Why Third Places Must Change: Town Markets, Libraries, and Community Halls in the Age of Automation

I previously wrote about the third place and changes that a town will see from automation in the article: The Future of the Third Place: Rebuilding Community in an Automated World

Automation, AI, eCommerce are changing towns. I had several questions about this article. Including: What could a third place look like? What are models of a third place? Will automation, artificial intelligence, eCommerce really change my town?

I now write to answer and address these questions and to expand on the ideas from the first blog post.

The Problem: The Third Place Crisis

For most of history, every town had “third places”—coffeehouses, markets, libraries, shopping malls, parks, gardens, and other spaces where people gathered outside of home and work. These places shaped our communities. They were where ideas were shared, friendships were built, and local life happened.

But today, these third places are quietly disappearing.

Retail is shrinking as more people shop online.
Shopping malls are empty.
Public spaces like parks and libraries face tighter budgets.
Automation is changing the kinds of jobs—and businesses—that exist.
Remote work means fewer daily interactions with coworkers.
And digital life keeps people at home instead of out in the community.

Many towns still believe their commercial areas will stay the same. But the world is already changing. We can’t expect the old model of shops, offices, and retail strips to return.

The good news? This major shift is also a major opportunity.
Communities that recognize what’s happening can rebuild stronger, healthier, more social places—designed for the needs of today and the future.

Why Commercial Space Is Shrinking

Across the country, towns are seeing more empty storefronts—and it’s not just a temporary trend. The entire structure of commercial space is changing, and it’s important for community leaders to understand why.

A. Automation and AI Are Restructuring Retail

Retail is becoming more automated every year.
Self-checkout, automated warehouses, delivery robots, and AI-driven logistics all reduce the need for workers in physical stores.
This reduces the number of jobs, meaning less people can make money and buy things.
This also makes it difficult for businesses that do not have the scale to have large automated warehouses to compete.

This means fewer jobs, fewer retail jobs, fewer physical locations, and less daily activity in downtown areas.

B. E-Commerce Undercuts Local Shops

Online shopping has permanently changed how people buy goods.
E-commerce businesses operate with lower overhead, so they can sell the same products for less. They also offer:

Cheaper prices
Fast delivery
Huge inventory selections

The cheapest option for most items will be or is ecommerce. Physical locations have to pay local taxes, rent, and employees.
It is cheaper to sell the items online then have a traditional brick and mortar store.

Local shops simply cannot compete on these factors. As more spending shifts online, traditional retail struggles, and storefront vacancies increase.

C. Commercial Real Estate Costs Are Too High

Many commercial buildings were designed for the retail boom of the 1990s, not the automated, online-first world of the 2030s.
The cost of rent, utilities, insurance, and upkeep has risen much faster than the profit small businesses can realistically make.

As a result, many entrepreneurs can’t afford to open or maintain a standalone store. This model no longer works—and it’s hurting downtowns everywhere.

D. Communities Often Believe “Everything Is Fine”

It’s easy to hope that retail will bounce back. Many towns assume a new store will eventually fill each empty space.

But the truth is: the old retail model is not coming back.
The economic forces behind automation and online shopping are too strong. If communities ignore the shift, they risk:

More empty buildings
Fewer local businesses
Declining foot traffic
A hollowed-out town center
Reduced tax revenue

Recognizing the problem is the first step toward building something better—new types of commercial spaces that match the world we live in now.

The Future of Commercial Space: Human-Based Services

As automation, online shopping, and rising costs reshape our towns, one thing becomes clear: the future of commercial space will not be built around selling products. It will be built around services and experiences that only humans can provide.

A. What Cannot Be Automated?

Even in a high-tech world, there are things people still want from other people. These will form the foundation of local business in the years ahead:

Experiences — live events, gatherings, performances
Crafts and handmade goods — items with a personal touch
Human food preparation — restaurants, bakeries, specialty foods
Education and classes — from cooking to coding
Workshops and repairs — skills you cannot download
Human connection — the simple act of being around others

These services depend on creativity, personality, and social interaction—qualities technology cannot replace.

B. Commercial Space Must Reduce Overhead

For small businesses to survive in this new reality, the cost of operating a physical space must go down. The old model—each shop in its own building with its own utilities, rent, heating, insurance—just isn’t sustainable anymore.

The future lies in shared spaces:

Multiple small vendors under one roof
Shared utilities and services (heating, bathrooms, security)
Shared foot traffic—one visit benefits every vendor
Shared marketing and events

This approach dramatically lowers costs, making it possible for more local entrepreneurs to open and stay in business.

