Shaker Makeover
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Shaker Heights is steadily moving toward a new and revitalized future. Changes begun in the recent past are becoming increasingly visible. In early 2007, Mayor Judy Rawson provided an overview of the goals and achievements that most impact our community.
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Overview
Exciting changes are taking place throughout Shaker as we reinvent our cherished community, according to goals established in the Strategic Investment Plan. Thanks to the willingness of our residents to think long term, we have been able to direct precious resources to projects with significant and sustaining impact on Shaker.
Our wonderful community is looking and feeling more lively and energetic as our investments start to pay off. New revenues are beginning to flow that will ultimately help relieve the tax burden on each of us.
Our joint work has set Shaker on a course to remain vibrant and competitive for decades to come. As a City, as a team, as neighbors and friends, we have turned the corner and launched Shaker into its second century... healthy, fiscally secure and a vital force in northeast Ohio. Much of what you have helped plan will continue to roll out over the next decade, strengthening the City and its tax base.
The major steps our community has taken and the course we’ve laid out going forward are summarized in the following articles. These plans are in addition to the customary functions the City undertakes – from extraordinary safety forces and public works services, to recreation, inspection, health and financial management programs. We also continue as partners with the Shaker City Schools to actively promote our community and schools to both current and prospective residents.
As you review these major changes, a key point to note is that in the past five years, $83 million has been invested in Shaker that will generate $1.45 million in new property taxes. And this is just the beginning.
We pledge to continue moving forward, maintaining Shaker quality and character, while at the same time bringing exciting new projects to Shaker. As one of this country’s first planned communities, we are still planning... as we proudly approach our 2012 centennial.
I. Thinking Big: Transformation & Growth of the Warrensville-Van Aken District
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Transformation of the 60 acre commercial district at the Warrensville-Van Aken intersection is underway. Along with Robert Stark Enterprises, the City plans redevelopment of the district over the next 5-10 years. The vision includes creation of a district with residential, office, retail and recreation amenities and a transit hub for the eastern suburbs.
Additionally, University Hospitals moved 1000 employees to its new Management Services Center, the former OfficeMax headquarters. This facility will generate roughly $800,000 of income taxes to the City annually, to help replace revenues lost due to state reductions. Shaker’s strategic location between UH’s University Circle facility and its future Chagrin Highlands hospital makes it an ideal location for UH employees to call home.
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Other signs of activity in the area.
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The Fresh Market grocery store at Van Aken Center opened in January 2007.
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Cellular Technologies Limited (CTL), a rapidly growing biotech company expects to employ nearly 100 biotech professionals within 5 years.
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With UH and CTL planting roots in Shaker, other biotech businesses may see the advantages of locating here as well.
Play a part in Shaker's future:
Warrensville-Van Aken Redevelopment Project and its Transit Oriented Development
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The four components of the Shaker Town Center project:
Renovation of the shopping center. (right)
Public improvements to the area.
Avalon Station loft and condominiums.
Renovation of the buildings on the south side of Chagrin Blvd. (below)
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The south side buildings consist of individually owned one- and two-story commercial buildings used for retail and office space. The buildings are undergoing complete renovations following historic renovation design standards. The renovation includes restoration of both the front and rear facades of the structures. The completed project will create a more lively and welcoming district and neighborhood in which to live, work and shop with easy access by foot, bicycle, car, bus and rail.
Upon completion of the entire project, the combined private/public investment at Shaker Town Center will be $60 million.
II. Fun & Healthy Living
Thornton Park's grand reopening was on Memorial Day 2007. What was once the location of a swimming pool, ice rink and tennis courts, is now a full-fledged, multi-purpose park.
Among the amenities are:
- a walking path through the park,
- new tot pool and splash pad,
- refurbished 50 meter pool, current channel, diving board, two water slides,
- picnic area with shade structures,
- five tennis courts,
- playground,
- skate park,
- basketball court,
- climbing wall,
- sledding hill,
- 200 parking spaces
Fields, Trails & Horseshoe Lake Park - The administration recommended to City Council that some of the unexpected 2006 estate funds be used to continue implementing recommendations of the Recreation Assessment Plan, including projects such as:
III. Meeting Today’s Needs
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New Housing
Of the City’s three major new town house developments, Sussex Courts (right) is 98% sold with units selling upwards of $275,000, some for over $500,000... the units were initially priced at $175,000.
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South Park Row (left) is 100% sold at over 100% of the projected sales prices; Avalon Station (below) is under construction... 25% of the first building is sold... the first unit will be complete this spring.
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Spectacular penthouse views of downtown Cleveland at Avalon Station are just one of the many attractions of these extraordinary lofts. Another fabulous, useful and environmentally friendly feature is the green roof... a beautiful rooftop park for loft residents.
The completed Avalon Station project will add roughly $33 million of value to the site and the schools’ tax base.
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Reinvestment & Marketability
To keep Shaker’s housing stock desirable and competitive, the City actively promotes reinvestment in homes and neighborhoods.
- It offers technical and financial assistance to residents and works with neighborhoods to identify and address issues that enhance their appeal.
- Over the past five years, the City’s investment of roughly $700,000 in housing assistance programs has yielded $4.4 million in private reinvestment in our neighborhoods.
- The City’s Point of Sale Escrow program is now an effective tool in maintaining the integrity of our housing stock.
- Since 2002, over $9 million has been placed in escrow to correct housing violations.
- The Certified Shaker rental properties program continues to grow, now including 32.6% of the City’s two-family homes and apartment buildings. New residents seek out our highest quality rental properties regularly.
- Several landlord programs help two family owners improve both their property management and maintenance skills, improving the overall quality of the neighborhoods.
- High performance, green building techniques and practices are encouraged for new construction, renovations, and home improvements throughout the City.
- A citywide rebate program promotes energy efficient home improvements.
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