The Van Aken District, located in Shaker Heights, is one of the most popular spots to shop, eat, and engage within the community! The Market Hall houses a variety of restaurants such as Brassica, Domo Yakitori and Sushi, and Scorpacciata, and much more. Just across the street, Mitchell's Ice Cream, STUMP, Ladder, and many other local businesses can be found. With over five years of planning,
Information on what the Van Aken District is, what kinds of businesses it houses, a brief history of the remodel and ownership etc.
We are working closely with the Rust Belt Riders and STUMP Plants to create environmentally-conscious practices, and to increase interest in sustaining these methods. We chose to work with the Van Aken District, as it is a popular local spot and has the potential to make a strong impact on the community. Some of our ideas were to offer comprehensive recommendations in tracking and reducing single-use packaging and material sourcing, using biodegradable materials, food waste, and energy audits.
Because of the considerable effect of COVID-19 on local businesses, along with major changes in management, it is understandable that sustainability may not have been prioritized in the past few years. However, due to the Van Aken Districts initial intent to gain LEED certification in it's remodeled portion, as well as the gradually stabilizing state of the pandemic, integrating sustainable practices as standard has become imperative. Our project involves gaining insight on current sustainable practices, as well as was to incorporate new ones, taking into account economic and functional barriers.