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Visitation up on the Hill; Half Fast Subs fire forces temporary closure, staff help flagged
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a visitation report showing increased visits since 2022 and heard that Half Fast Subs suffered substantial water damage after an upstairs apartment fire; the business has started a GoFundMe to support staff while closed.
City staff and commissioners discussed rising visitor numbers on University Hill and recent business impacts at the commission’s Jan. 7 meeting.
A visitation report in the packet showed a sizeable increase in visits compared with pandemic-era lows. A commissioner summarized the figures as moving “from 2,900,000 visits to 3,800,000 visits between ’22 and ’24,” and another commissioner described a year-over-year bounce of about 62.5 percent relative to the pandemic low. Commissioners said the increase reflects events (football) and new hotel openings.
Jake (staff) updated the commission on a fire that affected Half Fast Subs and upper-floor apartments. He said no one was hurt and that the fire damage was largely to the upper residential floors while the commercial space suffered water damage from firefighting efforts. “The damage was pretty significant,” he said, and the owner estimates the business will be closed for a couple of months while assessments and repairs occur. Jake said the business set up a GoFundMe to support displaced employees and the city promoted that post; staff said no direct city financial bridge resources had been identified.
Commissioners also heard a brief retail update: the 1149 13th Street space now houses Scrooge Soul (same owners as Taco Junkie), Boss Lady Pizza’s space is now Slice Shack, Sports Optical closed and the location is now Emmy’s Charm Bar. Jake also shared an ambassador-year report and survey prepared by staff showing ambassador activity in the district.
Commissioners asked about building re-occupancy and city processes; staff said the city’s chief building official will determine when spaces are safe for business and residence. Staff also discussed outreach to affected businesses and the limits of insurance versus lost-wage support; the city has no direct program to provide bridging wages and recommended insurance or community support.
No formal action was taken. Commissioners expressed appreciation for ambassadors and staff outreach to affected businesses.
