The Van Aken District was a 15-year project with three major themes: the importance of purposeful planning, public-private partnerships, and transit-oriented development as a vehicle for neighborhood and economic revitalization. Inspired by the Shaker Heights spirit of quality, craftsmanship and entrepreneurialism, the Van Aken District offers a unique blend of urban and suburban lifestyles in a city deeply rooted in history, culture, and diversity. It’s a mixed-use development with retail, restaurants, fitness studios, doctors’ offices—all the things you need. It’s a place that inspires gathering and comes to life through the connections of residents and business owners.

“The City of Shaker Heights is a remarkable master-planned community built out during the 1930s, 40s, and 50s using Ebenezer Howard’s Garden City planning principles. For example, most of the homes are within a 10-minute walk of a school, church, park, and public transportation. Missing from the original planning was a true downtown main street. That commercial gathering place is what we endeavored to fulfill with the Van Aken District. It is an extension of the community with street level retail featuring the best local entrepreneurs, a food hall, a new light rail platform, office space and apartments all centered around a park that is considered 'Shaker’s Living Room.'”

Luke Palmisano | COO