Although many of the better-known businesses in Maple Leaf have been around long enough that the recession seems unlikely to knock them down, there still are plenty of empty storefronts around the neighborhood.
You’ve certainly got your pick of office space along the business corridors of Roosevelt Way Northeast and Northeast Fifth Avenue, including the above building located at 8320 Fifth Ave. N.E. Nearby recently vacated lots include the former Premier Chiropractic at 9622 Roosevelt Way N.E. and the former Ella Bella Studio at 9220 Roosevelt Way N.E.
But April Huff with Phillips Real Estate Services, which is leasing the space on Fifth, says there have plenty of inquiries on the space, just no takers.
“It’s a really tough market like everywhere,” she said. “There’s so much to choose from that it’s difficult to get it rented out.”
The space has been vacant since the former occupants, Suicide Squeeze Records, moved out last August.
Huff said the 675-square-foot space is big enough for a yoga studio with its two big rooms that are separated by French doors. The space also has a full kitchen.
“It’s kind of a great space for anybody who’s worked at home and wants to make that first step,” she said.
In addition to empty storefronts in the city, there also are a few empty lots. But that’s something the city is hoping to fix with help from you. It’s asking city residents for ways to use these spaces while waiting for the economy to pick up.
But what can we do about empty storefronts? Got any ideas on how to beautify them while they’re vacant?
