Pendleton Downtown and Riverfront Urban Renewal Programs Guide

Transcription

1 PENDLETON URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY Pendleton Downtown and Riverfront Urban Renewal Programs Guide FAÇADE AND SIGNAGE JUMP START RIVER QUARTER DEMOLITION SECOND STORY ACCESS

2 The purpose of the pendleton urban renewal agency is to promote the vitality of pendleton s downtown and riverfront areas as the cultural and tourism center of the pendleton community. Photos: Amy Rogers (Cover top, back cover and this page), Mary Hallman (Cover bottom)

3 Pendleton Urban Renewal Agency Pendleton s Urban Renewal Plan was created by members of city council, citizens, business leaders, and government officials in 2003 to increase the vitality of downtown and to connect the Urban Renewal District to the Umatilla riverfront. Its focus is to rejuvenate Pendleton as a convention and tourism destination and to develop a range of housing options in order to create a mixed-use downtown. The Urban Renewal Agency is a separate governmental entity from the City of Pendleton. The members of city council serve as directors of the Agency and are known collectively as the Pendleton Development Commission or PDC. The City Manager serves as the Executive Director. The majority of programs are administered by citizen volunteers officially commissioned by the PDC. The Pendleton Development Commission holds its regular meetings on a monthly basis at the Pendleton City Hall Council Chambers. All meetings are open to the public and citizen input is encouraged. In fact, many of the programs and projects have been initiated by citizens. Refer to the City website and the East Oregonian for meeting dates and times or call City Hall to have your name added to the distribution list for meeting announcements and agendas. urban renewal agency goals... Increase the vitality of Pendleton s downtown by strengthening the area s role as the retail, service, office, tourist and cultural heart of the Pendleton community Connect downtown Pendleton to the Umatilla Riverfront by increasing access opportunities to the river from downtown and promote new housing and commercial development on riverfront properties Develop a range of housing opportunities for a mixed-use downtown by encouraging new housing alternatives that support or are complementary to retail, service, office and tourist commercial uses For more information about Pendleton s Urban Renewal Agency or any of its programs, visit the City of Pendleton website at and follow the links for Urban Renewal. To arrange a consultation about a particular program or project idea, call the Chair assigned to that committee or the Executive Director, as kept current on the City website. 3

4 PENDLETON URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY The Urban Renewal District and River Quarter Boundaries The Urban Renewal District consists of the area south of the Umatilla River from Westgate to Highway 11 generally south to Frazer Avenue. The District includes areas known as the National Historic District, Area of Historical Significance, River Quarter, Façade Main Area, and the Court Corridor Area. The Urban Renewal programs are made available to encourage private investment and to foster beautification and revitalization projects that will facilitate vitality of Pendleton s downtown and riverfront areas. Historically, downtown Pendleton has been known as the cultural, historical, and economic center for Eastern Oregon. Many remember the early days when ranchers and farmers would come into Pendleton for all of their retail, service, entertainment, and agricultural support needs. The Urban Renewal Agency and its programs are designed to revitalize and reshape Pendleton s downtown to serve the needs of the region today and to position the area as the economic center that it once was. PENDLETON OREGON 4

5 The Urban Renewal Agency is the result of the collaboration between citizens, business leaders, and city and regional government officials. The joint effort continues today, with Pendleton s downtown revitalization as the focal point for all discussions. Public involvement is encouraged and has been a key to the success of the program from its beginning. The community spirit and pride that makes Pendleton a remarkable place is alive and well in the management and administration of the Urban Renewal Agency. The Pendleton Development Commission has partnered with citizens to ensure that ideas, suggestions, and projects are considered for downtown Pendleton s rebirth. Many of the programs were initiated by citizens and are managed by volunteers commissioned by the PDC. Downtown Pendleton circa 1941, was known to be the retail, cultural and professional center for all of Eastern Oregon. There were many professionals, unique and practical retail stores, restaurants, saddle makers and a variety of entertainment venues that prospered during this time period. The sidewalks, stores and streets were filled with people and even horses, all day and well into the evening. Photo: Umatilla County Historical Society URBAN RENEWAL DISTRICT N CENTRAL RIVER QUARTER UMATILLA RIVER 5

