YEAR2
MAY2025-APRIL2026
PROGRAM BACKGROUND
The Downtown Austin Space Activation (DASA) program launched in 2024 to transform vacant downtown storefronts into vibrant spaces for creativity, entrepreneurship and community. By activating underused properties, DASA creates opportunities for artists, small businesses, entrepreneurs and community organizations to bring new ideas to life and contribute to a more dynamic downtown.
Through affordable, accessible and flexible short-term space opportunities, DASA helps reduce the barriers to starting a business, showcasing creative work, hosting events and building new audiences.
The program partners with downtown property owners to temporarily activate vacant storefronts, creating benefits for everyone involved. These activations increase foot traffic and property visibility, support local entrepreneurs and artists and strengthen Downtown Austin's economy while fostering a more vibrant, welcoming and culturally rich urban environment.
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PROGRAM PURPOSE
SOLUTION
This two-part economic development initiative leverages activation programs as a to vacant and underutilized spaces.
The program was established to address structural economic challenges facing downtown’s commercial corridors, including high vacancy rates, disruption from major construction and displacement of small businesses.
Launched in 2024, DASA 1.0 operates as an active pop-up activation space with steady bookings, community programming and a growing network of business partners. In 2026, DASA 2.0 was launched to pilot a coworking space concept called Lab Fifty6, complementary to the DASA program’s pop-up space, located at 506 Congress Avenue.
DASA 1.0
POP-UP SPACE IMPACT
EVENTS & PARTICIPANTS
EVENT STATS
Events & Pop-Ups
Artist Residencies
Art Exhibits
Live Music, Theater & Fashion Performances
Independent Cultural Productions
Civic Organizations
Markets
PARTICIPANT STATS
Participants w/ 1300+ repeat visitors of groups were non-profits of participating businesses were minority-owned engaged were small businesses of businesses engaged were women-owned of businesses identified as historically underutilized
“As a small business, it gives [...] artisans an inexpensive indoor venue where we can sell our art and arts and crafts. All the vendors were able to generate income at the events.”
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May 2025 - April 2026
1,656 $284,800
in
“This is an outstanding program that makes sense
As a
PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK
Participants consistently reported
Accessibility
Affordability
Central location
New audiences, partnerships, connections
Opportunities to share their talents would participate in the program again said the application process was easy of survey respondents said their space needs were met said location was very desirable
AVERAGE RATING 4.54 out of 5
DASA 2.0: LAB FIFTY6
CULTURAL CO-WORKING PILOT
Lab Fifty6 is a vibrant coworking space and creative hub in the heart of Downtown Austin, where culture, entrepreneurship and community come together.
Made possible by the DASA program, Lab Fifty6 builds on more than seven years of communitybuilding, providing space for BIPOC creatives, entrepreneurs and professionals with opportunities to connect, collaborate, showcase their work and grow their businesses while playing an active role in Downtown Austin's thriving creative and economic community.
“This isn’t just a coworking space [...] Everyone brings something valuable here. Whether you’re a creative, founder, professional or simply curious, you’re welcome to become part of the community we’re building.”
Fifty6 Creative, February 2026
LAB FIFTY6
CULTURAL CO-WORKING PILO
60-Day Pilot Results
People through the door
Events Hosted Day Passes Sold
Revenue Generated Instagram Views
Instagram Followers
Website Visits
Long-Term Office Inquiries
“We opened the doors of Lab Fifty6 to family and friends first — the artists, collaborators and longtime supporters who helped shape this vision from the very beginning. This isn’t just a coworking space; it’s a place to [...] build something meaningful.”
FUTURE GOALS & EXPANSION PLANS
VISION
Our long‐term vision is to occupy a historic 3-story building as the flagship home for all phases of the Downtown Austin Space Activation (DASA) Program. This historic property presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate how intentional partnerships, community engagement and phased economic development can transform a single building into a catalytic anchor for district revitalization.
Ground Floor DASA 1.0: Temporary Activation & Community Access
The first floor will serve as a vibrant, street‐level hub for DASA 1.0, continuing the program’s proven model of short‐term, affordable activations. This level will host rotating pop‐ups, micro‐retail, creative showcases and community programming, providing accessible space for small entrepreneurs, makers, artists and nonprofit partners. With its storefront visibility and direct pedestrian access, the ground floor will restore consistent activity, cultural energy and a welcoming presence to the corridor.
Second Floor DASA 2.0: Co‑Working & Creative Collaboration
The second floor will house DASA 2.0, anchored by our current partner Lab Fifty6. This level will operate as a mission‐driven co‐working and creative‐working environment that supports early‐stage entrepreneurs, nonprofit teams and creative professionals. By offering flexible workspace and curated programming, this floor will strengthen the pipeline of local talent and provide a stable foundation for long‐term business development.
Third Floor DASA 3.0: Small‑Business Incubator & Shared Studios
The third floor will serve as DASA 3.0, a small‐business incubator offering affordable rental units and shared studio spaces. This level will support businesses that have grown beyond pop‐ups and co‐working but are not yet ready for traditional commercial leases. By providing a supportive, low‐barrier environment, DASA 3.0 will help cultivate a new generation of locally rooted enterprises that contribute to the district’s economic resilience.
DASA Programming Partners
Athena Silversmith
Austin Urban Technology Movement
Central Texas Fashion Coalition
Eani Creative
El Paso in Austin Network
Elisa Garrett Drum Circle
EXALT
Future Front
Haley Levin
Juan Munoz
OFC Creatives
SIMS Foundation
SuperWoman Records
SwankKi
DASA Supporters
PNC Foundation - 2X Grant Recipient
Austin Community Foundation - 2026 Grant
Recipient
IKEA Round Rock
Colina West Real Estate
HPI Real Estate Services & Investments
City of Austin
Peak Parking
Kilroy Realty Corporation
NLVP
DASA PARTNERS
FY 2025-2026
It Takes a Village
Thanks to generous contributions from partners and supporters, DASA enables us to provide affordable venues, furnishings, marketing assistance and essential resources – empowering small businesses to launch, grow and connect with new audiences. By lowering barriers to entry and increasing foot traffic, DASA has helped maintain downtown vibrancy while fostering inclusive economic development. Every contribution, whether through discounts, direct funding, program participation, donations, or volunteer hours, directly fuels local creativity, builds community and strengthens the cultural and economic fabric of our downtown. We are deeply grateful for you.
THANKYOU TOOURPARTNERS
