You're obviously way ahead of the PD, Crain's, Scene ... or anybody else.

 

Thanks, but I'm not doing much. It's not like I'm trying to get quotes from the developers, feedback from stakeholders, and other information to fill out a decent article. That takes quite a bit more time. Been there, done that many times over 20 years.

I generally love it.  It's good to see, in so many instances, local officials and developers finally embrace the rail system for TOD... However, a couple criticisms is that 1. I wish the building followed the curving contour of Van Aken so that portions of the building would not be so far set back behind widening lawns and, with that, 2. I wish there was ground level retail in the bulding.  Just because the current retail at that location is a failure, doesn't mean that modern, attractive spaces at the base of a high-end apartment building, wouldn't succeed... In fact, the opposite would likely be true.

 

Really, do you have some studies to back this up?

I generally love it.  It's good to see, in so many instances, local officials and developers finally embrace the rail system for TOD... However, a couple criticisms is that 1. I wish the building followed the curving contour of Van Aken so that portions of the building would not be so far set back behind widening lawns and, with that, 2. I wish there was ground level retail in the bulding.  Just because the current retail at that location is a failure, doesn't mean that modern, attractive spaces at the base of a high-end apartment building, wouldn't succeed... In fact, the opposite would likely be true.

 

Really, do you have some studies to back this up?

 

Also I believe that there are a few open retail spots within Shaker Square itself. 

 

Also I believe that there are a few open retail spots within Shaker Square itself. 

 

 

The Shaker-to-Drexmore retail strip along Van Aken is currently a group of 1-floor businesses on the backside of Shaker Square... The proposed development there calls for high-end apartments likely creating significant foot traffic from working-professional residents... big difference.

Also I believe that there are a few open retail spots within Shaker Square itself. 

 

 

The Shaker-to-Drexmore retail strip along Van Aken is currently a group of 1-floor businesses on the backside of Shaker Square... The proposed development there calls for high-end apartments likely creating significant foot traffic from working-professional residents... big difference.

 

While I agree it is usually best to provide some retail at the base of a building it isn't like the immediate area is devoid of retail.  I think that unless there is actual demand/shortage for retail in the area then it doesn't need to be built.  I wouldn't want that retail to sit as empty as the current stores even if it looks nicer.  In fact due to higher rents, as it will be new and modern, that might just be the case.  There is demand for more housing, especially the high quality townhome/apt. style that is proposed.

 

Also, per the renderings (as always take with large doses of salt) it appears that the plan is to create a plaza at the corner of Van Aken and Shaker.  This hopefully will better integrate the new building with those existing at SS. 

^I'm just happy to see substantial, high quality, multi-unit development at that location -- retail or not.  It's been such an eyesore for so long and in one of Cleveland's showpiece, model TOD neighborhoods.

 

btw, even though KJP posted this 3 days ago, I still have yet to see any story about it in the PD, Crain's or elsewhere, despite Google searches.  Any reason for this?  Is it too speculative?  Just curious.  That's unusual for a project of this magnitude in such a high-profile area, especially given the problems that the PD widely reported along Drexmore west of there.  Michelle, among others, is usually all over this with comprehensive reporting.

^I'm just happy to see substantial, high quality, multi-unit development at that location -- retail or not.  It's been such an eyesore for so long and in one of Cleveland's showpiece, model TOD neighborhoods.

 

btw, even though KJP posted this 3 days ago, I still have yet to see any story about it in the PD, Crain's or elsewhere, despite Google searches.  Any reason for this?  Is it too speculative?  Just curious.  That's unusual for a project of this magnitude in such a high-profile area, especially given the problems that the PD widely reported along Drexmore west of there.  Michelle, among others, is usually all over this with comprehensive reporting.

 

And who is proposing this?  Certainly not Coral....

^I'm just happy to see substantial, high quality, multi-unit development at that location -- retail or not.  It's been such an eyesore for so long and in one of Cleveland's showpiece, model TOD neighborhoods.

