In response to its organizational mission and objectives, Shaker Square Area Development Corp. (SHAD), tackles the strategic programs and projects that are most effectively undertaken on the neighborhood level.

Annual Report
Highlight Projects

Larchmere-Buckeye Community-Focused Initiative — With funding from the Saint Luke’s

Foundation, SHAD, working in conjunction with Neighborhood Progress Inc., has implemented a number of neighborhood revitalization activities as part of the first phase of a three-year strategic initiative to increase the overall viability and health of the Larchmere and Buckeye neighborhoods. SHAD serves as the managing agency for a variety of neighborhood identification, revitalization, empowerment, financial education, and marketing initiatives.

Housing Rehab (Single Family ) — As part of SHAD's E. 116th strategic initiatives campaign, SHAD acquired a bank-foreclosed, corner duplex at 2733 E.116th/11604 Buckingham in late 2006. Rehab work began in July 2007 to convert the property into a 2,700 square foot single-family home. The project will be completed in October. This property is across the street from the Saint Luke’s Pointe development of new homes and the future site of the new Rice elementary school and library branch. SHAD also completed the rehab of a three-bedroom home at 2621 E. 121 Street.

Continuing Initiatives

Larchmere South Curb-Appeal Program – SHAD created this targeted, matching grant program to assist owner-occupants of distressed homes complete highly visible, exterior repairs to their properties. The program emphasizes painting, front porch, driveway and landscaping improvements. Five houses were completed this past year.

Livingston Park Apartments Renovation Project – SHAD completed this $12.5 million, 195 unit, mixed-income project in December 2005. The project is one of the most significant ventures to be completed by a Cleveland community development corporation as owner, developer, and manager. SHAD continues to own and manage this property.

Cleveland Housing Network – SHAD partners with this citywide organization for the provision of renovated and newly constructed, affordable housing. A renovated house on Ashwood Road was sold in early 2007.

Storefront Renovation Program – SHAD serves as a contract agency for this City program that provides financial incentives for the comprehensive, exterior renovation of commercial properties. The renovation of a storefront located at 12812 Larchmere was completed this year, with two additional renovations under contract for 2008.

Uptown Traffic Plan – SHAD is the administrative agency for the Uptown Traffic Committee, a coalition of major stakeholders advocating for a set of five, City-approved, roadway modifications for improving traffic flow and safety in the Fairhill-Shaker Blvd.- Buckeye Rd. corridor.

Robbins Shaker West Professional Building (11811 Shaker Blvd.) – SHAD completed the $1.7 million renovation of this 50,000 square foot office building in order to demonstrate the potential that exists for underutilized commercial properties on Shaker Blvd. West. SHAD continues to own and manage this property.

Legacy Programs

Rental Connection Information Service– SHAD provides a one-stop, apartment listings service for prospective tenants interested in renting a unit in the Shaker Square area. Nearly 400 clients used this information and referral service during the past year. SHAD also publishes an annual Apartment Hunters' Guide to Shaker Square that is distributed to area colleges and employment centers.

The Connection —SHAD publishes this award-winning, neighborhood newspaper on a quarterly basis. With circulation of 7,500, The Connection updates the community on SHAD's latest activities and assistance programs, and helps promote the desirability of living, working, and shopping in the Shaker Square area.

Larchmere Merchants Association —SHAD serves as the administrative agency for the Larchmere Merchants Association. This Association coordinates the marketing and promotion of the Larchmere Blvd. commercial district, sponsors special events, and responds to issues that affect the vitality of the street.

Landmark District Design Review —SHAD administers the local Design Review Committees for both the Shaker Square Historic District and the Larchmere Blvd. Business Revitalization District. Fifteen proposals for exterior alterations were reviewed for design compatibility during the past year.

Neighborhood Security Patrol — A subscription program using licensed security guards to patrol the Shaker Square apartment corridor and the Larchmere Business Revitalization District. SHAD contracts for this patrol with the Securitas Corporation.

Code Enforcement —SHAD works closely with City inspectors to promote responsible building maintenance, and monitors court proceedings concerning problem properties within our service area. SHAD also conducts a minimal standards inspection of apartment buildings whose owners desire to use our Rental Connection referral service.