The State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) announced its 2008 “Excellence in Downtown Revitalization” award winners May 14 at the 22nd annual Downtown Revitalization Training Institute banquet in Wenatchee.
The eight projects honored are:
Outstanding Achievement in Promotion
1. Ellensburg Downtown Association for their “MySpace” page.
2. The Port Townsend Main Street Program and Port Townsend Artscape for their “Artwave — Childrens Art in the Stores” special event.
Best Economic Restructuring Story
3. Ellensburg Downtown Association for their “Brown Bag Business Basics” workshop series.
Outstanding Design/Economic Development Story
4. The Mercer family of Prosser for renovating and reopening the Princess Theatre.
Outstanding Design Project
5. Downtown Issaquah Association for restoration of the Hailstone Feed Store and Gas Station.
6. KBJ Investments for renovation of the Olympia Bank Building.
7. Jim and Brenda Harold for renovation of the Pantorium Building in downtown Walla Walla.
8. The Port Angeles Downtown Association for their downtown bench project.
“We’re delighted to recognize the exceptional achievements of these diverse groups in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing many of Washingtons traditional downtown and neighborhood business districts,” said Juli Wilkerson, CTED Director.
The awards banquet is a highlight of the Downtown Revitalization Training Institute, a popular annual conference that brings together some of the top specialists in downtown revitalization. Wenatchee hosted this year’s event, which included sessions on small business development, downtown branding and marketing, upper floor rehabilitation of older commercial buildings, disaster preparedness, historic preservation, and creating a flourishing arts district. Sponsored by CTED, the conference also includes walking tours, lectures, workshops, and discussion groups.
CTED is the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. For more information, visit http://www.cted.wa.gov .
State recognizes 8 projects for downtown revitalization excellence
Tags: Brenda Harold, CTED, Department of State, Director, Downtown Issaquah Association, Downtown Revitalization Training Institute, Economic Development, Ellensburg Downtown Association, gas station, Governor, Hailstone Feed Store, Jim Harold, Juli Wilkerson, KBJ Investments, lead state agency, MySpace, Olympia Bank Building, Pantorium Building, Port Angeles Downtown Association, Port Townsend Artscape, Port Townsend Main Street Program, Princess, Washington
