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Van Aken Redevelopment
Chronology of Change
The development phase of the Van Aken District is in full swing, thanks to years of thoughtful planning and months of roadwork and infrastructure improvements. This page provides a glimpse of where we've been and what's coming next.
Learning more about the history and current status of the project is easy:
- Visit the Van Aken District website and learn about current development opportunities in the District.
- Read The Van Aken District: A Model for First Suburb Revitalization (PDF), an article written by then City Economic Development Director Tania Menesse which appeared in the Spring 2016 issue of Economic Development Journal
- View the Planning Commission's December 2015 Van Aken presentation (PDF).
2000
The City’s Strategic Investment Plan (PDF) recommended reconfiguring the Chagrin/Warrensville/Van Aken intersection and developing a mixed-used downtown with improved pedestrian and transit connections.
2007
The City held public meetings to gather public input for a mixed-use district.
2008
In April, the Warrensville/Van Aken Transit-Oriented Development Plan (PDF) outlined the major infrastructure and roadwork changes proposed to set the stage for new development of retail stores, offices and housing.
2010
In June, City Council adopted the Intermodal Transit Center Program Plan (PDF), which evaluated options and alternatives for the new transit/bus station.
2012
In February, full funding in the amount of $18.5 million was achieved for the reconfiguration of the Warrensville/Van Aken intersection.
2013
In November, Dominion East Ohio replaced gas lines at the intersection. In December, RMS Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the City to make the first phase of the district redevelopment a reality.
2014
In March, residents attended a Community Update Meeting to learn about road constructions, traffic changes, and development plans. In April, the publicly funded roadwork began.
2015
In October, with roadwork nearing completion, RMS announced its first tenants for the Van Aken District: Mitchell’s Ice Cream, Rising Star, and Shinola.
2016
The Connections Plan for the Van Aken District is completed. Demolition on Van Aken Center began in summer, with several tenants moving to Shaker Plaza. In July, RMS Corp. announced that Beard Award-winning chef Jonathon Sawyer will curate and oversee the Van Aken District food and beverage menu. Sawyer also will open a restaurant in the District. Also, ABA Insurance Services Inc. (ABAIS) agreed to lease 17,500 square feet on the top floor of a proposed 60,000-square-foot office building at the corner of Farnsleigh and Warrensville Center roads.
2017
Demolition is followed by development, with funding provided by Cuyahoga County. View the informational video relating to this.
2018
In March, construction of the Farnsleigh Rd. streetscape (PDF) between Warrensville and Van Aken begins. The project includes a 10-foot wide sidewalk for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Resident input from an October 2017 public workshop resulted in a Public Art Action Strategy (PDF) for the Van Aken District. Work begins to identify potential artists and grant funding sources for implementation.
Anticipated completion date is in the summer.