The Kent Downtown Partnership (KDP) hosts an open house to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

The open house will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, at the Kent Campus of Green River College, 417 Ramsay Way No. 112, room 283.

The event is intended to celebrate and thank the many people who have contributed their time, money and energy to downtown revitalization in Kent. It is open to the public.

KDP is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of downtown Kent. It is one of 33 authorized Main Street programs in Washington state. Formed in 1992, KDP is a partnership between downtown businesses and the city of Kent. It maintains a 23-member Board of Directors and a full-time executive director. A representative of the city, Green River College and the Chamber of Commerce also sit on the board.

While historic downtowns like Kent have been significantly challenged by emerging retail trends – first by suburban malls and more recently by online sales – organizations such as KDP have been influential in maintaining their economic vitality, according to a media release from KDP.

KDP sponsors a number of downtown events designed to attract residents who might not otherwise shop or visit downtown businesses. KDP also maintains a grant program for building facade improvements, provides funding for downtown building roof lighting, banners, planters, benches and other streetscape improvements. It also conducts training seminars for downtown merchants and is a voice to local, county and state issues that directly relate to historic downtowns.

For more information on the 25th anniversary celebration, or to learn more about KDP’s activities and accomplishments, email info@kentdowntown.org or call 253-813-6976.