14 hours ago, scg80 said:

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.

 

 

This is nice to hear from a SS resident.  I know Brandon lives behind the square so it would seem odd that he would do something to further destabilize what would affect his neighborhood in addition to negatively affecting the very Cleveland neighborhoods that his programs are designed to help.  If he was really following his mission, he wouldn't be talking about moving to greener pastures but instead expanding down Buckeye.    

 

Also, glad to hear they will be updating the landscaping.  It's been sad to see, ever since Peter Rubin of The Coral Company bought the Square, in an effort to spend as little as possible maintaining it, the 2 men and a rusty pickup truck maintaining the landscaping and doing things like trimming the dead tree suckers into bushes instead of actually removing or replacing the dead tree, or mulching with mounds of black mulch around the now entirely taken over by thistle, flower beds, and things of that sort.   sort.   

Edited October 17, 2024Oct 17 by willyboy

Edwin’s posted this on Instagram. This is honestly very odd. They say they want to help people but it looks like a tool to collect stories. https://www.instagram.com/p/DBPJD70JnVU/?igsh=MWw1MDJ2NWlsbDVhbA==
 

 https://shsqvictims.org/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZ-pXW5wYnjdqlFfoi0RO10A86kX5pUcgGh36y3S-loj3TkBAT2vpNwM6g_aem_ybo7bDGqxbJzpq-W3FKMKA

3 hours ago, coneflower said:

Edwin’s posted this on Instagram. This is honestly very odd. They say they want to help people but it looks like a tool to collect stories. https://www.instagram.com/p/DBPJD70JnVU/?igsh=MWw1MDJ2NWlsbDVhbA==
 

 https://shsqvictims.org/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZ-pXW5wYnjdqlFfoi0RO10A86kX5pUcgGh36y3S-loj3TkBAT2vpNwM6g_aem_ybo7bDGqxbJzpq-W3FKMKA

 

I was in shaker square earlier today and they had signs up for this, I was honestly pretty confused.

This whole thing seems like some sort of axe-grinding to me.

22 minutes ago, X said:

This whole thing seems like some sort of axe-grinding to me.

I'm thinking the same thing. It feels very petty and immature. Like others have said, the Square seems like it's on the upswing again. I've been a few times this year and it's been cleaner, had better lighting, and just felt like a better area than it has at any other point in the last decade. 

13 hours ago, coneflower said:

Edwin’s posted this on Instagram. This is honestly very odd. They say they want to help people but it looks like a tool to collect stories. https://www.instagram.com/p/DBPJD70JnVU/?igsh=MWw1MDJ2NWlsbDVhbA==
 

 https://shsqvictims.org/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZ-pXW5wYnjdqlFfoi0RO10A86kX5pUcgGh36y3S-loj3TkBAT2vpNwM6g_aem_ybo7bDGqxbJzpq-W3FKMKA

 

Keep in mind that Balaton's, once a fixture of the Square, has already moved on to Bainbridge.  While that could simply be the preference of the new generation, it didn't sound like that was the case.

 

 

26 minutes ago, E Rocc said:

 

Keep in mind that Balaton's, once a fixture of the Square, has already moved on to Bainbridge.  While that could simply be the preference of the new generation, it didn't sound like that was the case.

 

 

Instead of baseless speculation, you're welcome to peruse the 51 updates Balaton has posted over the years to their GoFundMe where they reiterate their reasons for leaving many times: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-clevelands-iconic-balaton-restaurant-going?modal=updates

 

Might also take note of their use of racist term "kong flu" and other dog-whistles in addition to the fact that they raised over $100K before dropping the news that they were using that money to relocate, I say good riddance to their departure.

Edwins owner is now saying there is no deal in place for their move.

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cleveland.com/community/2024/10/edwins-restaurateur-says-no-deals-in-the-offing-to-move-out-of-shaker-square-into-nighttown.html%3foutputType=amp

11 hours ago, scg80 said:

Edwins owner is now saying there is no deal in place for their move.