 

btw, even though KJP posted this 3 days ago, I still have yet to see any story about it in the PD, Crain's or elsewhere, despite Google searches.  Any reason for this?  Is it too speculative?  Just curious.  That's unusual for a project of this magnitude in such a high-profile area, especially given the problems that the PD widely reported along Drexmore west of there.  Michelle, among others, is usually all over this with comprehensive reporting.

 

Based on the remarkable detail in mjarboe[/member]'s nuCLEus article, I would guess that she's probably had her hands full the last few days if not last week or so.

 

BTW, the property owner is still listed as 2720 VAN AKEN BLVD,LLC. They've owned it since 2002 but listed it for sale for more than a year. I have been keeping an eye on this property since I first saw it listed for sale. There may be a conditional sale pending but publicly accessible websites won't list that information, including the potential buyer.

 

The man making the presentation today before the Landmarks Commission is Kevin Dreyfuss-Wells, an architect at RDL who focuses on green building projects. But that doesn't give any insight as to who the owner or developer is. So I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

^You're probably right... Michelle doesn't write articles unless they are comprehensive and thorough. She's the best at what she does.

Kevin Dreyfuss-Wells is the one that built a green home right around the corner on Ludlow a few years back. 

^I'm glad to see new projects picking up steam in this great area.

^I'm just happy to see substantial, high quality, multi-unit development at that location -- retail or not.  It's been such an eyesore for so long and in one of Cleveland's showpiece, model TOD neighborhoods.

 

btw, even though KJP posted this 3 days ago, I still have yet to see any story about it in the PD, Crain's or elsewhere, despite Google searches.  Any reason for this?  Is it too speculative?  Just curious.  That's unusual for a project of this magnitude in such a high-profile area, especially given the problems that the PD widely reported along Drexmore west of there.  Michelle, among others, is usually all over this with comprehensive reporting.

 

Based on the remarkable detail in mjarboe[/member]'s nuCLEus article, I would guess that she's probably had her hands full the last few days if not last week or so.

 

BTW, the property owner is still listed as 2720 VAN AKEN BLVD,LLC. They've owned it since 2002 but listed it for sale for more than a year. I have been keeping an eye on this property since I first saw it listed for sale. There may be a conditional sale pending but publicly accessible websites won't list that information, including the potential buyer.

 

The man making the presentation today before the Landmarks Commission is Kevin Dreyfuss-Wells, an architect at RDL who focuses on green building projects. But that doesn't give any insight as to who the owner or developer is. So I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

 

I was going to ask if we knew who the presenter was going to the city.  Additionally these "renderings" look very preliminary so I wonder if it is more just getting approval for the change to current zoning rather than a full blown plan.

 

In which case clvlndr[/member] we can still request/ask/beg for ground floor retail. :)

The presentation is listed only as a concept plan. Developers do this to check the temperature of the planning commission. If CPC likes it, we may soon see a property transfer.

I'm thrilled to see this.  The strip has been a drain on the Square for decades.  It was mostly occupied for a long time, but not stores up to the quality of those on the square.  I know it was constructed in 1939 and had a fire in 1949, I believe (there was a small fire on the parking lot side in the '90s), and that's when they added a parking lot on the roof.  No, I don't recall anything about one's parking there.  There was a chain supermarket there in the '70s - to be followed by two more food stores, each of lesser quality than the preceding.  Originally the strip was a boon to the area, with a popular restaurant on the south end with the cupola.

 

This looks like something that recognizes right across the street is magnificent Moreland Courts, and Shaker Courts across Van Aken ain't too shabby, either.  However, those condo owners didn't support the retail that has been there (though, truth be told, I have known Moreland Courts residents who have shopped at Goodwill....).  Should there be retail on the first floor of the new apartments?  Probably, as long as there's intensive screening, as there's supposed to be on the Square. Actually, the Square doesn't have as good a mix as it used to - lots of food-related establishments but not too much else (yes, I know there's the theater, the Cleveland-themed store, the cell phone store, etc.).  Perhaps Van Aken could add to the mix (e.g. books, music, housewares, gift ware, menswear, bakery, even antiques). It used to have these and a lot more.

