Popup shops to emerge in North Hill
As part of an effort to attract small business owners to consider locating in Akron’s North Hill, they will be allowed to set up shop temporarily.
Popup shops will be opening in North Hill for two days later this spring. Among the temporary additions are a florist, bike shops, sidewalk cafes, and restaurants.
The idea behind ‘Better Block’, as the popup phenomenon is known, is to allow business owners to get a “feel” for what it’s like to run a business in this neighborhood. At the same time, North Hill residents will be able to see what it would be like if these businesses were in operation, rather than empty storefronts.
Jason Roberts of Better Block created the very first such event in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of his hometown, Dallas, Texas. Oak Block was rarely visited by residents or visitors, but Roberts effected a number of changes to encourage development. He created temporary restaurants with street seating, painted bike lanes, and invited members of the city council. Thanks to the success of the idea, Better Block was born.
Now, Roberts will try and work the magic in Akron. Better Block will open its popup shops May 15 and 16, and could work with a poster printing company to create colorful posters announcing the popups and inviting people to attend.
Popup shops will be opening in North Hill for two days later this spring. Among the temporary additions are a florist, bike shops, sidewalk cafes, and restaurants.
The idea behind ‘Better Block’, as the popup phenomenon is known, is to allow business owners to get a “feel” for what it’s like to run a business in this neighborhood. At the same time, North Hill residents will be able to see what it would be like if these businesses were in operation, rather than empty storefronts.
Jason Roberts of Better Block created the very first such event in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of his hometown, Dallas, Texas. Oak Block was rarely visited by residents or visitors, but Roberts effected a number of changes to encourage development. He created temporary restaurants with street seating, painted bike lanes, and invited members of the city council. Thanks to the success of the idea, Better Block was born.
Now, Roberts will try and work the magic in Akron. Better Block will open its popup shops May 15 and 16, and could work with a poster printing company to create colorful posters announcing the popups and inviting people to attend.