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cleveland.com/community/2024/10/edwins-restaurateur-says-no-deals-in-the-offing-to-move-out-of-shaker-square-into-nighttown.html%3foutputType=amp

 

I heard. He told the CDC the opposite and the CDC said he was meeting directly with CDC board members to make his case. To me, he's trying to use "safety" to get out his lease and if he can't, at least he's made a case about the need for more safety. And yes, more safety is always a good thing. But it's a case which seems dubious, based on an apparently improving safety situation.

Anyone have copies of the proposed changes at Shaker Square?

 

Quote

Along with creating a vibrant retail center, other plans for Shaker Square include decluttering the promenade area, creating bump outs and speed tables to slow down traffic, using lighting and public art to create a sense of safety and consolidating trash, according to the Vision Project.

 

There are also plans for outdoor seating, a pavilion with shade and a play area, a stage for events and a vendor zone.

 

Thursday's event included a walkthrough with four stations for the public to review proposed plans for the future of the square and provide feedback.

https://www.ideastream.org/community/2024-09-20/authenticity-is-shaker-squares-key-asset-new-owners-say-glow-up-will-restore-original-design

1 hour ago, Foraker said:

Anyone have copies of the proposed changes at Shaker Square?

 

https://www.ideastream.org/community/2024-09-20/authenticity-is-shaker-squares-key-asset-new-owners-say-glow-up-will-restore-original-design

 

I found the presentation—definitely an improvement over the current conditions.

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1DPZOlKNknU9KPbEpsHx2V2icQUuWqOiR

 

Quote

'Authenticity is Shaker Square's key asset.' New owners say glow-up will restore original design

 

...Shaker Square was built in 1929 and is the oldest shopping district in Ohio, according to Case Western University. The 168,000-square-foot octagonal-shaped building was originally planned as a traffic circle at the intersection of Shaker and Moreland boulevards with connection to the Shaker Rapid Transit. The circle was changed to an octagon to accommodate automobile parking.

 

I'm confused as to whether they actually intend on restoring Shaker Square into a traffic circle—the article mentions the original Moreland Circle design. Personally I think a "square-about" would utilize space more effectively while allowing for smooth traffic flow. I know this is a contentious debate, but I don't think the Square is very effective as a car-oriented shopping center. More housing + public/private parking garages to replace street parking might be a strategic move long-term.

 

Anyway, heres some photos of the "authentic" circle design and the (quite different) new proposal.

https://clevelandhistorical.org/items/show/428

 

September 2024 Presentation — Existing vs. Proposed

 

 

As a nearby resident who frequents Shaker Square, I think the improved connectivity including sidewalks into the center of the Square are a huge win. I like that the center-running lanes feel a little less like a highway, though they still take up quite a bit of real estate. I'm still optimistic about the changes to come.

Edited November 4, 2024Nov 4 by sonisharri

39 minutes ago, sonisharri said:

As a nearby resident who frequents Shaker Square, I think the improved connectivity including sidewalks into the center of the Square are a huge win. I like that the center-running lanes feel a little less like a highway, though they still take up quite a bit of real estate. I'm still optimistic about the changes to come.

Thank you for sharing that presentation.  I'm with you -- not overly excited about the changes, but I think they are positive easily-accomplishable changes, and so I'm optimistic that they will move the Square in the right direction.  This is probably a better course, incremental improvements over time, than more dramatic changes in the hope that such changes would suddenly (magically) revitalize the neighborhood.

... I'm torn between appreciating the realistic and attainable nature of the changes, and thinking that this isn't a significant enough change to bother doing. Without closing the road, I don't see this as making much of a difference in the daily activation of the square. Big difference from zero, which is the number of people using the square now, so it's not nothing, but it does feel more like a facelift than what was promised by the original proposal. 

 

And more gardens that won't be maintained.  

Having traffic still run through the square is not solving anything, it will still end up being a fast cut through for traffic. Is redirecting traffic around the square off the table? This would create the most vibrant square, especially with the integrated train line passing through like a European plaza.

