The initiative encourages curiosity and interest from the community and entrepreneurs and enlivens underused properties through arts and creative placemaking.

During the pilot phase of the program, Morgantown ReStored will create window installations in vacant or underused downtown spaces at no cost to property owners or lessees. The window displays will be lit from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am to increase nighttime visibility, contribute to a safe, positive atmosphere, and to discourage loitering.

Morgantown ReStored is inspired by arts & economic vitality initiatives which contribute to increased positive perception and reinvestment in other communities:

• In Seattle, Washington, Seattle ReStored has revitalized Seattle through creativity and commerce with pop-up shops, events, and art installations in empty storefronts.
• In Huntington, West Virginia, #WeBAM, a pop-up Build A Better Block party, infused vacant downtown spaces with music and arts activity. According to presenting organization Create Huntington, the increased attention brought by #WeBAM has generated real-estate interest in vacant downtown spaces.