AUSTIN (KXAN) — Filling more office spaces and storefronts in downtown Austin is the goal of the Downtown Austin Space Activation Program. It provides affordable spaces for local creatives and small businesses to host pop-up shops and events.

“If there’s underutilized or vacant spaces in downtown, we want to fill them. We want small businesses, entrepreneurs, musicians, creatives to come and make sure that they have a place in downtown,” said DAA Chief Impact Officer Jenell Moffett.

  • Downtown Austin Alliance said it prioritizes affordability with this program and offers low rates to rent the spaces. (Photo: Downtown Austin Alliance)
  • Downtown Austin Space Activation Program
    Downtown Austin Alliance said it prioritizes affordability with this program and offers low rates to rent the spaces. (Photo: Downtown Austin Alliance)
  • Downtown Austin Space Activation Program
    Downtown Austin Alliance said it prioritizes affordability with this program and offers low rates to rent the spaces. (Photo: Downtown Austin Alliance)
  • Downtown Austin Space Activation Program
    Downtown Austin Alliance said it prioritizes affordability with this program and offers low rates to rent the spaces. (Photo: Downtown Austin Alliance)

Since launching in May, Moffett told KXAN the program helped increase foot traffic. The DAA said more than 800 people visited the different events like panel discussions, a fashion show, kid events and cultural events.

“We’ve heard a lot of people saying this is the first time they were able to hold an event in downtown.”

Jenell Moffett, DAA Chief Impact Officer

Moffett said with only one storefront space available all the time and a pair of outdoor spots, the organization wants to add more spots to their inventory. Specifically, spaces that businesses could use for an extended period.

“That is our longer term impact, that some of these businesses then say, ‘Hey, downtown is a place for me, and I actually want to locate their long term,'” Moffett said.

‘Continue to touch lives’

Mental health organization, Mindful Bridges Inc., is one of the companies participating in this program. The company focuses on helping marginalized communities.

They held two pop-up events. The first was focused on self care.

  • Mindful Bridges Inc. event
    Mindful Bridges Inc. said its focused on fostering personal and organizational growth within Austin’s diverse community. (Photo: Mindful Bridges Inc.)
  • Mindful Bridges Inc. event
    Mindful Bridges Inc. said its focused on fostering personal and organizational growth within Austin’s diverse community. (Photo: Mindful Bridges Inc.)

“It was a Friday in the hub of downtown, and we’re like, ‘What a better time to come and regulate your emotions after a long day of work?'”

Dominique Caminos, Co-founder Mindful Bridges Inc.

Caminos said the second event was centered around the theme of roots and resilience.

“We just invited professionals, entrepreneurs, those that wanted to really tap into that personal, professional development side of things and understand what it meant to tap into the best version of yourself,” Caminos said. “But also to unleash that safety within your team, to unleash that potential within others.”

This program gave the company a platform in downtown Austin to share their message and resources with others. Caminos said they plan to continue with this partnership.

“We have four more activations planned for this year,” Caminos said. “Our hope is to continue to touch lives.”

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