Redevelopment Commission helps fund new Heart of Jasper pop-up market program

The Jasper Redevelopment Commission approved allocating $25,000 to support the Heart of Jasper’s efforts to hold a series pop-up market events in an empty storefront in downtown Jasper.

The 18,000 square foot building located on the northwest corner of the Square was Sternberg Furniture for many years before being renovated and used as an ice cream parlor by two different companies. The building has been empty of tenants for a couple of years now.

With the building’s commanding presence on the square, the Heart of Jasper, as part of its mission, is seeking to attract new businesses to fill it.

According to Kate Schwenk, executive director of Heart of Jasper, the money for the redevelopment commission will be used to pay for renting the space and marketing the events as well as seed future similar events in other spaces if the building is filled. “The goal is to allow small business owners, entrepreneurs, a place to rent a space to sell their products or services,” she told the commission.

This will attract attention to the vacant building as well as give these entrepreneurs an opportunity to potentially take the next step in their business towards creating a storefront of their own. The Heart of Jasper has teamed up with the Jasper Chamber of Commerce to help those potential businesses take that next step.

Schwenk pointed out that the cost of an empty building impacts more than the building owner. There is a loss in funds for utility services and taxing entities. “Utility companies within a year are missing out on $12,800 and local governments are missing out on $5,600 as the (Sternberg) building is sitting vacant,” she estimated.

The pop-up market will take place on six days in June and July. Schwenk would like to see 10 vendors available in the front portion of the building on the ground floor on two Saturdays each month as well as on the days Downtown Chowdown occurs (June 9 and July 14). The first time the pop-up market will be open will be during the Jasper Chalkwalk planned for June 5.

“If it goes well and the vendors in the space enjoy it and it becomes a permanent project for us or for the city, that is even better,” Schwenk told the commission. “Right now, as a pop-up, it can move into different storefronts in the district.”

Redevelopment Commission President Andy Seger pointed out the goal of filling empty buildings in downtown Jasper fits in the mission of the Jasper Redevelopment Commission.

Ultimately, Schwenk and the Heart of Jasper hope this project is successful for both the vendors and building owner as both are going to be showcased and open to a new crowd of visitors during these events.