Real Estate Redevelopment Game Plan Recipient (2024)

In 2024, Cleveland Main Street was selected to participate in the Real Estate Redevelopment Game Plan, a grant-funded initiative led by the Mississippi Main Street Association and supported by the USDA Rural Community Development Initiative. This program equips downtown communities with professional real estate guidance, market data, and redevelopment strategies—at no cost to the community or property owners.

Through this initiative, Cleveland partnered with Place + Main Advisors to develop a detailed Retail Market Analysis and receive property-specific redevelopment plans for key downtown buildings.

 Key Outcomes:

• Identification of priority properties for redevelopment (108 N Sharpe, 110 S Court, 152–158 N Sharpe, and 103 S Court)

• Creation of financial pro formas to help property owners understand investment potential

• Real-time visitor insights using geofencing technology to map visitor demographics, behaviors, and origins

• Retail leakage analysis highlighting business types that are in demand and currently underserved

• Actionable recommendations to improve walkability, signage, incentives, and upper-floor housing

 Highlighted Opportunities:

Cleveland’s analysis identified strong potential for:

• Family clothing stores

• Hobby, toy, and game shops

• Pet supply stores

• Wine bars and speakeasies

• Full-service restaurants

• Snack and non-alcoholic beverage bars

These categories show the highest opportunity gaps—meaning residents and visitors are leaving the area to find these services elsewhere.

This Game Plan gives us a clear roadmap for growing downtown, supporting local businesses, and turning vacant properties into vibrant spaces.