Downtown Austin Space Activation (DASA) Year 2 Impact Report 2025-2026

YEAR 2

DASA IMPACT REPORT

MAY 2025-APRIL 2026

DOWNTOWN AUSTIN SPACE ACTIVATION IMPACT REPORT 2026

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.

Photo Credit: viewwithvinny

DOWNTOWN AUSTIN SPACE ACTIVATION IMPACT REPORT 2026

PROGRAM PURPOSE This two-part economic development initiative leverages activation programs as a SOLUTION 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.

DOWNTOWN AUSTIN SPACE ACTIVATION IMPACT REPORT 2026

DASA 1.0

POP-UP SPACE IMPACT EVENTS & PARTICIPANTS EVENT STATS 178 Events & Pop-Ups Artist Residencies 3 Art Exhibits 6 11 Live Music, Theater & Fashion Performances 20 Independent Cultural Productions 15 Civic Organizations 16 Markets

PARTICIPANT STATS 3,700+ Participants w/ 1300+ repeat visitors 56% of groups were non-profits 52% of participating businesses were minority-owned 28% engaged were small businesses 32% of businesses engaged were women-owned 16% of businesses identified as historically underutilized

Photo Credit: Dossier. x Swank Ki & FlwrPot.co

“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.”

Activator, January 2026

DOWNTOWN AUSTIN SPACE ACTIVATION IMPACT REPORT 2026

KEY STATISTICS PROGRAM IMPACT May 2025 - April 2026

39%

28%

Foot Traffic Increase Each Month

Small Business Participants Engaged

178 Events & Pop-Ups Hosted

$178K

Parking Program Savings

3,700+

Participants

SPOTLIGHT: FINANCIAL IMPACT $284,800

1,656

in cost savings through discounted rental space, free technology use, free promotion and discounted parking

hours of free support services provided to participants by DAA staff team

“This is an outstanding program that makes sense on so many levels. As a non-profit organization, it is really difficult to find affordable rent for special art events. The location was great, the facility was outstanding and DASA was easy to work with.”

Activator, November 2024

DOWNTOWN AUSTIN SPACE ACTIVATION IMPACT REPORT 2026

PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK Participants consistently reported Accessibility Affordability Central location New audiences, partnerships, connections Opportunities to share their talents

100% would participate in the program again 83% said the application process was easy 100% of survey respondents said their space

needs were met

92% said location was very desirable AVERAGE RATING 4.54 out of 5

DOWNTOWN AUSTIN SPACE ACTIVATION IMPACT REPORT 2026

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

Photo Credit: Chisum Pierce

DOWNTOWN AUSTIN SPACE ACTIVATION IMPACT REPORT 2026

LAB FIFTY6

CULTURAL CO-WORKING PILOT 60-Day Pilot Results 400+ 10 40 $5K 85K 1,052 3K 5

“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.”

Fifty6 Creative, February 2026

People through the door Events Hosted Day Passes Sold Revenue Generated Instagram Views Instagram Followers Website Visits Long-Term Office Inquiries

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.

DOWNTOWN AUSTIN SPACE ACTIVATION IMPACT REPORT 2026

Ground Floor DASA 1.0:

Second Floor DASA 2.0:

Third Floor DASA 3.0:

Temporary Activation & Community Access

Co‑Working & Creative Collaboration

Small‑Business Incubator & Shared Studios

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.

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.

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.

DOWNTOWN AUSTIN SPACE ACTIVATION IMPACT REPORT 2026

DASA IN THE NEWS

DOWNTOWN AUSTIN SPACE ACTIVATION IMPACT REPORT 2026

DASA Programming Partners

DASA Supporters

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

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

DOWNTOWN AUSTIN SPACE ACTIVATION IMPACT REPORT 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.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

TEAM

DAVON BARBOUR President & CEO JENELL MOFFETT SVP, Economic Development, Marketing & Strategic Communication

CONTACT MEDIA daa@giantnoise.com DOWNTOWN AUSTIN ALLIANCE hello@downtownaustin.com

RAASIN MCINTOSH VP, Active Urbanism

FOUNDATION foundation@downtownaustin.com

EMILY RISINGER Director, Place Activation

COMMUNICATIONS communication@downtownaustin. com

AMANDA BAEZ Activation Manager dasa@downtownaustin.com

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