Aerial view of the crowd at the parade

Overview

Van Aken District grew from a simple idea: create a place where the community could gather.

Located at the corner of Chagrin Boulevard and Warrensville Center Road and anchored by the Cleveland RTA Blue Line station, the district transformed what was once a busy six-point intersection into a walkable neighborhood hub. Years of collaboration between public and private partners helped reimagine the auto-oriented site into a place designed for people.

Today, Van Aken District represents the largest single construction project in Shaker Heights history, bringing together 60,000 square feet of office space, 100,000 square feet of retail, 227 housing units, and three new streets across a vibrant 7-acre district.

The result is more than a place to shop or dine. It is a neighborhood gathering place where running errands can turn into lunch with friends, an evening out, or an unexpected discovery. Van Aken serves a community of more than 200,000 residents and welcomes visitors from across Greater Cleveland, with nearly half a million people living within reach of the district.

Designed in partnership with the City of Shaker Heights, Van Aken District reflects the spirit of the community it calls home.

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 that make it easy to take a little time for yourself.

Community events throughout the year, from open-air markets and seasonal celebrations to block parties that bring the neighborhood together.

60,000

sq ft office

indoors area at van aken
227

Housing units

100,000

sq ft retail

Van Aken District drone picture
van aken district

Find Your Fun!

Your guide to everything inside, from fashion to food.

Van-Aken-District-Map
behind the scenes

Meet Our Team

Jesse Rathner, General Manager
Jesse Rathner
General Manager
Dorian Chenault, Operations Manager
Dorian Chenault
Operations Manager
Lily S., Event Planner
Lily S.
Event Planner
Roderick Price, Maintenance Technician
Roderick Price
Maintenance Technician
Dale Martin, Maintenance Technician
Dale Martin
Maintenance Technician
Erick Barksdale, Event Planner
Erick Barksdale
Event Planner
timeline

The Journey So Far

Southeast corner of Van Aken District, circa 2000

2000

Shaker Heights’ Strategic Investment Plan recommends reconfiguring the Chagrin/Warrensville/Van Aken intersection and developing a mixed-use downtown.

Many people are discussing the project in a meeting.

2007

Shaker Heights held public meetings to gather input  for a mixed-use district.

engineering project people are looking at a paper on a table

2008

The Warrensville/Van Aken Transit-Oriented Development Plan is created and outlines infrastructure and roadwork changes necessary for new development.

warrenville-shaker metro station

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.

a pen on a paper

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.

Sign with “Shaker Heights” on it

2014-2015

Shaker Heights completed infrastructure improvements in advance of the construction of the Van Aken District.

a toddler wearing a paw patrol costume

2016-2017

Demolition and Construction on the Van Aken District began.

Aerial view of the crowd at the parade.

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.

evening scene of van aken district

2021

2021 The Van Aken District is a finalist for the Urban Land Institute Americas Awards for Excellence.

van aken raye presentation

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.

Plan Your Visit

Getting here is easy. Staying awhile is the fun part.

Location

3401 Tuttle Road

Shaker Heights - OH

44122

Hours

Monday - Thursday

7 AM - 9 PM

Friday - Saturday

7 AM - 10 PM

Sunday

7 AM - 8 PM

Van Aken District outside, group of people spending time together

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