Press Release

Facade Improvement Programs Produce Real Economic Benefits, Study Says

Downtown property owners and business operators see enhanced incomes and values.

(Boonton, NJ, February 25, 2015) — Increases in new customers, rental incomes, and property values were seen in a recent study of the impact of facade improvement programs.

To help downtown professionals better determine the ROI of these types of improvements, a team at the University of Wisconsin-Extension examined the impacts of storefront improvements over the past 15 years.

“The intent is to help business and community leaders make more informed investment decisions,” say authors Bill Ryan, Amy Greil, Dayna Sarver, Joe Lawniczak, and Errin Welty.

Overall, the report, An Analysis of Downtown Storefront Improvements, is favorable. Among the findings:

• Business operators generally experience an increase in the number of first-time customers.
• Many, but not all, business operators experience an increase in sales.
• Property owners generally generate increased rental revenues.
• Properties are often converted to a perceived better use.
• Nearby businesses often enjoy increased sales and initiate their own storefront improvements.

Download An Analysis of Downtown Storefront Improvements.

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About the Downtown Research & Development Center

For over 50 years, the Downtown Research & Development Center has acted as the information clearinghouse on practical strategies and tactics for revitalizing the hearts of our cities and towns.

The Group\'s main activities include publishing the widely influential Downtown Idea Exchange and Downtown Promotion Reporter newsletters; publishing relevant books and reports; and operating the DowntownDevelopment.com website.

Website: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com