KILLEEN, Texas — Downtown Killeen could experience a renaissance, Texas-sized.
Sixty-two new businesses and 214 jobs have revitalized the historic downtown district, adding up to more than $15.6 million of investments through 2023 and 2024, per Killeen's latest Downtown Business Directory Report.
The latest directory features 82 businesses in food, beverage and entertainment, retail, self-care and beauty and more. A full list is accessible here.
The Killeen 2040 Comprehensive Plan, passed in August 2022, offers a plan for city development for the next two decades. Before the implementation of the plan, 70% of downtown Killeen was empty. Three years later, downtown Killeen has vastly improved, the City says.
City officials began making changes in 2022.
One of the first moves was investing $1 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants into renovations. By the end of 2022, a new Bell County Annex building location was built, and the rest of Texas quickly took notice.
Killeen received the Texas Downtown achievement award for Best Economic Game Changer in 2023.
Since then, the downtown district has continued to improve.
Family-friendly activities, once rare, can be found across the area. Six bi-monthly events happen every year, including tailgate parties, festivals and art events. Farmers markets reportedly attract thousands while the largest fireworks show in Central Texas launches from Killeen's historic district.
Killeen expanded their community engagement team to enhance the downtown boom, hiring a Downtown Director, Community Engagement Coordinator, Downtown Code Enforcement Officer and an internal Downtown Coordination Team.
Besides developing engaging activities that draw thousands from Central Texas and beyond, the city increased the presence of law enforcement by placing the Killeen Police Department's North District downtown.
The city plans to support small businesses through grants and incentives, per the release.
More information on the Historic Downtown District can be found here.