Proposal
from The Druker Company
Economic Development/Job Initiative Strategy
Minority
Business Development Strategy
The Druker Company development team will seek to afford opportunities
for local, minority-owned businesses to lease retail space in University
Gateway Center. As indicated in the initial section of this response to
the Request for Proposals, strong local merchants attuned to the specific
needs and desires of the local marketplace can contribute importantly
to the distinctiveness and local flavor of a commercial development. Enhancing
the mix of retail tenants with minority-owned businesses who, like the
other tenants in the development, have the operating history and financial
capacity which meet lender underwriting criteria; will help broaden and
strengthen the appeal of University Gateway Center to the multi-faceted
University District market.
We will work first with existing businesses owned by minorities which are presently operating in the project area to gauge their possible interest in relocating in the development. As necessary, we will work with such minority business development groups as the Equal Business Opportunity Commission of the City of Columbus and Columbus Urban Growth Corporation to identify other business people working outside of the University District who may be interested in locating within the University Gateway Center development.
To the extent that locally owned franchises of national restaurants and
retailers are appropriate for the development, we also will explore working
with experienced, minority group operators as franchisees, as well.
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