After securing the $15.6 million needed to redevelop 33 apartments within the Wilson Lofts, GROWTH made a bold and brave decision to embark on a secondary development effort totaling $1 million by adding business incubators on the ground floor. The inclusion of incubators was not initially part of the original development plan for the Wilson Lofts; rather, it was a strategic addition made afterward to catalyze both housing and business opportunities in Clinton. This bold decision underscores GROWTH's commitment to nurturing a dynamic and diverse community while maximizing the potential of the Wilson Lofts redevelopment. Had GROWTH not undertaken this secondary development and investment of $1 million, the ground floor would have remained vacant and marketed for lease, delaying and/or missing out on the opportunity to stimulate economic activity and community growth.
Now, GROWTH’s brave decision to proceed with the incubator development has yielded positive outcomes, welcoming two new businesses into Clinton: Soi 5 Thaiand GEOME + ph.yla Store. Entrepreneurs can try out their business ideas with low risk and high flexibility. The incubators offer flexible leases with WIFI, and utilities included, helping entrepreneurs learn while minimizing financial risks and encouraging growth and innovation. Sponsorship opportunities are available for those interested in supporting the growth and development of small businesses through the incubators.
About Clinton Culinary: Clinton Culinary is a dynamic restaurant incubator located in the Wilson Lofts at 217 5th Avenue South. Dedicated to fostering culinary innovation and economic growth, the incubator provides aspiring food entrepreneurs with a supportive environment to launch and develop their businesses. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, Clinton Culinary aims to enrich the local dining scene and create opportunities for sustainable success. The objective is for the restaurants being incubated to eventually expand into larger establishments with full staffing, while new restaurant ventures emerge within the incubator space. Typically, these initial restaurants will have small staffs, often consisting of the founders themselves. However, the long-term employment impact is significant, as the aim is to witness bakeries, restaurants, and catering businesses outgrow the space and necessitate larger workforces. This initiative serves as a job creator, with the resulting increase in employment cascading through our local economy, bolstering its overall strength. Soi 5 Thai is located here.
About Makers on 5th In addition to Clinton Culinary, the Wilson Lofts also accommodate Makers on 5th, a retail incubator situated adjacent to it at 217 5th Avenue South. The mission of Makers on 5th mirrors that of Clinton Culinary: providing a platform for established business owners with innovative ideas or aspiring entrepreneurs to test their concepts in a low-risk environment before fully launching their ventures. These incubators offer a practical business education within a supportive framework, providing a safety net for participants. GEOME + Ph.yla Store, a high-end jewelry and plant store, curated by jewelry designer and plant enthusiast is located here.