Crowdfunding to Promote Revitalization of a Town?

[Lisa Henrich]

I have an idea.  Please give me your thoughts and suggestions.  There is a very cute town near my hometown that is in need of some desperate revitalization.  It has very good bones and could be Any Town, USA.  My idea is to try to crowdfund the purchase and rehab of some of their condemned buildings, sell them, and redirect at least half of the profits to the local economy (small businesses, etc.). Perhaps, investors could get a plaque dedicated to them in a local park, etc.  Donations could be in any size.  Thoughts?

[Michael Delpier]

I love the idea. It goes well with my philosophy of giving more than you receive.

I would love to do thin in Houston but unfortunately it is well beyond my means at the moment.

A good example of a revitalization effect is Santana Row in San Jose, CA. When I was growing up there, this area had fallen in significance. The developers created Santana Row by taking inspiration from European cities with retail at ground and residential on the higher levels. It was a great success and still is. Not only did Santana Row do well, but it brought up the whole area.