Shared markets, cooperative buildings, and multipurpose community spaces aren’t just nicer—they’re necessary. They offer a practical, affordable way to keep local commerce alive and vibrant in a world where traditional retail is disappearing.

Model 1: The Town Market (Case Study: Titan Market)

A. The Roman Market Returns

For most of history, communities relied on one central marketplace—a shared space where farmers, artisans, cooks, and neighbors gathered in the same place. This ancient model worked because it brought everything together:

A centralized commercial zone
Multiple vendors under one roof
Lower costs and flexible space for small businesses

Today, this idea is returning out of necessity. As traditional retail declines, shared markets are becoming one of the most practical and successful forms of commercial space.

B. Titan Market as a Model

A great example of this modern market model is Titan Market in Bellefonte, which opened in 2020. It was created during a difficult time, when many local businesses were struggling to stay afloat. Instead of waiting for change, the founders built a space where entrepreneurs could share costs and customers.

Key features include:

A mix of permanent and rotating vendors
Farm products, crafts, baked goods, artisan items, and specialty foods
Indoor, year-round shopping
Freshly made food stalls and pop-up options
Seasonal and family-friendly events like trick-or-treating, Christmas craft shows, and tastings

The market became part of a larger redevelopment effort at Titan Energy Park, supported by county investment. The entire building is now 100% leased, hosting not only the market but also a brewery, restaurants, and even a record shop. It has quickly grown into a regional destination.

C. Why It Works

Titan Market succeeds because the shared model benefits everyone:

Lower rent per vendor — small businesses can afford to operate
Shared foot traffic — one visitor supports many stalls
Frequent community events — consistent activity and engagement
Human-first services — food, crafts, and in-person experiences
Indoor and weatherproof — stable year-round operations
An anti-isolation hub — people come not just to shop, but to connect

This is what modern commerce looks like: community-driven, flexible, and built around real human interaction.

D. Why Every Community Needs One

A town market isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a strategic response to changing economic realities.

It replaces outdated commercial sprawl with a single, vibrant hub.
It provides an alternative to dying malls and vacant storefronts.
It creates a true third place, where people naturally gather.
It supports local entrepreneurs who can’t afford traditional retail space.

In a future shaped by automation and online shopping, shared markets give communities a sustainable way to keep local commerce alive, active, and social.

The Modern Library

A. Libraries Are Already Evolving

The idea of a library being “just a place for books” is long gone. Across the country, libraries are transforming into dynamic community hubs. Today’s modern library is a:

Makerspace with tools and technology
Cultural center for events and exhibits
Co-working hub for remote workers
Event space for talks, classes, and meetups
Teen/elder social hub
Community support center for learning and connection

Libraries are becoming some of the most flexible and important third places in any town.

B. Library as Anti-Isolation Infrastructure

Libraries offer something incredibly valuable today: a safe, welcoming space for people to gather without needing to spend money.

Modern library features now include:

3D printers and laser cutters
Workshops, lectures, and skill-building events
Language clubs, crafting groups, and gaming nights
Private pods for remote work or studying
Free coworking areas
Spaces designed specifically for teens and seniors
Zero-fee meeting rooms for community groups

These features turn the library into a place where people can learn, create, and connect—no purchase necessary.

C. Case Study: Schlow Library’s 3D Printing Program

A great example of this evolution is Schlow Centre Region Library’s 3D printing service.

Here’s what they offer:

Accessible to students, inventors, hobbyists, and residents
Uses high-quality equipment (Bambu Lab P1S)
Affordable pricing and clear guidelines
Staff supervise all prints for safety and quality
Encourages innovation, problem-solving, and local creativity
Protects the community through appropriate use rules and safeguards

This kind of service—once limited to tech labs or expensive makerspaces—is now available in a public library. It’s a perfect example of how libraries meet modern needs without losing their mission.

D. Why Libraries Are the Perfect Third Place

Libraries have a unique advantage that many commercial spaces don’t:

They are publicly funded, so they stay accessible to everyone.
They are trusted community institutions.
They are already staffed, maintained, and centrally located.
They can adapt and innovate in ways private businesses often can’t.
They offer high return on investment by supporting education, workforce development, and community connection.
Successful models already exist across the country—there’s no need to reinvent the wheel.

