Like it or not, retail landlords in Southampton will be filling empty storefronts with art, according to the Wall Street Journal.
A local law passed last year requires landlords to work with artists to fill storefronts that have been vacant for more than a month. Landlords are still allowed to put up “For Rent” signs.
The goal is to liven up empty storefronts, particularly through the off-season, when many short-term retail tenants vacate spaces, although this year more tenants than usual are sticking around.
Artists provide the work at no cost. A grace period for landlords is expected to end next month, after which they can be subject to fines of up to $2,500 for not participating. [WSJ] — Dennis Lynch