Published March 22, 2010
By Kristi Pihl, Tri-City Herald staff writer
PASCO When Gene Holand walks through downtown Pasco he sees more than aging buildings in need of rejuvenation.
He sees possibilities.
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Twelve years ago, the CBC associate business professor saw an area in dire need of revitalization. But it never came together until now.
Holand grew up in Pasco and he and his family worked in retail. “I know what it can be,” he said of downtown Pasco. “I know what it was.”
The downtown storefronts are getting remodeled in a Latino style that gives the area a cleaner, more modern feel.
Mi Hacienda Restaurant & Grill was the first to benefit from a program that aims to improve downtown — one business at a time.
Now, seven more businesses will get new facades and their owners will receive education through a partnership with Columbia Basin College.
Efforts to revitalize downtown Pasco aren’t new. The city and Pasco Downtown Development Association started with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grants several years ago.
Mi Hacienda owner Mauricio Alcaraz was the first to get a grant.
It was the beginning of a vision for downtown Pasco that speaks to the area’s Hispanic culture.
His building is almost unrecognizable from what it was before.
The dull blue facade and heavy old sign of the former Top Hat Cafe have been replaced by colorful red and orange hues and golden suns.
“We want people to experience the same rich culture that we get to experience every day,” said Gilberto Mendoza, public relations director for the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Right now, the focus is on Lewis Street from Third to Fifth avenues, and Fourth Avenue from Clark to Columbia streets, said Gloria Garcia, development association interim executive director.
CBC recently received a $600,000 federal grant to provide education, marketing strategies, business plans and facade concept drawings for the downtown effort, said Rolando Garcia, CBC’s grant director for HUD’s Hispanic Serving Institutions Assisting Communities program.
Rick White, Pasco community and economic development director, said the city hopes CBC’s plans will fit into the city’s facade improvement program, which is supported by a different $600,000 HUD grant.
The businesses that will receive new storefronts include Viera’s Bakery, Supermex Grocery Store, La Michoacana Salon, Auto Accessories, Mi Casa Furniture, Plaza Del Cal-zado and a new business that will open at 417 W. Lewis St.
If businesses were to take on the improvements themselves, it would take two to three times longer, Mendoza said.
Alcaraz participated in the program before CBC joined in. His $20,000 grant from the city paid for three-quarters of his renovation costs. He also did interior remodeling himself to add to the appeal.
Alcaraz chose the facade design that featured the sun because, “It looked like life.”
Since he’s spruced up his business, Alcaraz said he’s attracted more customers. He also added Friday night karaoke and live music Saturdays and now has a regular weekend crowd.
But the main thrust of the CBC project isn’t the most visual. Those involved say it’s the education.
“Most businesses that fail don’t have a business plan,” said Martin Valadez, CBC vice president for diversity and outreach.
CBC’s small business seminars start April 15, Valadez said. The programs, taught in English and Spanish, fulfill part of the grant’s requirements and are offered with help of the Hispanic chamber and the sponsorship of Numerica Credit Union.
Some business owners don’t know all the reporting and accounting requirements, Gloria Garcia said. And they may not have a business plan or strong knowledge of their own finances.
Mendoza said the education will help business owners know how to market their businesses and create an environment that encourages customers to return.
For Holand’s students, CBC’s part of the project is a hands-on chance to work with businesses, Rolando Garcia said.
CBC and the city and development association plan to apply for other grants to keep the effort going.
Because it’s not just one business, but the whole downtown that they hope to transform.
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