Downtown Shawnee Invites Public to Empty Buildings Tour this October

RSVP to attend and learn more at this form: Empty Buildings Tour Signup

Downtown Shawnee is opening its doors — even the empty ones — for a special Empty Buildings Tour this October.

The event invites the public to tour vacant and underused downtown buildings to see their potential for new businesses, housing, and creative uses. The Empty Buildings Tour will be held on Wednesday, October 22 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday, October 23 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., offering a chance to reimagine these historic spaces.

“Following our meetings with SaveYour.Town last fall, the Empty Buildings Tour was suggested as an initiative to spark the investment in downtown. This is about possibility,” said Stacy Cramer Moore, Director of Tourism, Visit Shawnee, OK. “We want people to see not what these buildings are today, but what they could be with new life and ideas. This event is designed to help fill our downtown, support entrepreneurs, and showcase Shawnee’s future. ”

“Downtown was the heartbeat of Shawnee, and over the years, like many historic downtowns, it lost some of its rhythm,” reflected Stephen Koranda, tourism consultant with Back To You Marketing. “The Empty Buildings Tour is more than just an event—it's an opportunity to help people see the soul and potential in these beautiful, historic spaces again. We're not just showcasing empty buildings; we're helping to lay the groundwork for a revitalized downtown, filled with new businesses and vibrant life. I'm honored to be a part of bringing that vision to life."

What to Expect

• Free, self-guided tour of 10-12 vacant downtown buildings

• Volunteers on hand to share building details and answer questions

• Maps and building information at the check-in station

• Downtown shops and restaurants open late

• “Ask a Professional” opportunities

Visitors can explore historic storefronts, imagine new uses, and even meet owners or realtors on site.

Why an Empty Buildings Tour?

Shawnee’s Empty Buildings Tour follows a model used in small cities across America to combat downtown vacancies. By literally opening doors, the event reduces fear and uncertainty about old buildings and shows their potential for: retail shops, restaurants and cafés, office space, housing or lofts, galleries and studios. The possibilities are only as limited as a mind’s imagination.

“We want local entrepreneurs, investors, and residents to walk through and dream,” Cramer Moore added. “Maybe someone sees the perfect spot for their next big idea.”

Event Details

Dates: October 22 and 23

Time: 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. (October 22); 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. (October 23)

Cost: Free and open to the public

Property owners interested in participating can still sign up by contacting Stephen Koranda at 405-637-6225 or info@VisitShawnee.com. You can also complete this form: Empty Buildings Tour Signup

Volunteers are also needed to help greet visitors and staff buildings.  The event is free and open to the public.

For More Information

Contact: Stephen Koranda, 405-637-6225, info@VisitShawnee.com