. Sharing the right of way with cars is the best, most affordable AND easiest solution. It's been working on the crowded, cramped streets of Europe for a hundred years. The only reason we don't do it here is probably some combination of lawyers and scale, meaning we like to do grand in America, not quaint and workable.
February 21, 20241 yr On 2/18/2024 at 5:09 PM, Boomerang_Brian said: Toronto is the poster child of why we should go for grade separation. Many of their streetcars are literally slower than walking. And we have our own issues to refer to here - the HealthLine is scheduled for 25 minutes from Public Square to University Circle. It takes 26 minutes to bike! Rapid transit really needs to be faster than other transit modes so that we can get an aggressive mode shift. And even with grade separation on my proposed routing, much of it would still be at grade. I just want to minimize grade crossings to keep it as fast as possible. Yes, although the legend is that the signal prioritization never happened the way it was supposed to because a certain head of a large organization told a certain mayor that he didn't want to have to wait for the buses to cross Euclid. Neither of those people are around anymore, I should note.
February 21, 20241 yr 5 hours ago, X said: Yes, although the legend is that the signal prioritization never happened the way it was supposed to because a certain head of a large organization told a certain mayor that he didn't want to have to wait for the buses to cross Euclid. Neither of those people are around anymore, I should note. I heard that too. I'm sure there are others within that organization who think that way now. Maybe it should have been a condition for finishing the OC. At this point, little to no leverage. Perhaps not even then.
February 21, 20241 yr 5 hours ago, X said: Yes, although the legend is that the signal prioritization never happened the way it was supposed to because a certain head of a large organization told a certain mayor that he didn't want to have to wait for the buses to cross Euclid. Neither of those people are around anymore, I should note. I don’t know what large organization and I can think of a whole bunch of possibilities. Anyway, I’d like that to be pushed again because the a health line run time is WAY too long. Shaker Square deserves better transit. So many jobs within 3 miles, but only having one bus with 30 minute headways prevents it from capitalizing on that proximity. When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
February 21, 20241 yr 7 minutes ago, Boomerang_Brian said: I don’t know what large organization and I can think of a whole bunch of possibilities. Anyway, I’d like that to be pushed again because the a health line run time is WAY too long. Shaker Square deserves better transit. So many jobs within 3 miles, but only having one bus with 30 minute headways prevents it from capitalizing on that proximity. The initials are CCF. But don't both the blue and green lines pass through Shaker Square? They used to. Edited February 21, 20241 yr by E Rocc
February 21, 20241 yr He's referring to Shaker Square's direct transit linkage with the fourth-largest job center in the state and potentially the fastest growing. The fact that UC has only one rail line, and it merely skirts the edges of UC, is a problem that a responsible region would address forthwith. While it's difficult to offer a guarantee about the future, I'm pretty certain that Shaker Square would see a boost if it were directly linked to UC by rail. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 21, 20241 yr 4 hours ago, KJP said: He's referring to Shaker Square's direct transit linkage with the fourth-largest job center in the state and potentially the fastest growing. The fact that UC has only one rail line, and it merely skirts the edges of UC, is a problem that a responsible region would address forthwith. While it's difficult to offer a guarantee about the future, I'm pretty certain that Shaker Square would see a boost if it were directly linked to UC by rail. Very true, but the issue here isn't SS's linkage, it's CC's.
February 21, 20241 yr 3 hours ago, E Rocc said: Very true, but the issue here isn't SS's linkage, it's CC's. Agreed. And I would emphasize CC in the CC thread. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
June 6, 20241 yr Whaddya think Shaker Square should have? "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 8, 2024Jul 8 A quick update, would be nice to see this building reactivated. Boarded-up Shaker Square apartment could get new owner, landlord says by Nick Castele July 8, 2024 Cleveland City Hall has been in housing court for a year trying to wrest control of the building at 2962 S. Moreland Blvd. from the local investor who owns it. ... Housing Court Administrative Judge W. Moná Scott gave the city the go-ahead in February to bring in a receiver to take possession of the property and clean it up. Then the building’s owner – a company called Nesvest LLC – proposed an alternative. Nesvest’s lawyer told a housing court magistrate in June that the company had lined up a buyer who would fix up the dilapidated building. https://signalcleveland.org/boarded-up-shaker-square-apartment-could-get-new-owner-landlord-says/
July 17, 2024Jul 17 Dave’s at Shaker Square set for an upgrade by Anastazia Vanisko and Cleveland Documenters July 16, 2024 Dave’s Market in Shaker Square is set to receive a $250,000 forgivable loan from the City of Cleveland. City Council passed legislation approving the funds for improvements to the store on July 10. In a committee meeting discussing the proposal, Tania Menesse, president and CEO of Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP), emphasized to council members the loan’s importance for keeping Dave’s Market in the Shaker Square district. David Saltzman, the vice president of Operations, Finance and Strategy for Dave’s Supermarkets, said their lease at Shaker Square ends in December, but they have agreed to renew through 2029. Saltzman said the loan would fund improvements such as replacing the flooring, upgrading signage and expanding the prepared food section. https://signalcleveland.org/daves-at-shaker-square-set-for-an-upgrade/
July 19, 2024Jul 19 On 7/16/2024 at 8:09 PM, Luke_S said: Dave’s at Shaker Square set for an upgrade by Anastazia Vanisko and Cleveland Documenters July 16, 2024 Dave’s Market in Shaker Square is set to receive a $250,000 forgivable loan from the City of Cleveland. City Council passed legislation approving the funds for improvements to the store on July 10. In a committee meeting discussing the proposal, Tania Menesse, president and CEO of Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP), emphasized to council members the loan’s importance for keeping Dave’s Market in the Shaker Square district. David Saltzman, the vice president of Operations, Finance and Strategy for Dave’s Supermarkets, said their lease at Shaker Square ends in December, but they have agreed to renew through 2029. Saltzman said the loan would fund improvements such as replacing the flooring, upgrading signage and expanding the prepared food section. https://signalcleveland.org/daves-at-shaker-square-set-for-an-upgrade/ Easily the worst Dave's Market from the overall condition standpoint. Hopefully this puts it in line with the modern Dave's look.
