DEPARTMENT: Center City Development & Operations Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Lori Houston
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 1
SUBJECT:
Pilot Program for Downtown Pop Up Shops
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes a pilot program for leasing vacant City-owned space, located at 531 Navarro in City Council District 1, to temporary retail tenants.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
OPEN is an initiative of the Center City Development and Operations Department (CCDO) in partnership with property owners and retailers to offer local entrepreneurs a no-cost, short-term lease in vacant downtown properties. The program activates vacant properties by introducing new, creative, and temporary retail locations to serve as a catalyst for downtown development opportunities. OPEN creates an environment that engages customers and authenticates downtown as a vibrant urban space, ready for long-term investment. Since its beginning in 2013, OPEN has activated 12 spaces with 58 vendors along Houston Street and in the St. Paul Square area.
The OPEN program has partnered with private entities to activate vacant spaces on private property. The City of San Antonio has vacant spaces on City-owned property that would benefit from participation in the program. After researching programs in other cities, staff proposes a one year pilot program for leasing vacant City-owned space to temporary retail tenants. Programs to activate vacant spaces exist in several major cities throughout the United States and Texas and allow potential investors to view downtown as viable for long-term investment.
This ordinance authorizes a one year pilot program to allow for retail tenants to temporarily occupy a vacant space located at 531 Navarro on the first floor of the Houston Street Garage. The space was formerly occupied by the San Antonio Police Department's Downtown Bike Patrol unit and has been vacant since July 2013. Staff recommends the ordinance is effe...
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