6 PENDLETON URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY Façade and Signage Restoration Program This grant program is designed to encourage private investment in Pendleton s downtown area of historical significance. This area includes all property located between SE 3rd and SW 3rd, from the Umatilla River to the Railroad tracks. Grants are awarded for façade improvements on buildings and signage. Grants of up to 40% of the total project amount are awarded to property owners within the area outlined above. Grants up to 25% are awarded for projects on commercial properties located along SW Court, from SW 3rd to SW 10th Streets. If the building is a historical property, then the original character of the building will be restored. If the building is contemporary, then a complementary or façade compatible with other buildings in the district will be considered for funding. Over $1.2 mil in grants have been awarded since 2006 for a total of over 30 projects. Sample projects include: Association Building, Brown Building, Hamley & Co., Milarky- Murphy Building, Rainbow Cafe, Rohrman Bakery, St. George Hotel, Haw Building, and Master Printers. Built in 1907, the Standard Grocery building has served many uses over the years. Many remember Standard Grocery and Zigman s Flowers. Pendleton Quiltworks currently occupies the space and supplies fabric, notions and classes to quilters of the region. Photo: Amy Rogers façade and signage restoration program goals... Improve the facades of buildings within the Urban Renewal District Make the district more attractive to tourists, local citizens and businesses Promote rehabilitation and restoration of historic and cultural structures in the downtown core Improve downtown tourist and convention facilities Improve downtown cultural facilities 6

7 SAMPLE PROJECTS Exterior façade improvement grants are intended to be used for projects such as paint, windows, awnings, signage, re-pointing bricks, restoring neon signs nearly anything on the exterior of the building that can be viewed from the street, with the exception of landscaping. Demolition and architectural fees may also qualify for grant funding through this program. APPLICATION PROCESS An application and Façade and Signage Restoration Program checklist may be found at under the Urban Renewal link. Completed applications can be returned to the City Hall Planning Department. The committee meets monthly. All applications that have been submitted at least one week before that meeting will be reviewed at the monthly meeting. Meeting details are available by calling City Hall or by visiting The property owner or representative and the contractor will need to be there to answer questions. If no changes are necessary, the approval may occur that day. Otherwise, the application may be reviewed again at the next meeting. If the grant total exceeds $30,000 and is approved by the Façade and Signage Restoration Committee, it will then go to the Pendleton Development Commission for final approval at the next scheduled meeting. BEFORE AFTER The Association Building benefitted from a total facade restoration and new blade signage for its storefronts. Photos: East Oregonian Known for nearly a century, The Rainbow Cafe is a landmark destination in Eastern Oregon. Tourists come from miles away to enjoy a green beer on St. Patrick s Day, a Pendleton Whiskey during Round-Up, or good conversation and a bite to eat any day of the week. Photo: Amy Rogers For a personal consultation about how the Façade and Signage Restoration Program might help a project or new business idea turn in to a reality, call the Executive Director at City Hall or the Chair of the Façade Program. Visit and follow the links for Urban Renewal for more program details and the Chair s contact information. 7

8 PENDLETON URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY Jump Start Program This program is designed to stimulate Pendleton s downtown economy by providing incentives to maximize the use of store fronts in the heart of downtown. Projects will strengthen existing, expanding, and new business ventures. Specifically, the program offers benefits including low-interest, hassle-free loans for business and property owners located within the area of historical significance in downtown Pendleton. That is the area from SE 3rd to SW 3rd from the River to the Railroad Tracks. Other benefits available through this program include: a free consultation with a Small Business Development Consultant at Blue Mountain Community College, reduced pricing for advertising and marketing efforts, expedited building permit process through The City of Pendleton, lowered rate for first-year business license, discounted Chamber membership fee for the inaugural year, and a complimentary energy review for both new and existing construction through the Energy Trust of Oregon. One may take advantage of one or all of the program benefits, whether or not a loan is needed or approved. The La Fontaine Building, once known for its regional restaurants, is now the home for the Pendleton Music Co., a unique retail and professional music instruction studio. Photo: Amy Rogers jump start program goals... Encourage business growth in downtown Pendleton Maximize the use of commercial space in the area of historical significance Support an increase in the tax assessed value of properties within the Urban Renewal District Improve downtown tourist and convention facilities 8

