Phase 3 – Arcadia

The third phase of the Van Aken District, known as Arcadia, continues the City of Shaker Heights’ broader redevelopment efforts with a new development team. Unlike the first two phases led by RMS, Arcadia is being developed by Metropolitan Holdings, a firm based in Columbus. RDL Architects is serving as both the designer and a future office tenant.

The project will be built on a 2.3-acre site at 3393 Warrensville Center Road, formerly a car dealership.

Source: https://www.shakerheightsoh.gov/776/Arcadia-Mixed-Use-Development

The city and the Cuyahoga County Land Bank prepared the site for redevelopment. Plans include approximately 143 residential units, including both market-rate and income-restricted housing, along with 18,000 square feet of commercial and office space and a 182-space parking garage. Twenty-five of the residential units will be reserved as affordable housing for a minimum of 20 years.

To support the project, the city is continuing to use tax increment financing in a similar structure to earlier phases. The city council approved restarting the 30-year TIF clock and applying it to the full site. Under the proposed agreement, 82 percent of the payments in lieu of taxes will go to the developer, and 18 percent will support the Shaker Heights City Schools. The developer will also purchase the city-owned property for $800,000, with an opportunity to pay an additional $200,000 if the project is refinanced or sold.

The city plans to expand its agreement with Metro Consulting, which has served as the owner’s representative on earlier phases, to coordinate permitting, due diligence, and infrastructure work during this next stage.

Arcadia builds on the city’s goals of supporting walkable neighborhoods, transit-oriented development, and a vibrant local economy. The design includes active storefronts, pedestrian pathways, and strong connections to the original Van Aken District development.

The project has received zoning and design approvals following a public engagement process that included multiple city boards and commissions. With financing and entitlements in place, construction is expected to begin in late 2024 or early 2025. Arcadia offers a strong example of how cities can maintain momentum in complex redevelopment projects by controlling land, aligning incentives with community goals, and adapting to new development partners.

Reference

https://www.shakerheightsoh.gov/776/Arcadia-Mixed-Use-Development

https://www.shakerheightsoh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/6810?fileID=16821