Register today for the virtual Alliance Annual Meeting, Thursday, February 26, 11:00 AM.
The Downtown Building & Business Owners Association (DBA) is the heart of our community’s advocacy. We welcome organizations and individuals located within the 9-block Kenton Historic Courthouse District to join our mission of downtown prosperity.
Collaborative Networking: Connect with fellow business owners and stakeholders dedicated to the district’s success.
Stay Informed: Get direct updates from the City of Kenton and KHCD, Inc. regarding local projects, legislation, and development.
Platform for Your Voice: Every meeting provides an opportunity for you to share updates about your organization and have your needs heard.
Professional Growth: Each session features guest speakers covering topics relevant to historic preservation, marketing, and business management.
We meet bi-monthly to collaborate and share insights. To ensure you never miss a meeting:
📩 Check the District Digest: All upcoming dates and speaker announcements are featured in our monthly newsletter.
📞 Give Us a Call: Contact the Alliance office at 419-673-4131 for the next scheduled date or to learn more about membership.
The Downtown Building & Business Owners Association (DBA) is committed to the continuous improvement of the Kenton Historic Courthouse District. Our grant program provides financial incentives to help members bring "worthy projects" to life—transforming our downtown into a more vibrant, beautiful, and economically resilient community.
We look for projects that enhance the aesthetic and functional quality of the district, including:
Façade Improvements: Enhancing the historic beauty of your building’s exterior.
Beautification Projects: Contributing to the overall "look and feel" of our 9-block core.
Business Activation: Creative projects that drive foot traffic and engage our residents and visitors.
Don't let your big ideas wait. Click below to download the grant guidelines and application materials.
💡 Need help with your proposal? Contact our team at the Alliance office for guidance on how to make your project stand out.
Operating a business in a historic district requires a close partnership with local government. We encourage all KHCD members and prospective owners to utilize the City of Kenton’s official website as a primary resource for administrative and developmental needs.
Capital Project Updates: Stay informed on the latest infrastructure and streetscape improvements planned for the downtown area.
Permits & Licensing: Access the necessary forms for building renovations, signage, and business operations.
Civic Forms: Quickly find the applications and documents required for city-level compliance.
Economic Development: Explore the City’s broader vision for growth and community investment.
📍 Need more specific help? The KHCD team is happy to act as a liaison to help you navigate the city’s administrative processes.
For business owners and developers, understanding the local regulatory environment is essential. The City of Kenton’s complete Code of Ordinances is available online, providing a transparent look at the rules that govern our community.
Planning & Zoning Code: Essential for understanding land use, property setbacks, and district-specific requirements for the Historic Courthouse District.
Business Regulation & Taxation: Details regarding local tax structures, licensing requirements, and commercial operating standards.
Building & Housing Code: The standards for structural safety, renovations, and property maintenance—vital for anyone revitalizing a historic building.
Signage & Aesthetics: Specific ordinances regarding how you can market your business while respecting the historic character of the downtown.
Note: Navigating legal code can be complex. If you are planning a major renovation or a new business launch, we recommend reviewing these sections early in your planning process.
Maintaining the unique character of the Kenton Historic Courthouse District is a community-wide effort. To ensure that renovations and new developments respect our historic integrity, the city utilizes specific guidelines governed by the Architectural and Historic Board of Review (AHBR).
If you own property within the Downtown Historical District, certain exterior changes—from signage and paint colors to structural renovations—may require review. This process ensures that every investment contributes to the long-term beauty and property value of our historic core.
Understand the Standards: You can find the specific regulations that govern the district by visiting Chapter 1437 of the City's Code of Ordinances.
The Review Process: The AHBR is designed to be a collaborative resource, helping you navigate preservation standards while bringing your vision to life.