Facade Improvement Program

The Facade Improvement Program is part of the Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership (HDKP) revitalization program and is mirrored after the nationwide Main Street Program.¹ The Facade Improvement Program has four main goals: 1) to encourage historic preservation through restoration of downtown structures, 2) to abate any continued deterioration of downtown commercial structures, 3) to augment the natural assets of downtown by restoring the uniqueness, character and integrity of downtown structures to the period of their construction and 4) to help in the economic recovery of downtown through increased jobs and sales in retail and commercial businesses, and increased valuation of property. The Facade Improvement Program is a financial incentive package for property owners or tenants interested in preserving and restoring their buildings.

How the Program Works

The Facade Improvement Program is specifically designed for the preservation, restoration, or other compatible modifications of historic building facades. All business owners in the downtown district (within the HDKP boundaries) are eligible to apply. This area runs from the Blue Bridge to the Cable Bridge and from the Columbia River to 10^th Avenue . If a project is approved, the Facade Improvement Program will provide up to a matching grant which varies from 50-75% of the project's cost. The remainder must be provided by the property owner.

What Can the Money Be Used For?

Funds obtained from the Facade Improvement Program must be used for changes to building exterior facades which are visible to pedestrians; specifically, facade renovation/restoration, awnings, canopies, painting, windows, lighting entryways, and cornices. Structural changes directly related to facade changes or changes and/or additions to buildings which enhance the pedestrian atmosphere of downtown are also permissible.

Project Review Criteria

All proposals must conform to the City of Kennewick 's zoning and code requirements. Additionally, the HDKP Design Committee will use the following criteria, in addition to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings, to review all applications submitted for the Facade Improvement Program:

·              The design is visually interesting and compatible with its surroundings.

·              If the project is unusually large, or if it is located so as to become part of an introduction/transition to the downtown area, the design acknowledges this impact by addressing these design criteria in an exemplary manner.

·              Where appropriate, the design will maintain pedestrian access and orientation.

·              The design gives attention to the placement of storage or mechanical equipment so as to screen it from view.

·              The design avoids either monotonous similarity or excessive dissimilarity with existing structures.

·              The proposed materials are compatible with the character of Downtown Kennewick.

·              The design preserves the distinguishing original qualities or character of the building.

·              Deteriorated architectural features are being repaired rather than replaced, whenever possible. In the event replacement is necessary, the new material should reproduce the material being replaced in composition and design color as closely as possible.

·              The design proposed uses the gentlest possible methods of surface cleaning of structures. Sandblasting and other cleaning methods that will damage the building materials are not recommended.

·              Architecturally appropriate awning style and design is encouraged.

·              The external lighting fixtures are compatible with existing architecture.

Facade Improvement Application

A Facade Improvement Program application for loans and grants may be obtained at:

Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership

124 W. Kennewick Avenue

PO Box 6552

Kennewick , WA 99336

582-7221