Interim Spaces

Heritage Activation. Creative Placemaking. Community Engagement. Destination Development

Across Ontario, many buildings sit vacant or underutilized while awaiting restoration, redevelopment, new ownership, funding, or future tenants. During these transition periods, they can become disconnected from the communities around them and, in some cases, fall into decline through prolonged vacancy and neglect.Interim Spaces helps municipalities, heritage organizations, property owners, developers, and tourism partners transform vacant and underutilized buildings into vibrant destinations through temporary activations, cultural programming, creative industries, and seasonal experiences. activations, cultural programming, creative industries, and seasonal experiences.

Our Story

Every building has a story. Every activation should reflect that.

Danielle Rizzo is the Founder and Creative Director of Millworks Creative Studios and Interim Spaces. Through the activation of more than 90,000 sq. ft. of industrial, commercial, and heritage space, she has developed expertise in transforming vacant and underutilized buildings into vibrant destinations that attract visitors, support local businesses, strengthen community connections, and reveal the potential of overlooked places.

Interim Spaces

Our Approach

No two buildings—or opportunities—are the same. Every project begins with understanding the building, its history, future plans, surrounding community, and activation potential.

Whether the interim period is a few weeks or several years, we develop customized strategies that align with the building, timeline, available resources, and community needs. Our interim uses are tailored to each site and designed to respect and showcase its unique character.

Because our interventions are temporary and reversible, they are particularly well suited to heritage properties, allowing buildings to remain active and accessible while preserving their heritage value and supporting future redevelopment plans.

Interim Spaces

Our Impact

Our activations are designed to increase visitation and foot traffic, support local businesses, strengthen community connections, create interim revenue opportunities, and showcase the future potential of vacant and underutilized buildings. By bringing people through the doors, we help generate awareness, attract potential tenants, support future leasing opportunities, and encourage incremental investment that contributes to the long-term preservation and sustainability of these properties.

  • Our Services

    • Building activation strategy & site assessments
    • Community engagement & cultural programming
    • Seasonal and holiday activations
    • Tourism and destination experiences
    • Markets, exhibitions, and events
    • Film & photography location activation
    • Photography, video, and marketing content
    • Creative placemaking initiatives
    • Project management & stakeholder coordination

Work With Us

Interested in activating your property? We'd love to hear from you.

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