Vacant to Vibrant Expands to Union Square
In an exciting move to reinvigorate San Francisco’s city center, Vacant to Vibrant is expanding to the city’s iconic Union Square!
Vacant to Vibrant - an initiative designed to transform empty storefronts into thriving community hubs and shops - convened small businesses, artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural organizations alongside property owners to bring pop-ups and creative spaces to life in Downtown San Francisco.
Since its launch in 2023, Vacant to Vibrant has brought 17 vacant storefronts back to life in the Financial District, SOMA, and East Cut neighborhoods. Among the 9 storefronts that opened last year, 7 signed long-term leases, a strong signal of the program’s impact and potential for sustainable growth.
The new Vacant to Vibrant budget allocates nearly $3 million to extend Vacant to Vibrant’s reach into Union Square and other key Downtown corridors over the next 2 years. Specifically, the program will activate 4–6 storefronts along Powell Street, with further beautification efforts planned for other vacant spaces in the area.
In total, around 20 additional small businesses will receive grants and technical assistance through this expansion, along with stipends for property owners to help with utility costs and tenant improvements.
New spaces are expected to open on Powell Street and across Downtown on a rolling basis starting in early 2025.
“San Francisco small businesses continue to be the backbone of our City’s resilience and recovery,” says Simon Bertrang, Executive Director of SF New Deal, a key partner in the program. “We’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact small businesses can have on revitalizing our neighborhoods through the early success of Vacant to Vibrant. This expansion will help breathe new life into Union Square and across Downtown by creating opportunities for small businesses and community organizations to thrive.”
As Vacant to Vibrant continues to roll out across San Francisco, it’s clear this initiative is more than just about filling empty spaces. It’s about restoring the city’s unique character and revitalizing its cultural and commercial heart.
To apply for the next round of Vacant to Vibrant activations,, or to learn more, visit vibrantsf.org.
Stay tuned for updates and watch as these vacant storefronts become vibrant cornerstones of a revitalized Downtown.