August 26, 2024Aug 26 Shaker Square sees $4.5M in updates, more planned By Ken Prendergast / August 26, 2024 Two years ago this month, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP) and Burten, Bell, Carr, Inc. (BBC) acquired Cleveland’s historic but faded Shaker Square mixed-use district. Today, the new owners outlined what they considered to be significant work and investment in making capital improvements to the property and carrying out a retail strategy to restore vibrancy to the square. MORE: https://neo-trans.blog/2024/08/26/shaker-square-sees-4-5m-in-updates-more-planned/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 26, 2024Aug 26 Sorely needed! Now if we could just get some new housing options in the neighborhood.
October 15, 2024Oct 15 Edwins leaving Shaker Square for ex-Nighttown By Ken Prendergast / October 15, 2024 Shaker Square mainstays Edwins Restaurant and Edwins Too on the other side of the square may not be staying put much longer. In fact, they could be headed for the former Nighttown restaurant location in Cleveland Heights to avoid what Edwins’ owner Brandon Chrostowski says is a worsening safety issue at Cleveland’s Shaker Square. MORE: https://neo-trans.blog/2024/10/15/edwins-leaving-shaker-square-for-ex-nighttown/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
October 16, 2024Oct 16 Losing Night Town was a significant loss for the live jazz scene - they regularly showcased artists with national/international reputations.
October 16, 2024Oct 16 Yet another suburb gain from a Cleveland loss. I'm frankly at my lowest point of optimism when it comes to the vitality of this city.
October 16, 2024Oct 16 33 minutes ago, AsDustinFoxWouldSay said: Yet another suburb gain from a Cleveland loss. I'm frankly at my lowest point of optimism when it comes to the vitality of this city. As most things in Cleveland things really need to hit rock bottom and then all have to admit we have a problem. Hopefully Bibb and Ronayne can engage national or international planner people to offer ideas on completely reimagining the entire square and parking lots footprint. No more tinkering on the edges - we need big thinkers on this one. After all this was one of the first TODs in the country built with late 1920's vision and now sorely needs a late 2020's TOD vision as it hits its 100th birthday in the next 5 years or so. Could there be any better timing? Edwins departure may actually move this discussion forward (plus Nightown is really close as the crow flies and we hope their next phase actually gains more success with their important mission at the Top of the Hill). Edited October 16, 2024Oct 16 by Willo
October 16, 2024Oct 16 37 minutes ago, AsDustinFoxWouldSay said: Yet another suburb gain from a Cleveland loss. I'm frankly at my lowest point of optimism when it comes to the vitality of this city. I think Shaker Square is honestly going the opposite way that most of the city's neighborhoods are. While things are undeniably really bad there, even just a block away on Larchmere we can see a ton of new reinvestment. Plus, there's tons of small businesses popping up all over the Near West Side for example. I think the trajectory for Cleveland's neighborhoods is still mostly good but I'm not sure why the city hasn't gotten more serious about saving Shaker Square. Losing Edwin's is a massive blow.
October 17, 2024Oct 17 As a resident of the Square for about 4 years now, I would say not much has changed, except a few new restaurants and the finished road resurfacing. Based on the article, I get the feeling that Edwins is leveraging for something other than improved security. Growing up in CH, the perception of the Square 20-30 years ago is the same as today. If security improvements are needed, working on improving and stabilizing the housing stock off Buckeye and South Moreland would be more beneficial to the community than more security cameras. This reinvestment of those surrounding neighborhoods were discussed at the recent community discussion, including more housing behind Dave's and CVS. Additionally I'm pretty sure it was discussed the 4th district would have a satellite office on or near the square. That said, the work that has been done so far on the storefronts should be commended. They took it back to the original details and the white makes it pop. I expect them to update the landscaping as well. It's worth a visit, especially after the new coffee shop opens and the Mexican brewery. I really see the square as on an upswing and will be a model neighborhood in the coming years.
October 17, 2024Oct 17 All of the above....im officially retired now and this is why im in process of relocation back to the Square. Plus the square footage of the condos is astounding. But losing Edwins would be a loss. Edwins was an attraction and we visit often
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