Longview, Texas
Longview did a 3-D window cling installment of a virtual hardware store to showcase the possibilities of what an empty building could become. Here is the press release: http://www.visitlongviewtexas.com/news-releases/main-street-announces-installation-of-3-d-window-decals-downtown
Waxahachie, Texas
In 2011, Anita Brown, Downtown Development Director, and Amy Hollywood, community Relations Manager created a series of signs to promote vacant building in their downtown. Their four main goals were to:
- promote the empty buildings
- market them to both locals and visitors
- educate the public about how the building served the community in the past
- add a spark of life and interest to the vacant storefronts all around the square to keep people engaged while downtown
They worked with the Ellis County Museum and local historians to obtain historic photographs and background information for each building. Each building owner had to approve the poster or their building. 100% of building owners agreed with the project. The Downtown Merchants Association donated $300 to print the panels.
Eleven 36" x 48" panels were created and installed in five downtown buidlings. Four smaller panels were produced in house for use on three buildings that could not accommodate the large posters. Each poster included:
- a historic photograph with building history
- information on how to contact about buying or leasing each property
- QR or quick response codes were incorporated into the designs to lead interested parties to the list of available downtown properties on the city website.
Feedback on the marketing campaign was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Residents called to say what an improvement it made in the downtown and that it projects a unified effect. The local newspaper did a great story on the project. More importantly, calls started coming in from people inquiring about many of the buildings and one building sold within the first two month the panels were up. Several Visitors, including some developers, have used the information on the posters to make inquiries about possible business prospects downtown. Property owners are working diligently to get the buildings tenant ready as a result of all the interest the posters have generated in their properties.
In 2012, the project won Best Marketing Program from the Texas Downtown Association and many rehabilitation projects and new businesses have resulted because of it.
