Property ownership. Ownership of the building in which a business operates is the best defense against displacement and rising rents. Ownership can be achieved through the purchase of an entire building or of a portion of a building as a retail or office condominium.

Facade improvements. The quality, design, and appearance of the building where a business is located and the signage announcing a business can also have a significant impact on the prominence and perception of the business. reSTORE DC provides assistance to neighborhood revitalization organizations on facade improvements for neighborhood commercial districts. The District Department of Housing and Community Development administers a facade improvement grant program.

 

Retail vacancies. The Washington DC Economic Partnership tracks and makes available a list of retail space opportunities in Washington DC.