Van Aken District: Cushman & Wakefield | CRESCO to Lead Retail Leasing

The owners and operators of the Van Aken District, RMS Development Corporation, selected Cushman & Wakefield | CRESCO to represent the retail listings at the Shaker Heights mixed use development. The Van Aken District and adjacent Shaker Plaza, combine to be a brand new downtown for Shaker Heights, located at the corner of Warrensville Center Road and Chagrin Boulevard. The Van Aken District opened in June 2018.

“Van Aken is so much more than your typical development project,” said Neighborhood General Manager, Jason Russell. “We are creating a downtown for Shaker Heights, integrating the new into the fabric of the community.”

The Cushman & Wakefield | CRESCO team, led by Shawn Fortner, will represent all eighty-thousand square feet of new retail. There are 8 spaces with a combined 17,000 square feet of retail space currently available. New tenants will join national brand favorites Shinola, Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink, along with Columbus-based Brassica and a new restaurant by award-winning Cleveland chef, Jonathan Sawyer, are all set to open at Van Aken in the coming months. They will join an already extensive and exciting list of popular brands such as Bonobos, SEE Eyewear, Mitchell’s Ice Cream, Grooveryde, Cleveland Clothing Company and Banter.

“I love mixed-use projects, but Van Aken is so exciting to me because it’s not a typical cookie-cutter development,” said Shawn Fortner.“It’s authentically Cleveland, and reflects Shaker’s craftsmanship and entrepreneurialism. It’s a blend of urban and suburban, national and local, making Van Aken a desirable, must-see destination. Residents, business owners, retailers and restaurateurs connect at the Van Aken District.”

RMS and the city of Shaker Heights spent years carefully planning the development site, especially the seven acres comprised in this first phase. The Van Aken District was developed with a deep sense of community and culture in mind for the Shaker Heights residents. Unlike other new lifestyle developments, the Van Aken District is authentic and intentional in its approach to becoming a vibrant gathering place, with a central focus on supporting local brands and businesses.

Amenities at Van Aken include year-round entertainment such as outdoor concerts and farmer’s markets, a new fitness center and close proximity to the bus line and Rapid Transit stations.

“I’m so impressed with what the RMS team has created. They have a deep knowledge of retail and bring a fresh, modern perspective to what a downtown community could be,” said Fortner. “Their ability to secure both national brands along with beloved Cleveland institutions really shows their commitment to such a unique vision.”

“We are excited to partner with Shawn and the team at Cushman & Wakefield | CRESCO,” said Russell. “Their knowledge and appreciation for the community, along with their level of retail expertise, further enhances Van Aken’s overall vision and growth.”