August 10, 2026 By V. J. EverettZero Empty Spaces has activated 34 vacant commercial spaces across five states, primarily as affordable working-artist studios, according to an Aug. 10 announcement. The company works with property owners to temporarily occupy vacant space while permanent leasing efforts continue and is preparing to open its first California location in Berkeley. “Vacancy is often treated as a passive condition: Everyone waits for the next conventional tenant while the space remains dark,” Martineau said. Martineau described Zero Empty Spaces as a for-profit social-impact company where artists and participating businesses pay a flat monthly occupancy fee that includes their space and utilities. Their upcoming Downtown Berkeley project marks their first California activation; recent openings include Minneapolis inside former retail spaces.