Commercial revitalization in Union Square : an analysis of Main Street applied to a multi-ethnic business district

Abstract

Urban neighborhoods in the United States have a rich composition of ethnicities within their population and their business community. Understanding that ethnic business owners need to be integrated in commercial revitalization efforts is not only important but is also necessary. Immigrant and ethnic groups are growing at a fast rate in the United States, and entrepreneurship continues to be one of the most viable options for their economic mobility. This thesis explores how diversity can be utilized as an asset within the organizational and promotional efforts of commercial revitalization initiatives. Specifically, it addresses how to broaden participation and how to integrate ethnic business owners in the ethnic diversity as a promotional tool to strengthen the image of a district and broaden the appeal of an area. This thesis draws on lessons and effective practices from a literature review and from the analysis of two case studies, Hyde Jackson Square Main Street and Sunset Park 5th Avenue BID. It concludes by providing specific recommendations to Union Square Main Street on how to best integrate the district's rich diversity in its revitalization efforts.