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Redevelopment commission renews micro‑retail lease at Horner Block, continues downtown pop‑up program
Summary
The commission approved a lease renewal between the Lafayette Redevelopment Commission and the Lafayette Urban Enterprise Association for a micro‑retail space in the Horner Block at 619 Columbia Street. Staff said the pop‑up program has been successful and that rents are passed through to the city to cover utilities.
The Lafayette Redevelopment Commission on Sept. 25 approved a renewal of a micro‑retail lease between the redevelopment commission and the Lafayette Urban Enterprise Association (LUEA) for a pop‑up retail space within the Horner Block facade at 619 Columbia Street.
Redevelopment staff said the space has functioned as a short‑term micro‑retail or pop‑up venue over the past year and has helped several ventures, including a startup called A Pinch of Pepper that grew out of the program. Staff said the lease renewal continues the program and that rental charges are passed through to the city to cover utility and related costs. The staff presentation noted the price used by LUEA for subleasing is the same as the city pass‑through price.
Commissioners asked how potential users learn about the available space. Staff said outreach includes notifying commercial realtors, using Matchbox co‑working and programming channels, and running a retail accelerator program tied to a renovated former GoPub property that will provide two additional retail incubator spaces.
A motion to accept the director’s recommendation and approve the lease renewal was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Why it matters: The micro‑retail program is part of downtown economic development efforts to lower barriers for new, small retail businesses and to activate storefronts while long‑term tenancy is developed. The program also supports small-business incubation activities such as the retail accelerator described by staff.