 

^Retail at this location wasn't always low-end.  There was once a Franklin Simon (quality women's clothier) outlet where Goodwill is today until, I believe, the 1970s.

The neighborhood was very different then. These new apartments will hopefully change it for the better. As I've posted many times, my experience in touring the surrounding apartments is that this area needs a lot of renovated/updated housing.

No question.  I just wanted to remind some of those younger bucks -- not lafont necessarily -- that the Shaker Square they are familiar with of the last 30 or so years wasn't always that way.  It was designed largely to cater to the foo-foo crowd who lived in places like Moreland Courts -- esp back when they were just expensive apts -- South Park Drive and the like.  And the now seedy (wig salon, cheesy Chinese food joint) and mostly abandoned storefront strip in question was largely a part of that.

How dare you speak ill of Jackie Chen's  :-o They have the BEST FRIED RICE!

 

That Goodwill is annoying. Too many professionals that snatch up all the good stuff, the second it hits the floor.

 

Why isn't there a Larchmere development thread? Larchmere is essentially the new Shaker Square. There's so much going on over there, lately. They have a bunch of new restaurants this year and even Big Al's location got a face-lift and looks really cool.

No question.  I just wanted to remind some of those younger bucks -- not lafont necessarily -- that the Shaker Square they are familiar with of the last 30 or so years wasn't always that way.  It was designed largely to cater to the foo-foo crowd who lived in places like Moreland Courts -- esp back when they were just expensive apts -- South Park Drive and the like.  And the now seedy (wig salon, cheesy Chinese food joint) and mostly abandoned storefront strip in question was largely a part of that.

 

No one in Shaker seems to actually go to Shaker Square. Maybe for the farmer's market; that's about it. It doesn't even seem as though Shaker parents allow their teen age kids to hang out or take the rapid there. I know it's technically in Cleveland but it's closer to a lot of Shakerites than the shopping centers on Chagrin are.

How dare you speak ill of Jackie Chen's  :-o They have the BEST FRIED RICE!

 

Hahahaha!  You got me; never tried it.

It's a standard dirty old Chinese place but their fried rice is surprisingly amazing and overall isn't bad at all if you're like me and don't like spending more than $7 for lunch, eating out.

 

There's some other gems around there, too. Sasa is good. Although I have a Japanese first and last name and a Japanese grandpa who I spent a lot of time around, as a kid, I can't understand 3/4ths of the menu but everything I've tried was really good. They're actually known for their fries probably more than anything though, lol!

 

Senor Tequila is pretty good. Fire is over there. Definitely a lot of good dinner options before seeing a movie a few doors down.

 

I'm honestly surprised that CVS is still there. It's never busy at all when I go in there. It seems like a giant waste of space for them. It's nothing like the CVS in Cleveland Heights on Lee Rd. That location has lines at 1 in the morning.

 

Did you guys hear about the owner of Zanzibar getting shot (apparently for no reason) walking out of the restaurant?

 

Another random thought: You guys should check out Poisonberry on Larchmere for Sunday Brunch. They rent out the space to these guys that make really good vegan, Japanese brunch. Whoever the chef is, is going to be making a name for himself really soon. I'm not even vegan or vegetarian but it was some of the best food I've ever had.

Regarding Zanzibar's owner, see: https://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,4065.msg860074.html#msg860074

Kevin Dreyfuss-Wells is the one that built a green home right around the corner on Ludlow a few years back. 

  And his wife, Kyle, has a prominent position with NEORSD.

