South Greensboro Area Plan - Public Review Draft - 9.25.25

04.02 Focus on Aging Retail & Industrial Sites

Activating and retrofitting retail, industrial, and other commercial sites involves a range of improvements short of full redevelopment—such as cleanup, activation, and partial redesign—that can quickly enhance the appearance and function of a site. These efforts help foster community pride, strengthen relationships between property owners and local stakeholders, and improve the overall perception of the area. The following three sections outline short, medium, and long term ideas ranging on the spectrum from simple cleanup to partial retrofitting.

Clean-up & Maintenance

Beautification Activation Strategic Retrofit

Partial Site Retrofit/ Redevelopment

Full Site Redevelopment

Short Term Simple upgrades—such as better lighting, fresh paint, landscaping, or improved signage—can quickly enhance curb appeal and make the space more inviting. These changes help fill vacancies faster and keep current tenants satisfied. They’re also cost-effective compared to full redevelopments and can generate immediate returns through higher occupancy and rental rates. These updates can serve as a strategic first step toward the larger revitalization efforts in south Greensboro, helping stabilize the property and build momentum for future investment. In the short term, improvements can focus on quick, visible upgrades that enhance the appearance and functionality of existing spaces.

Basic Cleanup

1

This includes tasks such as trimming landscape edges, pruning trees for broken branches to allow easier pedestrian circulation, repairing broken signs or lights, and updating waste enclosures. These efforts help improve curb appeal; they promote a sense of safety, care, and investment.

Draft

Volunteers performing landscaping improvements along a residential street in Greensboro. (Source: Love Out Loud)

50 / SOUTH GREENSBORO AREA PLAN

NEAR-TERM SOLUTIONS

PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT - 9/25/25