Currently, York County is home to 98 retail spaces that measure more than 20,000 square feet, according to Rock Commercial Real Estate in York.
Of those 98 spaces, 21 are currently vacant or soon to be vacant.
Based on the downturn in economy, it's been tough for developers to fill those spaces with traditional retailers.
If not retailers, what type of business should fill those properties?
Churches? Gyms? Daycare centers?
What do you think?
That's a real interesting questions. I think unattached stores may be demolished before re-use, while those attached in strip malls may be subdivided into smaller spaces.
With so many businesses having gone under, it's not like something will rush in to fill the vacant space.
Aside from the big boxs, many small stores also sit vacant. Hopefully developers will take notice of this before building more retail space only to have it sit half empty for the forseeable future.
As I understand, a developer may often spend more than $100,000 to subdivide a property.
I would imagine that is still cheaper than starting from scratch. Also it depends on what all they are subdividing. Are they simply putting up some walls and "splitting up" the large unit or are they creating new property lines and issues such as that. Either way, its definitely something that will have to be dealt with.
As for uses I would like to see a Dave & Busters or "The Works" (in Reading area) type of venue in this area. I think we need some more entertainment venues and these places would work. Whether or not York would support such a venture is another question.
Any ideas on low-cost entertainment venues that would work in York County?
First of all we need something that be used for year-round entertainment, these big boxes would provide that.
I thing that a concert venue would fair well in this area, something that attracts both regional and national acts.
Maybe an indoor waterpark. Something that isn't already here and pardon the pun but a developer would have to think outside the box to find something unique to the area that would really make people want to come back time and time again.
You'll all have to check out my blog on Wednesday. I have a great idea for what to do with the old Giant in West Manchester Township!