Curated Storefront: Examination by the Center for Economic Development

Abstract

In early 2025, Curated Storefront contracted the Center for Economic Development at Cleveland State University to examine the impact of the organization’s programs that support and underwrite the installation of artistic works in unoccupied or vacant storefront spaces concentrated along the main commercial corridor of downtown Akron. This report serves to contextualize the organization\u27s work within relevant and practitioner literatures on place-based economic development, storefront revitalization, and creative placemaking, examine the community’s understanding of the organization and its work, and provide guidance and strategic recommendations for moving forward