Although originally quite elegant, this unique downtown district had become blighted. BBN Architects was charged with a district-wide revitalization effort to restore the historic image and return the district to its original pedestrian-friendly environment.

The project included renovations to over 70 storefront facades, and 26 block-faces of streetscape improvements. Owner participation was vital to the facade portion of the project, as the grant structure required matching funds from owners. BBN successfully worked through design strategies with 73 different property owners (and sometimes their tenants). Of top priority was the implementation of sensitive and appropriate improvements to return buildings to the period of their greatest significance.

Award for Excellence: Kansas Preservation Alliance
Merit Award for Excellence in Architecture: Kansas Society of Architects
Special Commendation for Community Commitment/Facade Restoration:
American Institute of Architects, Kansas City
Project of the Year: Historic Preservation, American Public Works Association
Project of the Year: Historic Preservation, Kansas Chapter of the American Public Works Association