Coronavirus Spurs Entrepreneurial Spirit In Downtown Hillsboro

Beaverton OR

26 July, 2020

3:39 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Hillsboro: July 24, 2020 Downtown Hillsboro businesses share how they are making the most of downtime and temporary closures. The COVID-19 pandemic and the collective response continue to put the success and survival of small businesses at risk. In the wake of public health mandates and economic volatility, business owners are having to make difficult decisions about how to adjust their commercial operations and prepare for an uncertain future. For Downtown Hillsboro's business community, these challenges are all too familiar. However, for some, the situation has presented the opportunity to update commercial spaces and enhance retail or service offerings, giving the community more reason to visit Downtown. During the temporary closure, Main Street's Hillsboro Bar & Grill made significant improvements to its interior. "There were some things that needed to be updated that were long overdue, and we finally had the time to do it," said owner Micah Hartman. After a deep clean, the walls were repainted and repaneled, ceiling tiles were replaced, bathrooms were updated, and new copper detailing was added throughout. Arguably the most exciting improvements include the fleet of new 75-inch TVs and projection screens as well as the karaoke booth converted from an old tin milk truck. For other businesses, closures and downtime were seized. Noble Hop Bierhaus commissioned a new mural to embellish its space. Rick, Bill & Bucks Barber Shop received a remodel and the Venetian Theatre, acquired by John Lee of the NW Events Center, fast tracked its plans to revamp its interior, exterior, and business model. Other businesses have been going beyond physical renovations to better market their products and services. Bennett Urban Farm Store expanded their online presence to include a marketplace to sell their products. The long awaited opening of Arcade 2084 brings Downtown visitors a much-needed boost of fun at their retro arcade on Main Street. Dita Barbers, an ultra-modern, super minimalist, and creatively eclectic barbershop took the opportunity to fill a gap in services by moving in to its new Downtown space. In Downtown Hillsboro, the entrepreneurial spirit of the business community is on full display. Many local businesses have taken creative, problem-solving approaches to the uncertainty and hardship created by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on Downtown Hillsboro businesses, visit downtownhillsboro.org. This press release was produced by the City of Hillsboro. The views expressed here are the author's own.