Main Street’s Role:
Backfilling Empty Buildings in Your Downtown
In this question and answer article, we provide guidance to Main Street Directors in backfilling empty buildings and discuss the process for working hand-in-hand with city leaders to advance the downtown community.
Questions We Cover
| 01 What are some common challenges that rural downtowns face when trying to attract and retain businesses, and how can these challenges be addressed? |
| 02 What are some examples of what successful Main Street Directors do for their community and the key factors contributing to their success? |
| 03 What creative and effective strategies can be implemented to attract new businesses and fill vacant storefronts in a rural downtown? |
| 04 What are some common mistakes Main Street directors make? |
01
What are some common challenges that rural downtowns face when trying to attract and retain businesses, and how can these challenges be addressed?
The most common challenges we see in rural downtowns are related to difficulties with properties due to absentee property owners, downtown space that is used as storage, and property owners that have not upgraded or modernized their spaces. Spaces that are not move-in ready, or storefronts that are occupied by service providers (think attorneys or title companies) are also common challenges.
A common short-term strategy for addressing these issues is to take steps to activate these underutilized storefronts. This could include converting a boarded-up storefront into a public art opportunity or placing local artwork in vacant and underutilized storefronts. Find any way to divert attention away from the problem and toward something positive for the overall downtown.
Download the article to read more.
Main Street Directors play an important role in making downtown a vibrant place. This Q&A article gives answers to give guidance in real estate and working with property owners.
Next Steps
Revitalizing your downtown doesn’t have to be complex.
We can help your city understand what how to get started.
