Section 5: Project Phases, Impact & the Regional Context

The Van Aken District was planned in three phases. Most of this case study focused on Phase 1, the initial buildout that transformed the former retail center into a mixed-use destination. In this section, we briefly review Phases 2 and 3 and highlight how the project has evolved. You’ll also learn about community responses to recent developments like the Raye Apartments, and consider the broader regional environment in which Van Aken operates. Specifically, we’ll examine the role of local government fragmentation and suburban competition. These are factors that influence how cities position redevelopment projects in Northeast Ohio. Finally, we will discuss the problem of displacement that occurs as a result of many redevelopment projects.