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.