AUSTIN (KXAN) — Filling more office spaces and storefronts in downtown Austin is the goal of the Downtown Austin Space Activation Program. It provides affordable spaces for local creatives and small businesses to host pop-up shops and events.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Downtown program aims to fill vacant stores
“If there’s underutilized or vacant spaces in downtown, we want to fill them. We want small businesses, entrepreneurs, musicians, creatives to come and make sure that they have a place in downtown,” said DAA Chief Impact Officer Jenell Moffett.
Since launching in May, Moffett told KXAN the program helped increase foot traffic. The DAA said more than 800 people visited the different events like panel discussions, a fashion show, kid events and cultural events.
Moffett said with only one storefront space available all the time and a pair of outdoor spots, the organization wants to add more spots to their inventory. Specifically, spaces that businesses could use for an extended period.
“That is our longer term impact, that some of these businesses then say, ‘Hey, downtown is a place for me, and I actually want to locate their long term,’” Moffett said.
‘Continue to touch lives’
Mental health organization, Mindful Bridges Inc. , is one of the companies participating in this program. The company focuses on helping marginalized communities.
They held two pop-up events. The first was focused on self care.
Caminos said the second event was centered around the theme of roots and resilience…