Working Together: Project Pop-up Launched By PDP & DNA
By Olivia Miller
The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, in collaboration with The Downtown Neighbors Alliance with the generous support of the Hillman Foundation, has launched Project Pop-Up, an initiative aimed at transforming vacant storefronts into inviting, dynamic spaces in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh.This innovative program is intended to empower local entrepreneurs while supporting emerging businesses through the creation of a more vibrant atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
As Downtown Pittsburgh continues to emerge from the pandemic, Project Pop-Up will offer a unique opportunity for prospective retail businesses to revitalize underutilized spaces and breathe new life into the Golden Triangle. Entrepreneurs and both small retailers and established regional business owners are invited to submit an application to occupy a vacant ground-floor retail space in Downtown for a duration of up to 12 months. Whether through an original retail concept or an experiential service that will leave a lasting impression, Project Pop-Up is seeking visionaries who can energize and excite the Downtown community.
Selected applicants will have the opportunity to transform at least four vacant storefronts with terms ranging from six to 12 months with the potential for longer-term occupancy. Shorter terms may also be offered on a case-by-case basis. By encouraging new and diverse businesses, the program aims to advance the evolving small business ecosystem in the area.
Beyond filling vacant building spaces, the initiative also seeks to drive creative opportunity and support innovative use of Downtown real estate by fostering local entrepreneurship, enhancing the street-level environment, and supporting existing merchants by increasing foot traffic and patronage. By reducing barriers to entry, Project Pop-Up will provide aspiring business owners with subsidized rents and startup support, encouraging local economic growth and increased diversity of retail offerings in Downtown.
The Downtown Neighbors Alliance is thrilled to be a part of this program and looks forward to seeing it enhance the Downtown ecosystem for all of our vibrant stakeholders. Executive Director, John Valentine, serves on the committee that will examine the applications and determine which businesses will fill the empty storefronts. The DNA is happy to play an impactful role in the Stay-Up portion of the initiative, where we will deal with the recruitment of non-business entities looking to lease a property in Downtown Pittsburgh. The Stay-Up portion will also help manage the entrepreneurs and businesses that choose to sign a long term lease.
Interested in getting involved in Project Pop-Up? Click here for the full details of the program.
