Novato, Calif.-based The W Foundation (TWF) and The Walter Kieckhefer Company (WKC) came up with an excellent solution for unused retail space earlier this summer. The two came together and created a space education exhibit out of the WKC’s marquee retail spot in Marin County.
Pretty innovative, right?
It’s a great idea for empty retail locations nationwide. Temporary museum exhibits are a solid go-between while property managers work to woo retailers into empty spaces. Especially in high-traffic areas, exhibits can attract a variety of individuals and bring new life to an empty space.
Now, I’m starting to visualize what type of museum could go into that vacant space off of SW 1st Avenue. Do they have a traveling Sex & the City exhibit? If so, it would be perfect! I wonder who I should talk to about it…
What are your ideas for vacant retail spaces? Would a museum work in your city? Leave us your thoughts here.
-Heather Strang
*Photo from Kieckhefer Properties.
I thought the same thing when I was in Portland a couple weeks ago. What once was a vibrant downtown needs some help. Kind of a fake-it-til-you-make-it idea. Some former big boxes are being cut up and released as chic boutique centers but the appeal seems limited.
I've seen libraries, medical offices and post offices take over permanent space but I think your idea of exhibition space is spot on. Especially since parking and mass transit issues probably would be pluses, for the exhibit needing more space, a perfect solution.
Retail Doctor (what a good name, btw),
I love this as a solution and hope to see more of it. Maybe I can sneak this post into the email inboxes of commercial property managers in Portland?
Keep the comments coming – love seeing you on the blog!
-Heather
Your reply to vacant solution is awesome. You have shared a nice solution with everyone. I do agree with all of your points.