24 minutes ago, scg80 said:

Having traffic still run through the square is not solving anything, it will still end up being a fast cut through for traffic. Is redirecting traffic around the square off the table? This would create the most vibrant square, especially with the integrated train line passing through like a European plaza.

I think it is dead. The campaign against it was very loud.

3 hours ago, scg80 said:

Having traffic still run through the square is not solving anything, it will still end up being a fast cut through for traffic. Is redirecting traffic around the square off the table? This would create the most vibrant square, especially with the integrated train line passing through like a European plaza.

It does look like they added some parallel parking on those through-the-square lanes, and pedestrian crossing bump-outs.  That's not much, but it's better than nothing.

Really need to improve the pedestrian crossings on the inward side of the square; I'll be happy if they follow through.

 

Also it looks like they might be introducing some parallel parking on the curved inside, and changing the head-in parking on the outside of the curve to parallel parking.  

5 hours ago, Ethan said:

... I'm torn between appreciating the realistic and attainable nature of the changes, and thinking that this isn't a significant enough change to bother doing. Without closing the road, I don't see this as making much of a difference in the daily activation of the square. Big difference from zero, which is the number of people using the square now, so it's not nothing, but it does feel more like a facelift than what was promised by the original proposal. 

 

Definitely reads like just a needed face lift per the full slide presentation - but we'll take it.  Sounds like this 1st lipstick phase needs to launch soon so that allocated funds can be drawn down quickly to reset the area for some interim neighborhood uses while it also then staged to catch a second looks from potential new owners and developers with the wherewithal to take it to the next level.

 

We appreciate the design teams’ frankness and clarity by identifying safety concerns (actual or perceived) that must first be addressed they summed up as dumpsters, dark passages, across a wide road to an empty spacer, desert island, no-man’s land…

 

Next Phase? Why not high-rise apartments and condos/coops appended behind/above each of the 4 squares that would feed the nearby growing appetite for close-in modern housing for Cleveland’s Eds and Meds giants. As the slides (page 22) say:  Rear lots are opportunities for on-site residential creation and Existing transit into Downtown supports Transit-Oriented Development

Why not here at here at of one of the nation’s first TODs which was unfortunately blunted by the 1929 crash and then followed by all the seemingly never-ending challenges that have accumulated there since. More Circle Square or Van Aken-type residences here.

 

If not, we will settle for a successful version of South Park’s SoDoSoPa and even their competing City Part of Town redo (aka Shi Tpa Town).

This! (at the very least revive the project for the corner of Shaker and VanAken):

 

 "Next Phase? Why not high-rise apartments and condos/coops appended behind/above each of the 4 squares that would feed the nearby growing appetite for close-in modern housing for Cleveland’s Eds and Meds giants."

 

More changes arriving at Shaker Square
By Ken Prendergast / November 9, 2024

 

While a large federal grant was awarded to improve existing conditions at Shaker Square in Cleveland, plans to make long-term changes that reenergize the 95-year-old square are advancing. The short- and long-term work on the square is based on the belief that this historic district can and should be a neighborhood gathering spot rather than try to compete as a regional retail draw.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2024/11/09/more-changes-arriving-at-shaker-square/

 

 

New Shaker Square apartments stir again
By Ken Prendergast / November 25, 2024

 

Development projects in Shaker Square and elsewhere in Greater Cleveland that have languished in recent years are showing signs of life again. That new energy is thanks in part to new state funding that was awarded to make their development sites ready for construction and renovation.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2024/11/25/new-shaker-square-apartments-stir-again/

^ Glad to see some movement in this location, although I hope the land doesn't sit vacant for too long.   On an historical note, the 1979 building at the south end, at left in the photo, replaced an earlier (also 1939?) building on the same footprint. The earlier building housed Clark's restaurant (part of a local chain with another in the Hanna Building on Playhouse Square) and later the Red Bull Inn.  That restaurant burned down in the late 1970s and was replaced by the present building which was a CVS pharmacy.  The north end of the one-story strip, at right, was once one of the first Heinen's grocery stores. 

