JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Empty storefronts once seen as signs of decline are becoming places of opportunity. The Johnson City Main Street program is implementing a new initiative that proves changes don’t always require big spending.

The initiative aims to help businesses and continue to develop the downtown area.

As downtown Johnson City grows, so does the need to keep it appealing. Simple, strategic changes are breathing new life into empty storefronts.  

Johnson City Main Street Director Lindsey Jones is tapping into her creative side to make the downtown area even more appealing.

“We’re hoping to install a temporary artist gallery in a vacant property downtown,” she said. “The location is not announced yet, but we’re still working out the details. We’re partnering with a company called Zero Empty Spaces. They’re based out of Florida, but they are very excited to come to Johnson City.”

Jones says the artist will also be doing temporary window displays to spruce up the empty spaces.

Entrepreneur Kevin Sommers is opening “Some Apparel” on Main Street. He says the downtown area was a perfect fit.

“I want to build a regular client base of guys that are looking for something cool to wear on the golf course, or something to wear to an event over the weekend,” he said. “But at the same time, I want someone to come in the door and be like, ‘oh, like I wondered where someone got that shirt from. I would love to like, try it on’, and maybe try some out of their comfort zone.”

Commercial realtor Shannon Castillo said that spirit is what re-built downtown, and cooperation has nurtured it.

“They’re (business owners) all starting to care about one another,” she said.  “And we’re seeing a lot of collaboration happen between businesses like Sentimental Journey and the brand new men’s clothing store, Some Apparel, are doing a collaboration to try to get business to and from each other.”

The small changes are not just making downtown Johnson city a destination, but a thriving, lived-in experience.