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August 2021 Business Spotlight
Dressing Empty Storefronts in Style
The City of Miami Beach relaunched the Vacant Storefront Cover Program in a continued effort to improve the appearance of vacant, street-level commercial buildings and support the lease-up of retail spaces throughout the city.
First unveiled in 2019, this initiative supports property owners, brokers, realtors, and property managers by wrapping vacant storefront windows free of charge with one of five preapproved artistic designs approved by the city.
Approved Storefront Cover Designs
With tremendous assistance and creativity of students from Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH), the City of Miami Beach selected five concepts for the program. They were designed by DASH students Analee Hyacinthe, Francisca Henrys, Isabella Enriguez, Sophia Gutierrez, and Nicolas Finol. The concepts embody the spirit of Miami Beach and include elements beloved by residents and visitors.
In partnership with the Lincoln Road BID, the city was able to recruit properties to participate in the program, such as this one at 1115 Lincoln Rd.
Why should property owners be interested? Through this program, property owners of commercial spaces with storefront windows on the ground level can revitalize empty spaces by beautifying vacant storefront windows and doors to promote available or underutilized tenant space.
Not only does the program improve the property appearance and curb appeal, it also can attract prospective tenants and increase property marketability.
Participating properties will have a broker’s decal prominently displayed on the glass with full leasing contact information for prospective tenants. Not to mention, these window wraps are free of charge to property owners! All expenses to install the wraps are paid by the City of Miami Beach as funding permits.
Vacant storefront dressed to impress in Mid Beach
This design curated by Nicolas Finol can be found on the corner of 1651 Washington Ave.
To date, 31 properties throughout Miami Beach have participated in the program. Interested property owners/managers and brokers are encouraged to take advantage of this no-cost program while funding is available.
Click here to learn more about the program, and how to get started. Interested brokers, realtors, property owners and managers should apply here and email the completed application to Mbbiz@miamibeachfl.gov.
Questions about the program may be directed to Economic Development Assistant Director Amber Tarrac at ambertarrac@miamibeachfl.gov.
