"We're creating a window on what downtown could look like. The hollowing-out created by COVID-19 could be an opportunity to turn downtown San Francisco into a mixed-use neighborhood with a lot of small businesses and maybe more residential."
"Local entrepreneurs were given grants and support from the city and charities, as well as months of free rent to set up shop. The idea is to leverage empty storefronts to build buzz and entice more shoppers to city sidewalks."
"Reservation platform OpenTable said online reservations in the Northern Californian city shot up more than 20% compared with most months last year. Reservation growth in L.A. was capped below 10% for most of the same period."
San Francisco's Vacant to Vibrant program has helped revitalize struggling downtown retail areas by converting abandoned spaces into temporary shops including bakeries, bookstores, cafes, and galleries. Local entrepreneurs receive grants, city and charity support, and months of free rent to establish businesses. The initiative aims to generate foot traffic and consumer interest in downtown areas. While San Francisco remains below pre-pandemic levels, the program shows measurable success with restaurant reservations up over 20% compared to the previous year. Los Angeles businesses seek to adopt this model as both cities struggle with reduced downtown activity due to hybrid work arrangements and diminished office worker presence.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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