The "Scott Block" ground level stands completely vacant as of August 2011.
Some went running, at least that’s the phrase that came to mind while walking downtown this afternoon. The heart of our downtown historic district continues to struggle with vacant storefronts. In this post I’ll share my window count statistics for the blocks between Broadway and Jefferson Street. While this is only a snapshot of the downtown conditions, the problem is growing more serious.
There were 22 vacant units among the 93 we counted. The heaviest concentration was on the South side of West Main in the 200 and 300 block. This includes the historic “Scott Block” pictured above. That section boasts a 45% vacancy rate on the street level with 9 out of 20 units available. This low point is despite the immediate access to parking and public restrooms.
What are the causes?
We could debate this one all afternoon, especially if you’re looking to pin the blame on your favorite target. The real situation is likely more complex. Here are the top six reasons in my mind, be sure to leave a comment to share your ideas.
- Retail competition from Hilltop box stores
- Lost Courthouse traffic
- Concerns about the hospital’s relocation
- The Great Recession and weak consumer spending
- Higher rents for downtown space compared to Hilltop retail
- Poor business models and execution
Some would expand this list to include failures by our local government. I’m not convinced any city program could overcome the confluence of those six forces. All the same, they may offer some suggestions moving forward.
What’s the normal rate?
It’s hard to pin down an exact answer. Many residents have said now is about as bad as they remember. I checked the national average for retail real estate. It stands at 12.6% according to the National Association of Realtors.
Friday 5 August 2011 Tally
I counted all ground level units facing Main Street. Any storefront not usefully occupied were considered “vacant” even when their was not rental sign. Counts are subject to error, so please offer any corrections in a comment below.
| Block | North Side of Street (Total ~ vacant) | South Side of Street (Total ~ vacant) | Totals |
| 300 W Main | 10 ~ 1 | 9 ~ 4 | 19 ~ 5 |
| 200 W Main | 4 ~ 0 | 8 ~ 5 | 12 ~ 5 |
| 100 W Main | 5 ~ 1 | 3 ~ 0 | 8 ~ 1 |
| 100 E Main | 14 ~ 5 | 14 ~ 2 | 28 ~ 7 |
| 200 W Main | 14 ~ 1 | 12 ~ 3 | 26 ~ 4 |
| Totals | 47 ~ 8 (17%) | 46 ~ 14 (30.4%) | 93 ~ 22 (23.7% Vacant) |
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
As a former business owner of a downtown retail store, I have noticed the vacancies as well. One might consider asking one of the current business owners who are currently open what they might consider the cause for so many closed storefronts. This should be a concern for them, as shoppers want to hop from store to store when they visit the downtown shopping district and like the strip mall concept. If the stores surrounding open storefronts close, the situation may get much worse before it gets better. A solution is needed, and response to the situation needs to be rapid.
You beat me to walking the street and counting empty storefronts. I have considered that as a first step to trying to find out why these buildings are empty. I hope your post wakes someone up, because at this rate, we will soon be counting only what’s still open as the smallest number!