09-04-2020, 09:55 AM
(09-04-2020, 08:34 AM)westwardloo Wrote: This is the blight of gentrification/ new building construction. Landlords won't take a risky lease from a unique independent business when they can sign a 5+ year lease from a corporation or a dentist office. Its unfortunate and i don't know what the solution is. At some point maybe a landlord will care more about creating a unique urban environment? but i don't see that happening. I expect much but drug stores, banks and dentists maybe another tim's at most of the new retail spaces coming online in the next couple years.
Do we have evidence that landlords are actually refusing to rent to independent businesses in DTK? We have empty retail space in a number of buildings, ranging from brand new (345 King St W) to fully refurbished (former Eaton Lofts) to many smaller properties. I have a hard time believing that none of these landlords would be willing to rent to an independent business. (Notably most of the cafes and restaurants in DTK are independent businesses.)
More likely we need more businesses who want to be in DTK -- and who are willing to pay the going rental rates.