Standing room only said my
neighbor after attending the Vision Plan's "Launch" in Theater 2 of
Atlas Cinemas on Thursday evening, January 23, 2025. I did not
attend, but that evening I downloaded and read the new Vision Plan.
Those who care about Shaker Square and its future should read and
re-read this important report.
The Vision Plan begins with the past as a way to find a path to the
future. The present shows Shaker Square. a commercial
district, that is also a public space, a gathering place and the historic heart of one of
Cleveland's largest and most diverse residential areas. The plan then
describes ways to move ahead to that better future.
This January 2025 Vision Plan included what had been promised in the
last lines of the prior (September 2024) report:
• Actionable, implementable steps to achieve plan
• Short term, medium term and long term suggestions
• More details on merchandising strategy
• Full design for the public realm (including parking)
Though parking isn't mentioned, the new (perhaps not "final") plan
is more comprehensive and. at the same time, more connected than the
first edition of September 2024.
The plan calls for newer housing
around Shaker Square, for just as the Square strengthens the
community it cannot be strong without a strong neighborhood.
The Vision Plan's authors, responsible
custodians concerned that a profit-focused purchaser of the Square
might be unable to manage it well long-term, explore some ways to
give this special place the continuing support it needs.
The new Vision Plan, 52
well-illustrated pages, is a 50 Mb document available on the
official Shaker Square website. Our copy, with web-quality images,
is 22 Mb. There are link to both at the end of this page, plus a link to the Plain
Dealer's first story on the plan, published on January 27.
Here, in italics, is the report's Executive Summary.
As
one of Cleveland's oldest commercial hubs, Shaker Square
is an integral part of the city's identity and a
cherished community gathering space. By honoring its
authentic character - through meaningful programs,
engaging events, and sensitive improvements to the
buildings and landscape - this space on the edge of
Cleveland and Shaker Heights has the potential to
reconnect with residents and visitors, reaffirming its
importance as a cherished community destination.
This vision plan emphasizes the importance of hosting
events and activating the Square's public spaces.
Increased activity will attract more people to visit,
supporting retail success and fostering a sense of
community, visibility, and natural surveillance. The
planned improvements will make Shaker Square feel more
connected, safe and welcoming as a vibrant destination. |
If Shaker Square's owners publish a short, perhaps two page, summary
of the plan (I hope they will) I'll link to that too.
See you on the Square
Arnie Berger
January 30, 2025
Learn more:
• Vision Plan
(PDF, 22 Mb, web quality images)
•
Vision Plan shakersquare.com (PDF, 50 Mb)
• Plain Dealer story January 27,
2025 (PDF)
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