Design Guidelines for 
a City
with Style
The city of Kent has a distinct character defined by the archecture of its environment. Preserving the character of the city is important to promote civic pride and economic vitality. Promoting awareness for future generations is key to retaining the city’s appeal and success. Recognizing the importance of the city’s archectural history and aesthetic help complete the steps needed to keep the city’s integrity intact.
These Design Guidelines provide assistance in maintaining or improving the present quality of life through preservation and rehabilitation of the city’s archecture while accommodating new construction and modifications. The Design Guidelines provide tools, resources, and design guideance for application to numerous circumstances and settings.
The Kent Design Guidelines are intended to assist the community in preserving and enhancing places of special character, particularly to the downtown area. These guidelines are written to be utilized by property owners, tenants, building managers, property caretakers, architecs, and builders that would be conducting work affecting an historic property.
The Guidelines provide a framework for making good decisions about rehabilitation and new design.
The Guidelines present recommendations with the idea that it is better (also less expensive) to repair rather than to replace an original feature. However, these Guidelines are made to be flexible and serve as guidance for creative design solutions. The format of the guidelines begins with an historical overview of the City of Kent and then continues to discuss the different architectural styles that can be found in Kent. Design principles for a building addition or constructing a new building adjacent to historic properties are also discussed. Finally, the issues of site considerations, accessibility, graphics and signage, building color, and demolition can be found.
Good design and well-executed design guide-lines have proven to be beneficial to both the property owner and the community because they sustain social and economic growth. Individual property values are enhanced through good design, and collectively, these properties can greatly increase the appearance of an entire district. The area becomes a destination that people want to visit and gives the city an identity.
Recently, Kent City Council voted to adopt the Guidelines and assure that any new downtown development using city funds would be subject to them. Currently the Guidelines are voluntary for private projects, but are encouraged.
