Pearl /Brookpark Area
From The Master Plan - Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation
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Pearlbrook Shopping Center
Pearlbrook Shopping Center, At Brookpark and Pearl
This late 1940’s shopping center, located at the northwest corner of Brookpark and Pearl Roads, benefits from its location on arterial roads with high intersection traffic volume, visibility from I-480 expressway, availability of mass transit, and an on-site bus shelter. The building, with 86,000 square feet, is a prominent feature at this gateway intersection into Cleveland. The parcel is divided into commercial and industrial zoning classifications.
The property is maintained, with a uniform façade design installed about 20 to 30 years ago. The property owner, Visconsi Companies, has proposed a new façade design, as well as parking lot enhancements. Additional improvements that should be considered include a parking area lighting upgrade and conversion of several pole signs to ground-mounted signs.
Property Owner – Proposed Improvement Plans
Building:
Storefront renovations may include façade refacing, roofline modifications, removal of continuous canopy, and awning installation.
Front parking area:
- Install landscaped islands at end of parking rows.
- Improve pedestrian and vehicular safety by installing landscaping and removing several parking spaces on Brookpark Road frontage.
- Improve pedestrian and vehicular safety by installing landscaping on each side of the Charter One Bank ATM island on Pearl Road frontage.
- Restripe parking lot to slightly narrow parking stall width. Total parking spaces will increase from about 238 to 247.
Additional Recommendations
Rezone the entire parcel to the General Retail Business
Rezone the entire parcel to the General Retail Business zoning classification in order to reinforce the future of the parcel as a retail center.
Upgrade parking lot lighting
Change existing pole sign
Change existing pole sign with shopping center name on Pearl Road frontage to a ground-mounted sign.
Change existing pole sign
Change existing pole sign on Brookpark Road frontage to a ground-mounted sign or have it removed.
Pearl Plaza
Pearl Plaza, North of Pearlbrook Shopping Center
This late 1940’s building, originally a department store, is situated at a right angle to the Pearlbrook Shopping Center. Although the two buildings share parking and have the appearance of functioning as a single retail setting, Pearl Plaza is on its own parcel and is separately owned. This building, with 76,500 square feet, includes a high tower as part of its design, making it the most prominent structure in the vicinity. The parcel is divided into commercial and industrial zoning classifications.
A number of factors detract from the curb appeal and aesthetics of the building, including inconsistently renovated storefront designs, as well as tenant signage that is poorly maintained, poorly designed, and oversized. The parking area on the north side of the building is deteriorated, lacks landscaping, has no lighting, and is cluttered with pole signs.
Of the two properties, the Pearlbrook Shopping Center reflects a much higher concern with architectural design, coordinated signage, and overall aesthetics. In comparison, Pearl Plaza has a haphazard appearance, and its owner should undertake building and site improvements to match the level of design attention at Pearlbrook. This visual difference will be even more apparent, and perhaps detrimental to retail sales at Pearlbrook, when Visconsi Companies implements their renovation plan.
Rezone the entire parcel to the General Retail Business
Rezone the entire parcel to the General Retail Business zoning classification in order to reinforce the future of the building as a retail location.
Explore the potential of uniting both properties under a single owner
Update storefronts
Update storefronts to create matching designs with large glass windows.
Update signage
Update signage to create coordinated designs for the building, which should also be compatible with the Pearlbrook Shopping Center.
- Update and change existing pole sign with tenant roster to a ground-mounted sign.
- Remove existing pole signs and possibly replace with a ground-mounted sign.
Upgrade parking area
Upgrade parking area on north side of building (new paving, installation of wheel stops, lighting, striping, landscaping).
Remove billboard
Remove billboard at northeast corner of property.
