About the City of Shaker Heights

Shaker Heights is a first-ring suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, known for its historic neighborhoods and tree-lined streets. Its current population is 29,004. Learn more about the demographics of Shaker Heights via the U.S. Census: https://datausa.io/profile/geo/shaker-heights-oh/.

Image Source: https://www.cleveland.com/opinion/2012/09/a_smarter_cuyahoga_county_take.html

Founded in 1912, the city was originally developed by the Van Sweringen brothers, real estate investors who created Shaker Heights as a carefully designed garden suburb with curving streets and large lots. The city also became known for its transit access, with a light rail line (now operated by the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority) running from Shaker Heights to downtown Cleveland. That connection to transit remains a major part of the city’s identity today.

Over the years, Shaker Heights developed a reputation for being a well-managed, highly educated, diverse, and civically engaged community. It has a strong public school system, active neighborhood associations, and residents who are deeply involved in local affairs. However, like many older suburbs, parts of the city faced challenges in the late 20th century. Commercial areas aged, tax revenues slowed, and outdated infrastructure needed upgrades.

Understanding the history and character of Shaker Heights helps to explain why a project like Van Aken was not only possible but expected by stakeholders to reflect the city’s high standards and unique identity.

A first-ring suburb is a community located just outside a major city, usually developed in the early- to mid-20th century. These suburbs were often the first to grow as people moved out of the urban core but still wanted to stay close to jobs. Because they are older, first-ring suburbs sometimes face challenges like aging infrastructure, declining commercial areas, and the need to reinvent themselves to stay competitive with newer suburbs.