At A Glance
Location: Bowling Green, Missouri
FHLB Des Moines Member: Community State Bank of Missouri, Bowling Green
The Impact: Through the Downtown Revitalization Committee, the Downtown Marketplace project provides low-risk, affordable rent options for new merchants giving them the opportunity to grow their companies. This project is part of a larger program working to beautify and invigorate the downtown Bowling Green area.
The Need: When two large, older buildings in the Bowling Green area were demolished due to owner neglect, a passionate group of residents banded together to reclaim the commerce opportunities in town. The Downtown Marketplace project is working to reinforce pride of ownership with local merchants through education, building rehabilitation and business owner engagement programs.
The Results: Residents and business owners alike are thrilled to see progress to enhance their community and readily volunteer their time and talent through fundraising and outreach events that support the project.
The Key Players: Community State Bank of Missouri, Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Revitalization Committee.
The Full Story
The downtown commerce area is often the heart of a community’s identity and a strong source of civic pride. When two buildings in the Bowling Green’s downtown had to be razed because they had fallen into disrepair, residents knew they had to take action and the Downtown Revitalization Committee was born. This group of concerned citizens had the goal of making their downtown a thriving shopping destination like it had been many years ago.
Building on the draw of five small retail stores already doing a strong business, the committee is hoping to construct 8 to 12 small, free-standing retail rental spaces called "Chalets." These micro-spaces measure between 100-300 square feet and are being placed on vacant lots on the town square.
The Chalets will be rented to retail entrepreneurs who need help getting started. With little risk and minimal up-front costs, they can test out their business before investing in a larger space. Beautification efforts, including large concrete planters with banners, flowers and decorative lights, bring a warm and inviting feeling to the space.
The community support for the project has been amazing. Citizens and business owners are excited to see the effort to improve Bowling Green’s downtown. The project has generated strong interest from people interested in starting a business because they can see the effort that the community is putting into bringing foot traffic and customers to town. They keep up to date on progress through a Facebook page dedicated to the Downtown Marketplace and on the Chamber’s web page.
The goal of the Downtown Marketplace is to serve as an amazing "start-up" opportunity that will benefit not only the new entrepreneurs but the downtown shopping areas and overall Bowling Green development. The current waiting list for the first Chalet signals the idea will catch on.