A wave of new businesses is reshaping historic downtown Melbourne, where once-vacant storefronts along New Haven Avenue are reopening as restaurants, boutiques and coffee shops. Business owners credit the district's walkability, a steady stream of events and a growing population of young professionals drawn to the region's aerospace and technology jobs.

City officials say foot traffic is up and that the district has become a destination for both residents and visitors, though some longtime merchants worry about rising rents.