HOW WE WORK

We activate vacant commercial spaces through flexible, short-term lease agreements, divide the spaces into multiple spaces and sublease them to local creative entrepreuneurs.

ZES & Property Owners: A Win-Win Partnership

We partner with property owners to transform vacant spaces into vibrant, low-maintenance dynamic spaces that reduce vacancy, cover utIlities, and enhance community value until a long-term tenant is secured.

Reduced Vacancy Costs & Carrying Expenses

Increased Marketability & Leasing Activity

Activate Space with No Risk or Capital Investment

Generate Positive PR & Community Goodwill

Keep Properties Maintained, Secure & Occupied

Flexible, Temporary Use with Quick Exit Options

Demonstrate Economic & Social Impact
Property Owner sends photos, videos and floorplan of proposed space

Property Owner sends us COI Requirements

Property Owner sends estimated utility costs (if possible)

Property Owner sends LOI for review

Property Owner meets Zero Empty Spaces team for site visit

PARTNER WITH US

Activate Vacant Spaces. Spark Economic & Cultural Vibrancy.

Cities and districts across the country work with Zero Empty Spaces to drive placemaking, economic development, and arts equity by transforming underutilized properties into thriving creative hubs.

Vacancy Reduction & Blight Prevention

Economic Revitalization

Affordable Space for Creatives & Entrepreneurs

Community Engagement & Space Activation

Flexible & Scalable Activation

Support for Downtown & Main Street Programs

Increased Property Values & Investment Readiness

Data & Strategy Insights

Public-Private Partnership Model

Positive Press & Marketing
Vacancy Inventory Access

Municipal Support & Endorsement

Incentives & Funding Support

Permitting & Zoning Flexibility

Marketing & Promotion Partnership

Community Connections

Data Sharing

Ongoing Collaboration

PARTNER WITH US

LEASE WITH US

Affordable Space with water & electric included

Prime Locations

Short-Term Flexibility

Built-In Marketing

Professional Community

Sales Channels Beyond the Space

Direct Public Engagement

Professional Development support

Visibility & Credibility
Commitment to working in Space

Be active on our communication app

Timeley payment of Rent

Professional Conduct

Marketing Participation

Community Engagement

We transform underutilized storefronts, vacant offices, idle restaurants with existing kitchen infrastructure, and unused bar spaces into vibrant hubs of creativity, culture, and commerce.

Join a Vibrant Community of Working Artists, Chefs & Makers

We sublease the spaces at accessible rates starting at just $3.00 / sq ft, inclusive of utilities such as electricity and water, helping to lower operational costs for tenants.

We provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance, pay all the utilities, lease the space, and only require a six-month guarantee from Property Owners before we transition to a month-to-month lease with a 30-day notice to vacate.

Through our core businesses—Artist Spaces, Culinary Spaces, Mixology Spaces, and Retail Spaces—we transform underutilized storefronts, vacant offices, idle restaurants with existing kitchen infrastructure, and unused bar spaces into vibrant hubs of creativity, culture, and commerce.

These spaces are designed to serve as affordable working environments for artists, chefs, mixologists, and retail entrepreneurs, helping to revitalize properties and neighborhoods, attract foot traffic, and stimulate local economic activity.