Celebrating Creative Industry and the Arts
in Downtown Kennewick

October 6, 2021, SOCO was designated as Washington’s newest Certified Creative District

The vision for the South Columbia Creative District (SOCO) was started by a grassroots group of individuals back when the Washington State Creative District Program was first launched in 2018. This certification is our opportunity to recognize Downtown Kennewick as the creative and artistic heart of Kennewick while promoting our established creative industries. This creative district designation will help us promote, connect, and unify our many downtown Kennewick anchors as a rich, creative community that reflects our history and embraces our diverse population.

Mission:

The South Columbia Creative District exists to highlight Downtown Kennewick’s distinctive creative identity and increase its economic vitality by uplifting, encouraging, incubating, promoting, and developing the arts and creative businesses in the Downtown Kennewick community.

Vision & Values:

To promote, connect, and unify our many downtown Kennewick anchors as a rich, creative community that reflects our history and embraces our diverse population.

Retain, promote, and encourage Kennewick’s vibrant and diverse artistic community
Foster a diverse economic hub in the heart of Downtown Kennewick that inspires growth and expansion of existing and emerging artists and creative businesses
Promote SOCO as a unique district of creative opportunity through events, programs, marketing, and community initiatives
Improve the quality of life for our community

Where is SOCO Located?

The geographical location for the South Columbia Creative District is situated along the southwest bank of the Columbia River, just southeast of the confluence of the Columbia and Yakima rivers and across from the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers in the historical heart of Kennewick. Its northern border is roughly the southern bank of the Columbia River and its southernmost border is travel along 6th Avenue. From east to west this district spans from Gum Street to Fruitland Street. The southeast border of the district travels up Washington Street until it meets with First Street and then turns east to meet up with Gum St.

Within this area are key community anchors including Keewaydin Park--home of the East Benton County History Museum, the Historic Downtown Kennewick business core--an accredited Main Street community, Columbia Gardens, Columbia Drive, and Clover Island. Key anchors within our downtown community are accessible from public transportation and between these anchors, they are walkable and bikeable and there is ample parking for all kinds of activities and programming.

The downtown area is dedicated to both the arts and creative industry. Within SOCO’s boundaries, there are already 24 public art pieces ranging from murals and sculptures to art-wrapped utility boxes. Just within the roughly 140+ businesses located within the Historic Downtown Kennewick business core, 76 (52%) are considered Creative Industries by NAICS (North American Industry Classification System). The new and growing Columbia Gardens currently features 4 wineries and a food truck plaza that hosts up to 8 businesses at a time.