 

No question.  I just wanted to remind some of those younger bucks -- not lafont necessarily -- that the Shaker Square they are familiar with of the last 30 or so years wasn't always that way.  It was designed largely to cater to the foo-foo crowd who lived in places like Moreland Courts -- esp back when they were just expensive apts -- South Park Drive and the like.  And the now seedy (wig salon, cheesy Chinese food joint) and mostly abandoned storefront strip in question was largely a part of that.

 

No one in Shaker seems to actually go to Shaker Square. Maybe for the farmer's market; that's about it. It doesn't even seem as though Shaker parents allow their teen age kids to hang out or take the rapid there. I know it's technically in Cleveland but it's closer to a lot of Shakerites than the shopping centers on Chagrin are.

 

Me and all of my neighbors are regulars at Edwin's, and also regularly patronize Fire, Sasa and other restaurants there.  I think many parent have mixed feelings about their kids going there unattended as there has been issues with crime, especially after hours (why YOURS TRUELY started closing much earlier a while back, as their employees were being robbed regularly while leaving work).  The CVS space used to be a Joseph Beths bookstore before it moved to Legacy and closed there.  I hated seeing it change to a CVS, but it is useful for many. 

 

     

Ooooooh. I was wondering why they ALWAYS have an armed guard in there. That makes sense. Those rent-a-cops (if they're real cops) are really expensive but a nice amenity. I wonder if Coral agreed to pay for that after a threat to move from the space.  :-D

 

Servers get robbed all the time, leaving work. Even in places like Legacy Village. They're obvious targets; they wear all black and some are dumb enough to leave the back of a restaurant with an apron on when the world knows for a fact that they have a giant wad of cash in their pocket.

 

The food at Yours Truly, sucks. I never understood why so many people are loyal to that place.

David, I think you're being a little hard on Yours Truly's food.  It's not that bad; and depending on what you get (I recently had 2 eggs over easy, sausage and home fries) it can actually be pretty good.  I've also had some very good blueberry pancakes there as well as lamb chops.  And their coffee is usually quite good and the squeeze their own OJ).. They do always have kids as waiters/waitresses -- some seemingly in HS.  Sometimes this can lead to some experience-wise problems, but it's such a fun, family friendly environment -- with a beautiful space with big windows at Shaker Square, you have to love them, even with their sometimes flaws -- we do, at least.

 

EDWINS; I'm a huge admirer of Brandon Chrotowski and his mission, which is unique and uplifting... 1-on-1 he's also quite personable as well and he's really fixing up those rundown buildings at S. Moreland & Buckeye which are the dorms, fitness and learning center of EDWIN's "campus".  (and he's running for mayor!).. I also have met, and like Akin Africa who (who also owns Stonetown downtown)... I was very distressed to hear he was shot -- still trying to sort out the details as to whether it was a robbery (didn't seem like it) or the disgruntled fired employee (seems more likely).

 

I'm disappointed to hear crime has gotten so bad at the Square.  I noticed that Yours Truly seemed to be closing a bit earlier but was unaware their employees were being assaulted and/or robbed... SS used to have a private security force -- in fact, I thought they still did.  Why aren't they addressing this?  Also what is the Buckeye-Shaker Square Area Development Corporation doing to protect it's gem retail district?  This stuff shouldn't be happening...

 

Note: notice I didn't even mention Councilman Ken Johnson.  Trying to get that dude to do anything truly positive for the community is like trying to get water to flow uphill...

I'm disappointed to hear crime has gotten so bad at the Square.  I noticed that Yours Truly seemed to be closing a bit earlier but was unaware their employees were being assaulted and/or robbed... SS used to have a private security force -- in fact, I thought they still did.  Why aren't they addressing this?  Also what is the Buckeye-Shaker Square Area Development Corporation doing to protect it's gem retail district?  This stuff shouldn't be happening...

 

Note: notice I didn't even mention Councilman Ken Johnson.  Trying to get that dude to do anything truly positive for the community is like trying to get water to flow uphill...

