Origin of the Maven District, Vision for the Future, & Success Stories
CREW Utah Luncheon
July 11, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Maven Create
Origin of the Maven District, Vision for the Future, & Success Stories
Presented by: Jen Ungvichian, Chief Operating Officer of the Maven District
ORIGIN
The Maven District started on 9th South as a vision of Tessa Arneson, who was the owner of a 9th and 9th pilates business. Tessa started a collective of small businesses that were oriented around health and wellness. As the business district’s identity continued to transform, the area held several different titles: “Maven Strong”, “Maven Well”, and its current name, the “Maven District”.
In partnership with her husband Tim Watcke, Tessa created the Maven District, which contains 85 local businesses. Approximately 75% of the businesses are women owned. The Maven properties are primarily led and managed by women.
The Maven District specializes in micro retail and private office space, with some exposure to multi-family and residential as well. Crafting a space for businesses to launch into their first brick and mortar has become a primary objective of Maven. With retail spaces starting at 140 sq. ft. and a gross lease option, the Maven District is an accessible business space for entrepreneurs. Additionally, one particular section, Maven Create, is a community coworking and office space, with 14 office spaces available. The Maven District’s residential units are presently 100% occupied, and its commercial units are at 80% occupancy.
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
The Maven District continues to grow throughout Salt Lake, with the priority of collaboration over community. One of its most recent projects is Maven Lofts, which features 6 retail businesses, and 57 one bedroom, one bathroom apartments. Additionally, in partnership with the Colmena Group, they are working on two other projects: the old furniture building on state street and 1800 South, northeast of the OC Tanner Building; and, Ballpark Next, with a proposal to reuse the stadium for a women’s sports team and surround it with local business and some rental units. This proposal has been submitted to Salt Lake City.
SUCCESS STORIES
The Maven District is proud to share that Normal Ice Cream, founded by Alexa Norlin, has a flagship location and production facility at Maven, and Normal is now a nationwide branch.
Mineral and Matter, also located within the Maven District, was founded by Stacey Foster. It has expanded into two retail locations during the pandemic - the Salt Lake City International Airport and within City Creek Shopping Center.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT
Participate in the Maven District’s annual block party and invite local businesses and artists to participate. It will take place on Saturday, September 30th, 2023.
Spread the word about the Maven District and its collaboration mission.
Follow on Instagram @mavenslc
CREW Utah hosts dynamic quarterly luncheons on various topics relating to CREW Utah and its partners and mission: to create success for women in commercial real estate. The Maven Create luncheon facilitated a presentation about how Maven came to be and its future, alongside a tour of the block area.
The Maven Create luncheon proudly hosted a record-breaking number of CREW member attendees. We hope you enjoyed this luncheon, and if you are not a member of CREW, we hope you consider joining CREW Utah by signing up here.
