In its monthly member briefing, the Downtown Norfolk Council announced its newest and most profound program to build more dynamic places for residents and visitors to shop, dine and enjoy. Vibrant Spaces is the name given to said program and the goal is to accelerate neighborhood defining businesses.

 

Drew Ungvarsky, Owner and Creative Director of Norfolk’s Grow Interactive lead the morning presentation. Ungvarsky, along with key members of the City of Norfolk, business and property owners and the Downtown Norfolk Council identified 200+ street level spaces within Downtown Norfolk and more than 60 street level property owners.

The team realized the diversity of the ownership, yet the shared vision and goal for the future: active, energetic and unique spaces which focus on small and independent businesses. The group determined four primary elements that produce these types of establishments, which are pretty easily obtainable in today’s world. The first is well-designed products, experiences and atmospheres. Next is to embrace business ideas that promote collaboration, or combine multiple experiences that can’t be commoditized. Third, blend the space between businesses and streets by creating service windows, roof-top access and backyard patios. Lastly, activate city sidewalks with exciting merchandise displays, places to sit, signage and décor.

So, how do we get local, independent businesses ready to get on board? Give them incentives – and make those incentives big. The city is offering a $20,000 grant and half-off rent for two years to six different businesses. The locations within Downtown have already been identified, mostly on Granby Street. Applicants have until July 8th to apply and those selected for the program will be notified by August 11.

“This is a remarkably unique opportunity for Norfolk,” Ungvarsky said. “One we want other cities to follow, be excited about and replicate. We want people to know Norfolk  is a place where you can come to do business,” he added. The city will also offer $60,000 in matching grants for existing businesses to remodel or refocus their concept.

This new and interesting concept to building a lively downtown atmosphere could just be the next big thing in retail leasing.