Dayton office spaces targeted in new program

A downtown Dayton program that first offered help for new retail businesses now has launched a similar effort that focuses on connecting businesses with office space in newly renovated buildings.

In 2011, the Activated Spaces Pop Up Shop Project began, helping to launch new businesses by providing them support and renevated vacant spaces. Activated Spaces began with a focus on shops and retail and has now moved on to encouraging new businesses to occupy office space they have remodeled.

Since the start of the initial project, the group said it has successfully opened 24 new businesses and filled more than 21,000 square feet of previously vacant space. There have been more than 120 startups launched in the downtown area.

The Pop Up Office Project is working on creating a supportive environment for the startup community in the downtown.

Jen Cadieux with Downtown Dayton Partnership says this is a continuation of the Pop Up Shop Project.

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“We have had great successes in the retail program that was launched in fall 2011, so we’re taking that same plan, fill some of the vacant office space we have downtown,” Cadieux said.

The Downtown Dayton Partnership was recognized in 2013 by the International Downtown Association, through the “Activated Spaces Pop-Up Project.” The Washington D.C. based organization awarded the Dayton Partnership with the 2013 Downtown Pinnacle Award.

The renovated eighth floor of Liberty Tower will be home for three companies as part of the organization’s Activated Spaces.

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“It was a good location when we were down there. Everything was convenient, and I kind of miss that,” said Deborah Mason, who used to work in one of the now vacant offices.

Cadieux said the program is a way to reduce downtown office building vacancies.

“We’ll offer tenants the same short-term lease often and also a small stipend for start-up costs,” Cadieux said.

Applications for the businesses that want to be part of the program are due on Aug. 25 and information can be found on activatedspaces.org or contact cadieux@downtowndayton.org.

Malik Perkins contributed to this report.

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