Connect. Engage. Welcome!
Overview
The Van Aken District is the largest single construction project in Shaker Heights history, adding 60,000 square feet of office space, 100,000 square feet of retail space, 103 housing units and three new streets. The planning took years of public and private partnerships to transform the auto-oriented location around the Cleveland RTA terminal into a pedestrian-centric, transit-oriented retail development.
Sitting statuesquely at the corner of Chagrin Boulevard and Warrensville Center Road, this area was previously a dangerous six-point intersection. With changes to the traffic configuration and lane reductions along the two corridors, this 7-acre, vibrant, walkable getaway serves a population of over 200,000 people and is a destination for nearly half a million people living in greater Cleveland.
Enjoy
- Lush landscaping and tree lined boulevards throughout the district
- The Market Hall, a unique concept featuring many local artisans and restaurants spilling out into an outdoor ‘garden’ space, engaging with the streetscape.
- Exceptional curated shopping experiences
- Self care with best in class hair, nails, and spa options
- Regular pop-up events such as open-air markets and block parties.
Find Your Fun!
Meet our Team
Jesse Rathner
General Manager
Meredith LaPerch
Brand Director
Dorian Chenault
Operations Manager
Roderick Price
Maintenance Technician
Dale Martin
Maintenance Technician
Erick Barksdale
Maintenance Supervisor
Timeline
The Van Aken District or as it’s lovingly referred to as “VAD”, has been many years in the making. Learn more about what has gone into creating this award winning development.
2000
Shaker Heights’ Strategic Investment Plan recommends reconfiguring the Chagrin/Warrensville/Van Aken intersection and developing a mixed-use downtown.
2007
Shaker Heights held public meetings to gather input for a mixed-use district.
2008
The Warrensville/Van Aken Transit-Oriented Development Plan is created and outlines infrastructure and roadwork changes necessary for new development.
2010
Shaker Heights City Council adopted the Intermodal Transit Center Program Plan which paved the way for transit related changes and garnered an understanding of how to maximize physical development on the site while complimenting the primary transit use.
2013 (this is where we came in!)
RMS Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the City to make the first phase of the district redevelopment a reality.
2014-2015
Shaker Heights completed infrastructure improvements in advance of the construction of the Van Aken District.
2016-2017
Demolition and Construction on the Van Aken District began.
2019
Phase 1 of The Van Aken District officially opened to the public.
The Van Aken District wins Gold!
2019 National Planning Achievement Award for Implementation and Ohio Planning Award in the category of “Focused Built Project” from the American Planning Association
2021
2021 The Van Aken District is a finalist for the Urban Land Institute Americas Awards for Excellence
2022
The Max Collaborative broke ground on Phase 2 of the Van Aken District, a 228-unit apartment building located on the north side of Farnsleigh Rd. between Van Aken Blvd. and Tuttle Rd.
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