Beachcliff Market Square to reopen fall 2006
By Michelle Payne
Rocky River
Published Aug. 10, 2005

The redevelopment of Beachcliff Market Square shopping center in Rocky River has only been underway since June, but already the city has a tentative date for the grand re-opening of the complex.

The revamped open-air marketplace, which is expected to cost between $25 and 30 million, is expected to be complete by Fall 2006, according to Kory Koran, director of economic and community development for Rocky River.

"The city has already approved the new water line that will serve the project," Koran said. "There are still some minor private property issues regarding easements, but so far we're on schedule and moving forward."

The project's progress and completion date were discussed during an Aug. 3 meeting between city officials, owner Madison Marquette, Duke Construction and engineers from CW Courtney.

"The project is right on schedule and we're really happy with the way things are going. We're happy with support from city and community as well as the remaining tenants that are still here and look forward to the grand reopening," said Beth Kretschmar, property manager for Madison Marquette. With demolition of the standing structure nearly complete, the second phase of the project, which includes the construction of a new building and parking garage, is expected to begin shortly, according to Koran.

"We are looking at 12 months construction before we see a new building up," he said. "You'll start to see where the parking garage will be underneath the stores first."

The underground garage will provide 120 spaces in addition to the 210 surface spaces available around the center.

"Shoppers will be able to park in garage and ride elevator to the stores. There will also be parking in front of building, so you'll have the best of both worlds. You can park outside or in the garage where you're protected from the elements," Koran said.

Several new tenants, including Joseph Banks Clothier, Chicos, White House/Black Market and Ann Taylor Loft, have already committed to coming to Beachcliff. Aveda, a New York -based health and beauty company, will also be opening a 15,000 sq. ft. Aveda Institute within the center. The institute will prepare students for careers in cosmetology by teaching various hair and skin care techniques.

"About 60 percent (of the building) is leased right now, which is typical for a project like this, and they are talking to other tenants as we speak," Koran said.

Among those tenants still in negotiations with Madison Marquette are Stone Cold Creamery, a national ice cream franchise, and First Watch, a national restaurant chain specializing in southwest/tropical cuisine.

"The first group of tenants is concrete, but we are still in negotiations with the others," Koran said. But it looks very good that they will be tenants in the Beachcliff Square project."

Construction of the new building is expected to finish in spring 2006 and renovations to remaining businesses, including Pearl of the Orient, Beachcliff Family Dentistry and Tomorrow's Hair Salon and National City Bank will be the final phase of the redevelopment.

While completion is still a year away, Rocky River mayor William Knoble is looking forward to the effect the new center will have on the community.

"I am very excited about the project, he said. It's going to be a catalyst for downtown Rocky River for more redevelopment in the area. Had it withered and died with empty stores, it would have had a reverse effect on the area. It's very heartening."