Riverside Heights Downtown Revitalization
$12M
Private Investment
340%
Foot Traffic Increase
23
New Businesses
92%
Occupancy Rate
The Challenge
Riverside Heights' downtown had experienced decades of decline. Storefronts sat vacant, foot traffic had dwindled to near-zero outside of business hours, and previous revitalization attempts had failed to generate sustained improvement. The city had tried facade grants, streetscape improvements, and business recruitment—none had moved the needle.
Our Approach
Conducted comprehensive stakeholder interviews to understand why previous efforts failed
Identified programming gaps—downtown had no reasons for residents to visit after 5pm
Developed phased activation strategy starting with low-cost, high-impact events
Created developer-ready packages for key vacant properties
Established downtown management organization with dedicated staff
Designed streetscape improvements that supported programming, not just aesthetics
Results
$12M
Private Investment
New private investment in downtown properties within 24 months
340%
Foot Traffic Increase
Measured increase in downtown pedestrian activity
23
New Businesses
New businesses opened in previously vacant storefronts
92%
Occupancy Rate
Ground-floor retail occupancy, up from 54%
"Blueprint Municipal didn't just give us a plan—they gave us a roadmap we could actually follow. Two years later, our downtown is thriving."
Sarah Mitchell
Mayor, Riverside Heights
Deliverables
Ready to Build
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