Official Website for the City of Killeen

Downtown Killeen

Two renovated buildings downtown Avenue DIn 2006, the Mayor and City Council Members of Killeen determined that a Downtown enhancement strategy was needed to further strengthen Downtown Killeen. The Killeen Downtown Action Agenda 2007, the resulting plan adopted in February 2007, defined the collective values and goals of City government, local business owners, and other members of the community while at the same time prescribing a course of action for achieving those goals and objectives. The plan continues to guide staff and the Downtown Revitalization Partnership Committee as they work to create a vibrant and thriving downtown for the City of Killeen.

Early initiatives of the Downtown Revitalization Partnership Committee have focused on developing a program for historic preservation and providing incentives for downtown redevelopment.

Strategies in Progress…...
the latest news and happenings Downtown Killeen

June 23, 2009 – Local Banks Eager to Get In on Downtown Façade Improvements with Owners
Senior Planner, Beverly Zendt has made connections with two local banks who are eager to loan money and work with property owners in the Downtown Historic District.

Ms. Zendt has confirmed conversations with Vice President and Business Development Officer, Thomas Sinkey of Extraco Bank; and Market Manager, Christy Somogye of Eisenhower Bank that both institutions are lending money for commercial loans and are excited about working with downtown property owners seeking funds from the City’s Façade Improvement Grant Program. Both of these institutions are anxious to see through local lending activities in Killeen, especially those activities involved with the façade improvement program.

For additional information about the City of Killeen Façade Improvement Grant Program contact Beverly Zendt at 254.501.7641 or for direct information about commercial lending opportunities from Extraco Bank or Eisenhower Bank, contact:

Thomas Sinkey – Vice President, Business Development Officer – Extraco Bank 254.200.3618

Christy Somogye – Market Manager - Eisenhower Bank 254.526.7515

 

Downtown Vision
Façade Improvement Grant Program
The City of Killeen Planning and Development Services recently invited all eligible property owners in the Downtown Historic District to attend an Application Workshop for the Façade Improvement Grant Program.

The workshop provided downtown property owners with detailed information on the relevance of the Historic District Design Guidelines to potential improvements and rehabilitation, section instructions for completing the façade grant application, permitting signs, alterations, and improvements to downtown buildings in the Historic District, and registered and certified contractors approved to perform the improvements.

Senior Planner, Beverly Zendt informed attendees that the City of Killeen has approximately $80,000 available for façade improvement grants. The grant is structured as a matching grant whereas the City and the property owner contribute equal shares of funds toward the façade, roof, and sign improvements ultimately achieving a “new face” for downtown Killeen.

The workshop concluded with an estimated fifteen (15) property owners expressing great interest in the program and arranging initial project review meetings with Mrs. Zendt.

Property owners interested in the program or needing technical assistance in completing the Façade Improvement Grant Program application should contact Beverly Zendt, Senior Planner 254.501.7641, or Cinda Hayward, CD Program Manager 254.501.7845.

A copy of the City of Killeen Façade Improvement Grant Program application can be obtained from the City of Killeen Planning Department or by downloading the document from the web page.