2 hours ago, Quilliam said:

^ Glad to see some movement in this location, although I hope the land doesn't sit vacant for too long.   On an historical note, the 1979 building at the south end, at left in the photo, replaced an earlier (also 1939?) building on the same footprint. The earlier building housed Clark's restaurant (part of a local chain with another in the Hanna Building on Playhouse Square) and later the Red Bull Inn.  That restaurant burned down in the late 1970s and was replaced by the present building which was a CVS pharmacy.  The north end of the one-story strip, at right, was once one of the first Heinen's grocery stores. 

That's some great info. When I lived on the square there was a grocery called Market On the Square (I think). I wonder if that was once the Heinen's? I do remember there was a ramp to the roof parking. There was also an old Hough Bakery storefront in that stretch which still had the name on it but was no longer active.

On 11/25/2024 at 5:21 PM, KJP said:

 

New Shaker Square apartments stir again
By Ken Prendergast / November 25, 2024

 

Development projects in Shaker Square and elsewhere in Greater Cleveland that have languished in recent years are showing signs of life again. That new energy is thanks in part to new state funding that was awarded to make their development sites ready for construction and renovation.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2024/11/25/new-shaker-square-apartments-stir-again/

 

Demolition permits were submitted Dec. 19 for the Bonwit Teller site, 2720 Van Aken Blvd, by Sitetech of Grafton.

Coyoacan, a Mexican restaurant from the son of the owners of the famed Luchita’s will be opening in the former Balaton space.

 

https://coyoacanoh.com

Edwins move to the Nighttown space has been discussed in the Cleveland Heights thread but this piece by Ideastream has more info on the future of the soon-to-be vacant Shaker Square spaces: https://www.ideastream.org/community/2025-01-10/edwins-edwins-too-set-to-leave-shaker-square-for-former-nighttown-building

 

"He’s working with Cleveland Neighborhood Progress to sublet the spaces in Shaker Square. Chrostowski said he will continue paying rent on the former location until a new tenant is found."

Edited January 11Jan 11 by bikemail

I'm pretty confident about the future of Shaker Square. There are already (2?) new restaurants scheduled to open and Edwin's is a prime location for another; I'm pretty certain it will be getting busier here and not emptier.

 

The infrastructure work and building repairs have made a big difference as well.

 

I've been noticing some of the interior work at Coyoacan whenever I walk past and they've recently installed chandeliers. It's definitely going to be a nice spot and I'm planning to check it out as soon as I can.

I'd have to guess the rent at the renovated Nighttown location would be quite a bit higher than Shaker Square. I'd like to see how well he does there. Nighttown lasted forever because the owner of the restaurant also owned the building. With a new building owner, the rent costs will be high to justify the purchase of the building.

 

That end of Cedar Fairmount also remains unproven, compared to a stable Shaker Square. Unless a few actual stores/restaurants start opening up at the Ascent.

39 minutes ago, scg80 said:

I'd have to guess the rent at the renovated Nighttown location would be quite a bit higher than Shaker Square. I'd like to see how well he does there. Nighttown lasted forever because the owner of the restaurant also owned the building. With a new building owner, the rent costs will be high to justify the purchase of the building.

 

That end of Cedar Fairmount also remains unproven, compared to a stable Shaker Square. Unless a few actual stores/restaurants start opening up at the Ascent.

 

The rent may be high but he'll be combining two Edwin's locations into one space, and hosting multiple different concepts inside.

 

The flipside of that corner remaining "unproven" is that there may be less competition. The Shaker Square location competes with high end restaurants on Larchmere as well.

Edited January 12Jan 12 by sonisharri

Will Steve be selling the building Edwin’s is in? He’s been actively trying to bring back the corner of Buckeye and E.130th for years.

1 hour ago, Oldmanladyluck said:

Will Steve be selling the building Edwin’s is in? He’s been actively trying to bring back the corner of Buckeye and E.130th for years.

 

He's vacating his restaurants (Edwins, Edwins Too) only, which are in leased spaces on the square. 

Cross posting this critical discussion. I hope I can make it. 
 

