Storefronts along S. Michigan Ave in DTSB
Ever walk by a vacant business and think, "they should put a _____ here."?
Me too!
Lets tell 'them' what we want to see!!
I wish this was... is a project begun in New Orleans in 2009 featured in a dynamic and inspiring installation, Spontaneous Interventions at the Chicago Cultural Center. It struck us as such a simple and low-cost way for all people in the community to engage with developers and entrepreneurs to build a better neighborhood, city and ultimately- community. Many of us have great ideas about shops, services or or vendors we'd like to see move in to a vacant storefront, now we have a platform for sharing these ideas. Its simple; just grab a pen or marker and write it in- be creative!
You'll notice stickers have popped up on a few windows in DTSB at 214 and 228 South Michigan Ave, as well as at Center City across from Club Fever. If you're in the area we hope you'll contribute your ideas too- otherwise, please feel free to post them here at this blog in conjunction with the property pictured. As ideas are listed, we'll report results and share them with stakeholders throughout the community. My hope is that someone else will say, "me too!" and momentum will build until an investor takes note of the enthusiasm for the idea and tries it out (perhaps with the holiday pop-up shop program?), and one simple wish becomes a reality.
This may be an ambitious hope, but we won't know until we try and look forward to bringing you along for the ride.
As we test the waters we'll add more properties and levels of engagement to organize ideas and themes.
Until then we hope you throw a sharpie in your bag and add your awesome ideas as we envision an even more dynamic and vibrant South Bend.
