Community Reactions to Raye Apartments

Like with other development projects, not everyone supported the design. In public hearings, some praised Raye, others voiced concerns about its scale and modern architecture. Raye stands 15 and 18 stories tall, which makes it the tallest structure in the city. Some residents felt it represented too sharp a shift from Shaker Heights’ hallmark low-rise, suburban aesthetic.

People also discussed it on social media. On Reddit, one resident commented, “Obviously more modern than most of Shaker, but better to be honest than to try and make a fake ‘retro’ building.”

Like other construction projects in Shaker Heights, the city’s architectural board of review and the planning commission both approved Raye’s design well before construction began.

The range of reactions to Raye highlights a key aspect of community engagement: no single project can satisfy everyone. Some residents value innovation and new housing options, while others want to protect the community’s traditional look and feel. Local officials, architects, and developers must weigh these perspectives and make choices that reflect both the city’s long-term goals and the realities of the housing market. This illustrates how engagement is not just about listening but also about making difficult decisions when community opinions diverge.