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VACANCY ACTIVATION ADVISORY

We advise cities, developers, and property owners on how to activate vacant space through creative placemaking and community engagement.

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Overview of Services

  • Give Cities, Developers, and Economic Development partners a clear picture of their commercial vacancy landscape that results in actionable data and mapping that identify the most viable spaces for activation, laying the groundwork for targeted revitalization efforts.

  • Turn vacancy data into a clear, actionable roadmap for revitalization. Building on the Vacancy Assessment, we identify priority sites, recommend best-fit uses, outline stakeholder roles, and align activation plans with local economic, cultural, and equity goals.

  • Manage the transformation of vacant spaces into active community and economic assets that delivers immediate activation, measurable impact, and a scalable framework for long-term downtown revitalization.

OUR SERVICES

Vacancy Activation 

    • Site Viability: Evaluate location visibility, foot traffic, and surrounding tenant mix to determine potential for successful activation.

    • Space Readiness: Assess physical condition, utilities, and code compliance to estimate cost and timeline for occupancy.

    • Community Fit: Analyze neighborhood demographics, cultural assets, and local demand to align activation strategy with community needs.

    • Activation Model Design: Tailor short-term use strategies (e.g., artist studios, pop-ups, coworking) to align with property goals and market demand.

    • Partnership Planning: Identify and engage local artists, entrepreneurs, and organizations to co-create programming and ensure community relevance.

    • Financial Structuring: Develop sustainable models using grants, sponsorships, or revenue-sharing to support activation with minimal landlord burden.

    • Stakeholder Outreach: Connect with local artists, businesses, and residents to gather input and build support for activation efforts.

    • Collaborative Programming: Co-create events, exhibitions, and uses that reflect community interests and cultural identity.

    • Ongoing Communication: Maintain transparent updates and invite feedback to foster long-term trust and participation.

    • Pop-Ups & Exhibitions: Curate rotating artist showcases, retail pop-ups, and cultural events to activate space and draw foot traffic.

    • Workshops & Classes: Offer art, business, and skill-building programs that engage the community and support local talent.

    • Seasonal & Thematic Events: Align programming with holidays, local festivals, or neighborhood initiatives to maximize relevance and visibility.

Pottery Studio
Hotel Restaurant and Bar

Turnkey Operations

    • Evaluate city-identified properties or scout new ones.

    • Run open calls, jury panels, or direct outreach.

    • Act as master tenant, securing agreements with property owners.

    • Coordinate improvements, signage, and compliance.

    • Staff a Program Manager to manage daily activity, insurance, and utilities.

    • Track KPIs: foot traffic, tenant outcomes, economic impact, etc.

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