 

Ken Johnson is quite possibly the laziest councilman in the history of councilman-ing. He is an absolute bum. But because he has people mow the yards of little old ladies while trucks with his face on it sit outside of their houses, they continue to vote for him. Johnson should've been voted out of a job years ago. No councilman irritates me more than his lazy ass. Sorry, lol

What's the future of Shaker Square? Free forum Tuesday at Shaker Library will tackle the question (photos)

By Steven Litt, The Plain Dealer

Posted on July 23, 2017 at 12:28 PM

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Shaker Square has been a vital, office and residential anchor on the city's East Side just shy of nine decades, with beloved restaurants and cafes, retail shops a movie theater and offices.

 

But is its future guaranteed? Can it hold its own now that new mixed-use developments are under construction at the Van Aken Center in Shaker Heights and Pinecrest in Orange Village?

 

And how will it fare in a city and a county that continue to lose population and jobs to outlying communities and other parts of the U.S.?

 

MORE:

http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/index.ssf/2017/07/whats_the_future_of_shaker_squ.html

Wish it were a tad better connected to Larchmere. Loganberry is by far the best bookstore in the region.

Sounds like an interesting discussion... Little disappointed the panel wasn't more diverse for, as Litt noted, it's an extremely diverse neighborhood -- perhaps the most in Cleveland.  There are no African American panelists.  It appears to be all white save, perhaps, Capt. Sotomayor who is likely Latino (wonder if he's related to the US Supreme Ct justice for whom I have supreme respect?).

Sounds like an interesting discussion... Little disappointed the panel wasn't more diverse for, as Litt noted, it's an extremely diverse neighborhood -- perhaps the most in Cleveland.  There are no African American panelists.  It appears to be all white save, perhaps, Capt. Sotomayor who is likely Latino (wonder if he's related to the US Supreme Ct justice for whom I have supreme respect?).

 

That happens a lot when it comes to planning, development, etc in Cleveland. That's a big problem

^I have mad respect for Steve Litt... I'm sure if he were picking the panel (and I personally know he didn't) it would be diverse.

From TPH2[/member]

A standing room only crowd spilling out into the hallway. I guess a lot of people care about Shaker Square https://t.co/tCYF9ZFgrJ

 

And...

 

Peter Rubin says Shaker Sq needs a "champion" like @zonemat was for Gordon Square, basically throwing shade at Ken Johnson.

^Wow, good to see...

 

TPH2 noted that Peter Rubin took a subtle shot Cleveland Councilman Ken Johnson, noting that Shaker Square (and Buckeye for that matter) needs a champion like Councilman Matt Zone is for Detroit-Shoreway... Absolutely correct.  I doubt Johnson's lazy arse even attended last night.

Don't want to sound like a broken record but I am no fan of Peter Rubin either.

Don't want to sound like a broken record but I am no fan of Peter Rubin either.

 

Yep.  A case of the pot calling the kettle black.

Good to hear there was such a good turnout.  I wasn't able to get out of work in time, but had my questions prepared to put Peter on the spot and everything.  Hopefully others were able to.   

An underused building adjacent to Shaker Square finally changed hands. It's the complex on the southeast corner stretching from Shaker to Drexmore at 2720 Van Aken Blvd.

 

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20180128/news/149996/paran-management-buys-former-franklin-simon-department-store-building

 

Paran Management buys former Franklin Simon department store building

Real estate developer and owner Joseph Shafran's Paran Management Co. didn't go far for his latest deal: the former Franklin Simon department store building next to Shaker Square. Paran's office, where it runs a shopping center and apartment ownership firm with holdings throughout Ohio, has been on the second story of the structure at 2720 Van Aken Blvd. since 2002.

…

Through an affiliate — Bonwit Teller LLC, recalling Franklin Simon's better-known rival in the high-end market — Shafran on Jan. 17 bought the properties for $796,000. The seller was 2720 Van Aken Blvd. LLC.

