Columbia Pharmacy Building

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The Columbia Pharmacy Building is one of many Success Stories that have been locally nominated for recognition in celebration of CDBG's 30th Anniversary.

Success Story Details

Success Story Description

The Columbia Pharmacy Building was built in 1904, the same year Kennewick was incorporated as a city. Deb Ashbeck purchased the building (most recently used as a video rental store) in May of 2001. Ms. Ashbeck opened her art and design studio on the street level, hoping to eventually live on the second floor. She began the renovation on her own, and in late 2002 approached the city for help with completing the conversion. With a $12,500 loan, she was able to complete enough of the work to get an occupancy permit and move in.

With a place to sleep, she began restoration of the building façade, including a separate entrance for the upstairs. Matching funds from the Downtown Kennewick and Columbia Drive Association's Façade Improvement Program (CDBG-funded) enabled completion of the project just in time for Kennewick's Centennial Celebration. Deb's business, Aurora Art, has grown 45% in four years. In addition, her adult daughter recently opened an art gallery in the front portion of the first floor. The building was a front-page feature in the local paper, the Tri-City Herald, on January 5, 2004.