Vacant Storefronts
GRAPHIC TREATMENTS BY LOCAL ARTISTS
Putting out a call for artists or reaching out to a known local artist for design work is a great way to enliven the surrounding context to a vacant ground floor space. Getting access to the artist’s design files and having them printed on vinyl (either fully opaque or somewhat transparent) and applied to the glass is a relatively cost-effective way of adding some color and life to an otherwise dull space.
BRANDED “COMING SOON” TREATMENTS
If a ground floor tenant has been selected, preview what’s to come using a branded “coming soon” graphic treatment in the storefront. Use application methods described above.
DISTRICT BRAND TREATMENTS
If a district has a strong visual brand identity, develop a treatment to enliven vacant ground floor spaces. Use these treatments to communicate the personality of the district, reinforce the brand, or act as wayfinding throughout the district. This should come as a second choice behind a unique design by a local artist or a brand expression by an incoming tenant.
POP-UP ACTIVITY
The most vibrant way of activating a vacant ground floor space is by introducing pop-up activity. This can take the shape of fitness classes, food events, art galleries, live music, retail pop-ups, or even a pop-up coworking space. In all cases, the appropriate permits will be necessary and there will need to be some kind of operator or place manager for pop-up efforts.