Shaker Square Vision Party Thursday January 23

 

“All are welcome at the launch of the Shaker Square Vision Plan! Thank you to every neighbor, business owner, and supporter who gave ideas to CNP + Burten, Bell, Carr for the future of this important place 🧡

Jan. 23 event details: https://shakersquare.com/events/
 

“Join us at Atlas Cinemas for a fun-filled evening featuring free food and the unveiling of the final Shaker Square Vision Plan!

Get a close look at proposed retail strategies and public space improvements aimed at making Shaker Square a vibrant and thriving community hub for years to come.

5:30pm: Doors Open

6:00pm: Presentation

6:30pm: Reception”

 

On 1/15/2025 at 6:33 AM, Boomerang_Brian said:

Cross posting this critical discussion. I hope I can make it. 
 

Shaker Square Vision Party Thursday January 23

 

“All are welcome at the launch of the Shaker Square Vision Plan! Thank you to every neighbor, business owner, and supporter who gave ideas to CNP + Burten, Bell, Carr for the future of this important place 🧡

Jan. 23 event details: https://shakersquare.com/events/
 

“Join us at Atlas Cinemas for a fun-filled evening featuring free food and the unveiling of the final Shaker Square Vision Plan!

Get a close look at proposed retail strategies and public space improvements aimed at making Shaker Square a vibrant and thriving community hub for years to come.

5:30pm: Doors Open

6:00pm: Presentation

6:30pm: Reception”

 

Quick reminder that the Shaker Square vision party session is today, January 23,with the presentation starting at 6 PM.

Ooo, looks interesting. I'll be there (weather permitting).

On 1/15/2025 at 6:33 AM, Boomerang_Brian said:

Cross posting this critical discussion. I hope I can make it. 
 

Shaker Square Vision Party Thursday January 23

 

“All are welcome at the launch of the Shaker Square Vision Plan! Thank you to every neighbor, business owner, and supporter who gave ideas to CNP + Burten, Bell, Carr for the future of this important place 🧡

Jan. 23 event details: https://shakersquare.com/events/
 

“Join us at Atlas Cinemas for a fun-filled evening featuring free food and the unveiling of the final Shaker Square Vision Plan!

Get a close look at proposed retail strategies and public space improvements aimed at making Shaker Square a vibrant and thriving community hub for years to come.

5:30pm: Doors Open

6:00pm: Presentation

6:30pm: Reception”

 

I am going to this. If you’re there, come find me and say hello. I am 6’ tall, dark green sweater, light brown hair with a generous share of refined silver. See you there! Hey @TBideon @Keelung to Cuyahoga @brtshrcegr @PlanCleveland @sonisharri @GISguy

I'll make sure to wear the same thing, just to throw everyone off!

1 hour ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

I am going to this. If you’re there, come find me and say hello. I am 6’ tall, dark green sweater, light brown hair with a generous share of refined silver. See you there! Hey @TBideon @Keelung to Cuyahoga @brtshrcegr @PlanCleveland @sonisharri @GISguy

 

I would've tried to make it; unfortunately currently staying further out due to unforeseen circumstances 😐. Hope you can share with us!

Anyone able to get some pics of the proposals from last night? Or was it a purely informational session with a list of goals/options?

7 minutes ago, Geowizical said:

Anyone able to get some pics of the proposals from last night? Or was it a purely informational session with a list of goals/options?

 

Ideastream's write up included some pictures that I assume were from last night's presentation.

 

'New era' for Shaker Square promises programming, signage, housing to increase patronage Ideastream Public Media | By Zaria Johnson Published January 23, 2025

Thanks! Guess I need to check Ideastream more often lol - none of the other places I looked had photos

There's so much potential in Shaker Square and I feel it is moving in the right direction.  The biggest thing to me is just making people comfortable going again. The media seems very fixated on pointing on the crime in the square and it has not helped public perception at all. Bigger and more frequent public events that they are talking about should help to improve this.

I wasn't able to attend - damn - but can attest the crime problem and/or perception remains an enormous obstacle. Both my parents (mid 80s) and local friend (early 40s) all made comments about it when I mentioned attending, and they're as liberal and pro-Cleveland as it gets.