…

However, one concept is to demolish the single-story building between the 2720 Van Aken building and the CVS to add more than 100 market-rate apartments in a mid-rise building of as much as five stories. "We know it's very well built," Shafran said of the original store building, which dates from 1931. The CVS store dates from 1979. "It's already a landmarked building," Shafran said of the northernmost building, "and we are orthodox in how we handle historic properties."

 

 

If the address sounds familiar, there was a rough proposal last July made by the previous owners and Shaker CDC to help find a buyer. The above comments from Paran are encouraging since it actually keeps the northernmost part of the complex, instead of yet another corner plaza from the seller's proposal:

 

 

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/2017/07132017/index.php

 

What's next for aging Shaker Square? 'Thoughtful' planning for its second century

https://www.cleveland.com/expo/news/erry-2018/09/1010f3d89f7337/whats-next-for-aging-shaker-sq.html

The best point made in the article is that dumpsters shouldn't be located near pedestrian tunnels.  Otherwise it is oddly focused on "activating the greenspace" and what LAND Studios can bring to the table.  I feel like we've been down that road too many times. 

 

As for Buckeye being cut off, the tenants facing that direction are a grocery store and a movie theater.  Those never have rear entrances.  The approach from Larchmere is similar and nobody is claiming bias against Larchmere.  Approach via Moreland and it's fine.  Cut through the parking lots and you're cutting through parking lots.  The best way to help Buckeye would be to fix up the buildings on Buckeye.  It isn't Shaker Square's fault that Buckeye is a mess.

The only one oddly focused on "activating the greenspace" and LAND Studios is you.  LAND Studios is mentioned once, in reference to the fact that they are one of the organizations raising funds for planning for the square.  The phrase "activating the greenspace" is never used.  One mention is made of the fact that dense plantings might be preventing more "active" use of the space.  They also reference that the lawn portion in the middle of the square doesn't get used because it is separated by roads and rail lines.  The only other mention of the greenspace element of Shaker Square is that they are going to study the feasibility of moving the open space at the middle of the square to non-profit ownership that might be better endowed to maintain and use it.

 

Do you think these aren't valid issues to study in a plan for Shaker Square?  That the greenspace isn't a valuable asset for the Square to use in order to stay competitive? 

 

Does the term "greenspace" just trigger you somehow?

We're talking about revitalizing a commercial district.  Why would LAND be leading the way on that?  It's not their area, it makes no sense.  You listed three different greenspace issues the article brings up.  No other topic gets that kind of coverage.  No tenant incentives, no promotions, no improvements to the actual buildings.  Security issues are dealt with somewhat indirectly.

 

The only mention of the transit lines running through the center is negative.  Why?  Because the tracks interfere with the greenspace.  Programming and events are discussed as a negative too, because they're the only reason anyone ever uses the greenspace.  It's a commercial district!  Who cares how many people are sitting on the lawn for no reason.  We need people coming there to shop.

 

Our community has spent a ridiculous amount of money on greenspace in recent years.  Two Cleveland councilmen have gotten in trouble for it.  Joe Cimperman had to step down for funneling money directly to LAND Studios, and Ken Johnson was barred from this very process because he's been funneling money to his own family's mowing business-- federal money that was supposed to be used to fix up this distressed neighborhood. 

 

I'm triggered by corruption.  Wanna help Buckeye?  Then quit screwing around and help Buckeye.  Start with windows and paint.

Basic maintenance to what is already there would be a quick and easy way to improve the Square. Coral has done a terrible job at it, and switching over control of the exterior spaces could be a good solution to the problem. How things are now aren't bad, it's all just shabby and worn.

We're talking about revitalizing a commercial district.  Why would LAND be leading the way on that?  It's not their area, it makes no sense.  You listed three different greenspace issues the article brings up.  No other topic gets that kind of coverage.  No tenant incentives, no promotions, no improvements to the actual buildings.  Security issues are dealt with somewhat indirectly.