9 SAMPLE PROJECTS Loans made to property owners to support permanent improvements to property interior such as HVAC, ADA access, required fire and safety measures, or other interior improvements to enhance ability to lease. Loans made to business owners to support the purchase of nonpermanent business specific assets such as racks, shelves, cash register, printer, computer, etc. Working capital loans made to business owners for expenses during the start-up phase of a new business such as water, sewer, rent, power, advertising, payroll, etc. Target businesses such as a shoe store, men s clothing, bakery, live entertainment, children s clothing or grocery store may qualify for a premium loan amount. APPLICATION PROCESS An application and Jump Start Program checklist may be found at under the Urban Renewal link. Completed applications can be returned to the City Hall Planning Department. Once home to Studebaker Retail Garage, the Haw Building is now Pendleton s first brew pub. Guests enjoy the nostalgia of the early 1900 s, while enjoying a microbrew in this casual, family-oriented gathering place. Photo: East Oregonian The W.S. Bowman Building, one of downtown Pendleton s many unique structures, has evolved over the years from a hospital, to a dentist s office, and later to a photography studio. Recently, the building has been transformed to a traditional interior design and home accents specialty boutique. In addition, a salon and travel agency occupy space on the lower level, while urban apartments are available on the second story. Photo: Amy Rogers The committee meets one time per month. Once a completed application packet is submitted, a decision will be communicated within 30 days and loan proceeds will be available within 3 weeks from the time the decision is made. For a personal consultation about how the Jump Start Program might help a project or new business idea turn in to a reality, call the Executive Director at City Hall or the Chair of the Jump Start Program. Visit and follow the links for Urban Renewal for more program details and the Chair s contact information. 9

10 PENDLETON URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY River Quarter Program This program is designed to assist developers who wish to help create a vibrant, mixed-use River Quarter. Although the River Quarter consists of all Urban Renewal land immediately south of the Umatilla River, the part currently eligible under this grant program is that between Main Street & the Round- Up Grounds. All programs within the River Quarter are designed to create an area that is pedestrian friendly and one that encourages high quality commercial development on the first floors with residential uses encouraged on the 2nd and 3rd floors. SAMPLE PROJECTS Grants will be available to assist developers of new construction which not only meet the standards set out in the River Quarter Enhancement Plan, but which will substantially contribute to the overall vision for the River Quarter. The view from River Parkway encompasses the Umatilla River as well as downtown Pendleton. The Parkway also provides a picturesque conduit between Main Street and the Pendleton Round-Up Grounds, a great place to visit during the rodeo or anytime. Photo: Amy Rogers APPLICATION PROCESS All grant applications for the River Quarter Program must be reviewed by the River Quarter Committee before submission to the Pendleton Development Commission for approval. Each group meets once a month. Applicants should, therefore, allow two to three months between submission of application to approval of grant. Once a grant application is approved the funds are immediately available. An application and River Quarter Program overview may be found at under the Urban Renewal link. Completed applications can be returned to the City Hall Planning Department. Pendleton s River Parkway is a pedestrian and bicycle path along the south side of the Umatilla River. Extending several miles, it is an environment rich in wildlife and natural vegetation. Benches and other lovely places to rest dot the path, ideal for a leisurely stroll or an athletic workout. Photo: Mary Hallman 10

11 Illustration: Mark Seder river quarter program goals... The vision for the River Quarter is to create an area that is not just pedestrian friendly, but one that actually encourages people to stroll. It is intended not just to be a place to go, but a place to be to shop, to work, and to live. New buildings are to be dually-oriented, with access to the River Parkway as well as Court Avenue, enhancing not just the use of the parkway, but also its safety. The River Quarter Enhancement Plan is designed to guide this vision, generally summarized as: CONNECTION TO UMATILLA RIVER Connect downtown Pendleton to the Umatilla Riverfront. Improve access to the riverfront from throughout downtown Pendleton. Create visual and functional links between the river and downtown. ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION Promote development of land adjacent to the River Parkway for uses that take the best advantage of riverfront location. Promote economic revitalization of the River Quarter while retaining the natural character of the Umatilla River. Encourage pedestrian-oriented development and redevelopment. RIVER PARKWAY Improve the River Parkway to encourage even greater use of this amenity. Enhance safety and perception of safety within the River Quarter including on the River Parkway. For a personal consultation about how the River Quarter Program might help a project or new business idea turn in to a reality, call the Executive Director at City Hall or the Chair of the River Quarter Program. Visit and follow the links for Urban Renewal for more program details and the Chair s contact information. 11

