Revitalizing Columbia City: A Service Design Approach to Supporting Local Businesses

Exploring "Secret Spots" in Gentrifying Neighborhoods: My Journey in Civic Design Jam

In the Fall of 2022, I had the opportunity to participate in the Civic Design Jam by the University of Washington, a service design sprint project that aimed to connect emerging artists with long-standing, locally-owned businesses in gentrifying neighborhoods. As a part of this project, I conducted field studies and street interviews to better understand the impact of gentrification on these businesses and explore creative solutions that could support them.

(image of Columbia City)

The Problem

The project focused on neighborhoods in cities like Seattle, where gentrification is rapidly transforming communities. Older businesses, which have been in the area for over 15 years, face increasing pressure from newer businesses that appeal to a different, often younger generation. Many of these small business owners fear losing their loyal customer base, and without significant resources, they struggle to remain competitive.

(images of local businesses in Columbia City)

The Solution: "Secret Spots"

Our team came up with an initiative called "Secret Spots" to help these businesses stay visible without adding to their workload. The idea was simple: pair emerging local artists with these businesses to create artworks that reflected the store’s history, culture, and personality. The art would be displayed in the store’s windows, drawing in foot traffic and inviting exploration. Each participating shop would also receive a "Secret Spot" sticker to further boost visibility.

The city would organize monthly art and food walks, allowing people to explore these spots, appreciate the art, and learn about the businesses' heritage. It’s a win-win solution that helps small businesses tap into the new money coming into gentrified neighborhoods, while artists gain exposure and experience.

What We Learned

Through street interviews with small business owners, we learned that many were excited about the idea of showcasing their unique identity in a creative way. However, they expressed concerns about the potential burden. We made it a priority to ensure the process would be as hands-off as possible for the business owners. The only significant touchpoint for them would be collaborating with the artist to decide on the direction of the artwork.

(image of the project roadmap)

Next Steps

The next steps in our process included presenting our idea to city officials and continuing to gather feedback from business owners. Our ultimate goal was to create a feasible, low-maintenance program that would elevate the local economy while preserving the character of the neighborhood.

Reflecting on the Experience

Participating in this Civic Design Jam was both inspiring and challenging. It gave me a deeper insight into the complex issues faced by long-established businesses in rapidly changing environments. Through street interviews and field studies, I saw first-hand how communities are affected by gentrification and how thoughtful design can play a role in preserving the essence of these neighborhoods.