Plans & Projects
Downtown Strategic Plan
In 2006, the City of Kennett was named one of Missouri’s first DREAM Communities. Through the DREAM initiative the City of Kennett was able to hire PGAV design firm out of St. Louis, Missouri to prepare a community-based vision and implementation strategy for the future of Downtown Kennett.
The process involved a comprehensive public involvement program to create a community-based vision and plan for the future. A variety of workshops, walking tours, stakeholder interviews, and community events were held to develop, illustrate, and refine the vision. The Kennett Community Development Corporation, the City of Kennett, the Kennett Chamber of Commerce, property and business owners, elected and appointed officials, and other stakeholders participated in the community-based process.
The Initiative has already begun fostering development in Downtown Kennett, including:
- Securing Missouri Department of Economic Development funding for a Downtown Kennett Coalition executive director and work plan
- Using a local Chapter 353 incentive, and Missouri Housing Development Commission funding, to complete renovation of the Ely-Walker Shirt Factory building by Carlson-Gardner Inc., bringing 46 residential units into downtown
- Developing and implementing streetscape plans to enhance the area surrounding the Sheryl Crow Aquatic Center
- Obtained Home Repair Opportunity (HeRO) program funding for qualifying residential properties.
- Implementation of future Streetscape Phases
Façade Improvement Grant
The Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) Program is available to existing business tenants and/or owners of buildings that are located in the Downtown District. This grant has been made possible through the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Neighborhood Assistance Program. The purpose of the grant is to provide financial incentives that will encourage appropriate and attractive improvements to Downtown buildings.
The program will provide up to $500 in matching grant funds for those business/ property owners who may need only minimal financial assistance.
The Grants must be approved prior to the beginning of construction and take the form of reimbursements after the fact. The property and/or business owner is required to contribute a minimum of 50% of the total cost of the renovations/improvements. Grants are subject to available funding and reviewed by the Kennett Community Development Corporation. Each project is limited to one grant.
Download the Façade Improvement Grant Application here.
Download the Façade Improvement Grant Guidelines here.
For more information, contact us.
Downtown Kennett Coalition
The Downtown Kennett Coalition is a group of business owners, property owners, elected officials and area residents interested in the sustainability and continuity of downtown initiatives.
Some of the activities the organization undertakes include strengthening the mix of businesses, preserving the historical characteristics of downtown buildings, making the core area more pedestrian-friendly, business recruitment and retention, and coordinating promotional events throughout the year.
The Downtown Kennett Coalition first met in July of 2010. The formation of the DKC was the first goal of the Dream Initiative, a three year program that provides downtown planning assistance to chosen Missouri communities. Kennett graduated as a dream community in May of 2010 as a result of the City Council adopting the strategic plan for downtown.
The Downtown Kennett Coalition meets the second Tuesday of every month. New members are always welcome. Contact us to become involved in the downtown revitalization efforts.