12 PENDLETON URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY Demolition Program This program is designed to provide financial assistance to building owners who wish to use the property for a redevelopment project. Covered demolition costs for property located within the Urban Renewal District include the cost of asbestos removal, up to 20% of the value of the building to be demolished, the City demolition permit, and concrete or asphalt removal. This program is designed for total demolition, not interior or partial demolition for remodeling a building. In return, the property owner agrees to construct a new building(s) with a minimum building permit value of three times the value of the property being demolished. The new construction must take place within 18 months of the completed demolition. SAMPLE PROJECTS Developers are encouraged to consider projects that are consistent with the goals of the Urban Renewal Plan. That is, projects which promote downtown Pendleton as the cultural and tourism center for the region and those which connect downtown to the Umatilla River. Over the years, this building has been used as a gas station and a bus depot. With the combination of a façade improvement grant and private investment, this building is now modernized and handsomely presented. Two professional service providers now use the building, within a convenient walking distance from downtown Pendleton s retail corridor and a newly constructed Riverfront Park. Photos: East Oregonian (top), Amy Rogers (bottom) 12

13 Project ideas could include constructing urban housing where an unusable building has been vacant for some time, or building a more modern commercial building that would attract potential entrepreneurs to open shops, galleries, or eateries. The Pendleton Development Commission welcomes open solicitation of ideas and works closely with developers and investors to maximize the return on investment. APPLICATION PROCESS An application and Demolition Program overview may be found at under the Urban Renewal link. Completed applications can be returned to the City Hall Planning Department. BEFORE Once considered the center of downtown Pendleton, the Betz Block was home to upscale men s and women s wear, a jeweler, and a shoe store. Shoppers from across Eastern Oregon and Southern Washington came to Pendleton to buy the latest fashions. Now accented with modern facades, complementary to surrounding historical structures, the three store fronts are perfect for retail or professional service provider office space. Photo: Amy Rogers AFTER demolition program goals... Redevelop the commercial and residential areas bordering the downtown core Promote single-family and multi-family housing bordering the downtown core Improve downtown tourist and convention facilities Promote development of land adjacent to the riverfront walk for uses that take best advantage of a riverfront location For a personal consultation about how the Demolition Program might help a project or new business idea turn in to a reality, call the Executive Director at City Hall or the Chair of the Demolition Program. Visit and follow the links for Urban Renewal for more program details and the Chair s contact information. 13

14 PENDLETON URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY Second Story Access Program This program is designed to improve access to the second story of buildings in downtown Pendleton s Urban Renewal District. Grants up to $100,000 may be awarded for elevator installation. Sample completed projects include the Murphy Building on SW Court and the Matlock Building on Main next to the Great Pacific. In collaboration with the Second Story Access Program and private investment, the Matlock building now has elegant, modern apartments on the second floor for the urban resident who appreciates the convenience of downtown living. Residents and guests can access these residential properties by a modern, stateof-the-art elevator. Photo: Amy Rogers second story access program goals... Promote housing in combination with commercial uses downtown Support the development of a range of housing opportunities for a mixed use downtown Encourage new downtown housing alternatives that support or are complimentary to retail, service, office, and tourist commercial uses Ensures ADA compliance for upper story access through the installation of elevators 14

15 SAMPLE PROJECTS The Second Story Access Program can assist property owners and other investors in maximizing the use of the upper levels of property located within the Urban Renewal District. Buildings that were once full of life, in a vibrant and economically strong downtown, are now available for an investor to recreate business opportunites to match today s regional needs. Investors might consider transforming an area into a multi-office complex for professionals, a multisuite retail boutique investment, or creating housing opportunities in the heart of downtown Pendleton. APPLICATION PROCESS An application and Second Story Access Program overview may be found at under the Urban Renewal link. Completed applications can be returned to the City Hall Planning Department. Burned in mid-1990, the Goodwin Building reconstruction was initiated by the City of Pendleton with the partnership of private investment. The building now provides retail storefronts on the main floor and townhome-style living in apartments on the upper levels. Photo: East Oregonian The Murphy Building, located at 28 SW Court Avenue, has been improved with the combined assistance of the Second Story Access Program, a façade grant and private investment. The building now offers three retail spaces and two large urban apartments accessible by a state-of-the-art elevator to the upper level. Photo: Amy Rogers For a personal consultation about how the Second Story Access Program might help a project or new business idea turn in to a reality, call the Executive Director at City Hall or the Chair of the 2nd Story Access Program. Visit and follow the links for Urban Renewal for more program details and the Chair s contact information. 15

16 PENDLETON URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY Pendleton Development Commission 500 SW Dorion, Pendleton, OR (541) /10 DESIGN BY AMY ROGERS : TUMBLEWEED CREATIVE