Wishlist
The following ideas are things we have identified as both desirable for the community and potential business opportunities.
Our Living page covers residential zoning for the downtown area. Our downtown also has a free local shuttle and a regional transit hub. (Please see our maps and links on this page.)
In addition to the retirees we already attract, we are well-positioned to attract remote workers. This is true in part because we are fortunate to have good access to high-speed internet.
In addition to the documented shortage, the regional economy is diversifying away from the historic lumber industry and towards more tourism. Additional hotel space in or near the downtown area is something the town would love to have and it is a potential business opportunity.
The abundance of state parks attracts a variety of hikers, campers et al. These are people who are typically health conscious and are likely to prefer something healthier than most fast food places and can afford a slightly higher price point.
We also have a Tesla super charger station. People who drive electric vehicles tend to be health conscious and have a bit more money.
Local throughways carry millions of vehicles annually into Aberdeen or through Aberdeen on their way elsewhere. Aberdeen is also a regional commercial hub where people from surrounding smaller communities do some of their shopping.
So we believe Aberdeen is ripe for bringing in a few fast casual dining establishments. We would love to see a Chipotle, a Panda Express and at least one other fast casual establishment in the downtown area. (Perhaps a Panera, Moe's Southwest Grill or a fast casual pizza place?)
Additional research suggests the downtown plus South Aberdeen near the college, which has no dorms, could use at least 300 new affordable residential rental units appropriate for college students, seniors, single parents and other small households.
Downtown Residential Development
Studies show that mixed-use, walkable downtowns with both housing and commercial are more profitable and have a higher quality of life. Historic downtowns -- like the one Aberdeen is fortunate to have -- are especially well-suited for including residential above commercial.Our Living page covers residential zoning for the downtown area. Our downtown also has a free local shuttle and a regional transit hub. (Please see our maps and links on this page.)
In addition to the retirees we already attract, we are well-positioned to attract remote workers. This is true in part because we are fortunate to have good access to high-speed internet.
Hotel Space
A recent study showed we have too few hotel rooms in Aberdeen. This is why our local hotels are typically booked solid.In addition to the documented shortage, the regional economy is diversifying away from the historic lumber industry and towards more tourism. Additional hotel space in or near the downtown area is something the town would love to have and it is a potential business opportunity.
Fast Casual Dining
There are a lot of inexpensive fast food places in Aberdeen. Fast casual dining tends to offer healthier fare at a slightly higher price point while still being fairly quick access.The abundance of state parks attracts a variety of hikers, campers et al. These are people who are typically health conscious and are likely to prefer something healthier than most fast food places and can afford a slightly higher price point.
We also have a Tesla super charger station. People who drive electric vehicles tend to be health conscious and have a bit more money.
Local throughways carry millions of vehicles annually into Aberdeen or through Aberdeen on their way elsewhere. Aberdeen is also a regional commercial hub where people from surrounding smaller communities do some of their shopping.
So we believe Aberdeen is ripe for bringing in a few fast casual dining establishments. We would love to see a Chipotle, a Panda Express and at least one other fast casual establishment in the downtown area. (Perhaps a Panera, Moe's Southwest Grill or a fast casual pizza place?)
A few months ago, the local Pizza Hut shut down. Whenever I went in it, I could smell the mold and I don't have a good sense of smell. I personally am inclined to feel its failure to thrive and the fact that it had unremediated mold issues in the building are likely related.The Pizza Hut shut down sometime in February 2023. As noted above, it likely failed to thrive due to a mold issue. This leaves more room for a new fast casual pizza place in downtown Aberdeen -- just make sure you inspect for mold if moving into an old building and remediate it if necessary.
Footnote
The pre-pandemic study suggested we need at least 175 more hotel rooms. Additional pre-pandemic data: Heron and Wishkah (the east and west parts of the old scenic highway through downtown) saw 10 million vehicles annually.Additional research suggests the downtown plus South Aberdeen near the college, which has no dorms, could use at least 300 new affordable residential rental units appropriate for college students, seniors, single parents and other small households.