Owners of the Rathskeller property should make an effort to reach out to students for their input and take into account the suggestions of town development officers before leasing the new spaces.
Students make up a majority of the downtown market, and involving the student voice in this leasing decision would be beneficial not only for the students who may use the new businesses there, but also for the owners of the property.
Leasing to a business owner who is more likely to succeed would help ensure the business’s longevity, which would benefit the owner of the property in the form of an incoming rent check month by month they can depend on.
The quick business turnover on Franklin Street and the repetitiveness of the businesses downtown not only makes it tough for business owners to compete, but also it makes students less interested in going downtown to shop because there is little variety.
The town’s ideas of turning the space into retail or an art studio and/or gallery could be something new for downtown-goers.
There are boutiques and other clothing stores on Franklin Street, but an alternative from the pricey shops and UNC-focused sportswear could be successful.
Not only would a different style of clothing store be a new and unique place for students and residents to shop, but also it could bring a new kind of shopper to downtown Chapel Hill, which would benefit all Franklin Street businesses.
An art gallery and/or studio would also be beneficial because the Chapel Hill and Carrboro area has a history of supporting the arts.
Making a smart leasing decision based on the opinions of the people that will be using this space most at the front end would pay off for months and, hopefully, years to come.