 

To be fair I get it too. Parking behind the theater when it's dark isn't the most welcoming experience, and all the outdoor events and short/long term tenants in the world won't matter with its lack of lighting and visible security patrols. Cameras mean nothing when someone is being harassed or worse while opening their car door.

2 hours ago, Luke_S said:

 

Ideastream's write up included some pictures that I assume were from last night's presentation.

 

'New era' for Shaker Square promises programming, signage, housing to increase patronage Ideastream Public Media | By Zaria Johnson Published January 23, 2025

I appreciate ideastream, they have pretty quality reporting and NO PAYWALL!!!

2 hours ago, TDi said:

There's so much potential in Shaker Square and I feel it is moving in the right direction.  The biggest thing to me is just making people comfortable going again. The media seems very fixated on pointing on the crime in the square and it has not helped public perception at all. Bigger and more frequent public events that they are talking about should help to improve this.

 

It certainly hasn't helped that Brandon was so vocal about and made it the main reason he was pulling out.  Yet he is "actively helping to pursue new tenants for his spaces" (recruiting new tenants to occupy spaces that he no longer wants to occupy due to a crime problem??  Good luck with that.)

 

I really loved having Yours Truly there, but I believe that was also a big reason they gave for leaving the Square.  Employees were being robbed as they left work, and they started closing very early too.        

Edited January 24Jan 24 by willyboy

16 minutes ago, willyboy said:

 

It certainly hasn't helped that Brandon was so vocal about and made it the main reason he was pulling out.  Yet he is "actively helping to pursue new tenants for his spaces" (recruiting new tenants to occupy spaces that he no longer wanted to occupy due to the crime problem??  Good luck with that.)

 

I really loved having Yours Truly there, but I believe that was also a big reason they gave for leaving the Square.  Employees were being robbed as they left work, and the started closing very early too.        

Yeah it was kind of confusing how all that was portrayed.  At first it was all about crime and then when he actually moved it was all about how he needed more space to expand the restaurants but is leaving the majority of his businesses around the square still. So which is it...I'm guessing a little of both but that's not how it was portrayed at first.

1 hour ago, TDi said:

Yeah it was kind of confusing how all that was portrayed.  At first it was all about crime and then when he actually moved it was all about how he needed more space to expand the restaurants but is leaving the majority of his businesses around the square still. So which is it...I'm guessing a little of both but that's not how it was portrayed at first.

It's almost like all his kerfuffle about crime was just an attempt to break his lease and not an honest reflection of the current state of Shaker Square 🤔

 

Shaker Square demolition to avail housing site
By Ken Prendergast / February 28, 2025

 

Although the demolition of an historic retail strip in Cleveland’s Shaker Square district was on Landmarks Commission’s docket, much of the panel’s discussion focused on what might follow the demolition. Ultimately, the commission unanimously approved razing the two-structured Van Aken Plaza located at 2742-2782 Van Aken Blvd. for a landscaped greenspace — for now.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2025/02/28/shaker-square-demolition-to-avail-housing-site/

1 minute ago, KJP said:

 

Shaker Square demolition to avail housing site
By Ken Prendergast / February 28, 2025

 

Although the demolition of an historic retail strip in Cleveland’s Shaker Square district was on Landmarks Commission’s docket, much of the panel’s discussion focused on what might follow the demolition. Ultimately, the commission unanimously approved razing the two-structured Van Aken Plaza located at 2742-2782 Van Aken Blvd. for a landscaped greenspace — for now.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2025/02/28/shaker-square-demolition-to-avail-housing-site/

HOLY SH*T

On 1/24/2025 at 2:13 PM, bikemail said:

It's almost like all his kerfuffle about crime was just an attempt to break his lease and not an honest reflection of the current state of Shaker Square 🤔

 

Crime in that area is sporadic so it seems like there's more than there is.  When there's a lot it makes the news.

 

But has been said, perception is everything.

Anticipating that a good discussion about an exciting development is about to go off on a criminal tangent....