 

The only mention of the transit lines running through the center is negative.  Why?  Because the tracks interfere with the greenspace.  Programming and events are discussed as a negative too, because they're the only reason anyone ever uses the greenspace.  It's a commercial district!  Who cares how many people are sitting on the lawn for no reason.  We need people coming there to shop.

 

Our community has spent a ridiculous amount of money on greenspace in recent years.  Two Cleveland councilmen have gotten in trouble for it.  Joe Cimperman had to step down for funneling money directly to LAND Studios, and Ken Johnson was barred from this very process because he's been funneling money to his own family's mowing business-- federal money that was supposed to be used to fix up this distressed neighborhood. 

 

I'm triggered by corruption.  Wanna help Buckeye?  Then quit screwing around and help Buckeye.  Start with windows and paint.

 

 

Well stated. LAND Studio has no business to be involved in the historic Shaker Square.  Just look at Public Square as an example. A $32 million dollar budget rose to $50 million under their watch. Transit needs were an afterthought and now additional millions are needed to correct this.  Look at The Bike Box they had placed in front of CVS in Shaker Square and you will see how their aesthetics do not match the architectural history of the area.

@CuyaLandBank

29 Dec 2015

The #Sedlakbuilding on Larchmere is on its way to #redevelopment! http://blog.cuyahogalandbank.org/2015/12/cuyahoga-land-bank-delivers-sedlak-building-redevelopment/

 

@CuyaLandBank

16m16 minutes ago

It’s exciting to see progress being made in the development of this long vacant building into new housing units. #sedlakbuilding

 

We're talking about revitalizing a commercial district.  Why would LAND be leading the way on that?  It's not their area, it makes no sense.  You listed three different greenspace issues the article brings up.  No other topic gets that kind of coverage.  No tenant incentives, no promotions, no improvements to the actual buildings.  Security issues are dealt with somewhat indirectly.

 

The only mention of the transit lines running through the center is negative.  Why?  Because the tracks interfere with the greenspace.  Programming and events are discussed as a negative too, because they're the only reason anyone ever uses the greenspace.  It's a commercial district!  Who cares how many people are sitting on the lawn for no reason.  We need people coming there to shop.

 

Our community has spent a ridiculous amount of money on greenspace in recent years.  Two Cleveland councilmen have gotten in trouble for it.  Joe Cimperman had to step down for funneling money directly to LAND Studios, and Ken Johnson was barred from this very process because he's been funneling money to his own family's mowing business-- federal money that was supposed to be used to fix up this distressed neighborhood. 

 

I'm triggered by corruption.  Wanna help Buckeye?  Then quit screwing around and help Buckeye.  Start with windows and paint.

 

 

Well stated. LAND Studio has no business to be involved in the historic Shaker Square.  Just look at Public Square as an example. A $32 million dollar budget rose to $50 million under their watch. Transit needs were an afterthought and now additional millions are needed to correct this.  Look at The Bike Box they had placed in front of CVS in Shaker Square and you will see how their aesthetics do not match the architectural history of the area.

 

I got shot down on this forum for saying that Public Square was poorly executed. But I agree with your sentiments.

 

 

Unfortunately I'm sure one of the first aspects of the plan will be to tear out all of the beautiful mature trees and then plant saplings which will die. That seems to be the usual track we take with redoing any public space. I hope it can be different this time.

I hope that LAND Studio realizes the #1 component to Shaker Square is public transportation.  I don't hold much hope though since they were involved and instrumental in forgetting what Public Square was all about. They have done nothing to rectify the oversight and instead focus on adding unnecessary contemporary public art that they alone deem relevant to historic surroundings.   I agree with PoshSteve that the first thing they will do is remove the mature trees. It is unfortunate that urban designers remove what should remain.