E. How to Support the Modern Library

To help libraries continue evolving into essential third places, communities can take several practical steps:

Reduce outdated requirements—for example, removing rules that force libraries to spend a set percentage of their budget on new books, giving them more freedom to invest in makerspaces, technology, and community programs.
Increase flexibility in operations by allowing libraries to choose the mix of services that best fits local needs rather than following rigid state or regional mandates.
Encourage partnerships with companies, nonprofits, and universities to bring in 3D printers, creative tools, workshops, and specialized knowledge.
Expand donations and grant funding to support new technology, equipment, and events that boost community engagement.
Increase public funding so libraries can maintain extended hours, modernize their spaces, and continue offering free programs that support residents of all ages.

Supporting libraries means investing in one of the most cost-effective, accessible, and community-strengthening resources a town can have.

As third places continue to disappear, libraries are stepping forward as essential community infrastructure. They are one of the strongest, most reliable tools towns have to fight isolation, support local creativity, and bring people together.

Model 3: Community Event Halls

A. Why Event Halls Matter in an Automated World

As more parts of life become automated—shopping, services, even some jobs—people naturally seek out experiences that feel real and human. That’s why community event halls are becoming more important than ever.

Event halls create spaces where people can:

Make shared memories
Build social connections
Celebrate local culture
Participate in civic life

In a world where isolation is easy, event halls give people a reason to come together.

B. What They Offer

A community event hall is incredibly flexible. It can host a wide range of activities throughout the year, including:

Live performances and concerts
Dances and social gatherings
Artisan and craft fairs
Local theater productions
Film nights
Workshops and educational events
Seasonal or holiday festivals

These events give residents something to look forward to and keep community life active and vibrant.

C. Financial Model

Event halls can sustain themselves through a mix of revenue sources, making them practical for towns of all sizes:

Ticket revenue from performances and shows
Vendor fees from craft fairs, farmers markets, and expos
Rentals for weddings, parties, meetings, and conferences
Optional concessions like snacks and drinks
Sponsorships from local businesses
Partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and arts organizations

This blended model keeps costs manageable and allows a wide variety of events to take place.

D. Event Halls as Third Place Anchors

Event halls make excellent third places because they pull people together repeatedly. They serve as:

A regular gathering point for community members
A way to mix different groups, interests, and generations
A space that supports local performers, artists, and creators
A practical way to revitalize an underused building

Whether it’s a monthly market, a weekly film night, or a seasonal festival, event halls help turn a town into a place where something is always happening—and where people want to be.

Why Communities Must Act Now

A. The Risks of Doing Nothing

If towns ignore the changes happening around them, the problems will only grow. Communities that hold onto the old model of retail and commercial space will face:

Rising retail vacancies as shops close and are not replaced
Loss of social cohesion, with fewer places for people to gather
Increasing loneliness, especially among remote workers, seniors, and teens
Decline in local entrepreneurship, as small businesses cannot afford traditional storefronts
Weak downtown vitality, leaving main streets quiet and underused
Loss of civic pride, as empty buildings and failing spaces become the norm

These issues don’t fix themselves. Without action, towns slowly hollow out.

B. The Opportunity

The good news is that communities can shape their future—if they start planning now. By embracing new types of third places and modern commercial models, towns can create:

Sustainable commercial ecosystems built around shared spaces
Stronger social ties through markets, libraries, and event halls
Year-round gathering spaces that encourage daily interactions
Resilient local economies where entrepreneurs can afford to start and grow
Healthier, happier populations with more chances to meet, learn, and connect

Smart investments today create stronger, more vibrant communities tomorrow.

C. The Future Is Already Visible

We don’t have to imagine what these solutions look like—we can already see them taking shape:

Titan Market, transforming an old industrial site into a thriving shared marketplace
Modern libraries like Schlow, offering makerspaces, coworking, and community programs
Community event halls across the country hosting concerts, workshops, festivals, and more

These examples show that positive change is not only possible—it’s already happening. Towns that act now will be ready for the future. Those that wait may find themselves left behind.

Conclusion: The Future of the Third Place Is Shared, Human, and Local

Automation is changing how we shop, work, and interact. Because of this, our commercial spaces cannot stay the same. If towns try to hold onto the old model of standalone retail and traditional storefronts, those spaces will continue to fail.

But there is a better path forward.

Third places—shared markets, modern libraries, and community event halls—are becoming essential infrastructure. They strengthen mental health, spark creativity, and bring people together in ways technology can’t replace. They create affordable space for local entrepreneurs, support families, and give residents real reasons to spend time in their community.

These spaces offer a clear, realistic blueprint for the future:
Shared. Human. Local.

Now is the time for action.
Community leaders, planners, and residents must work together to support these new models. That means investing in shared spaces, rethinking outdated policies, and encouraging flexible, community-centered development.

If we build the next generation of third places today, our towns will not only survive the changes ahead—they will thrive.