Downtown group receives award

VANCOUVER – The Ritzville Downtown Development Association has received the Outstanding Special Project Award for its “ghost sign” restoration effort.

The award was presented during the Washington State Main Street Program’s annual awards gala Oct. 5.

The effort included restoration of facades and awnings, as well as ghost signs throughout downtown,

“With these building improvements, the Ritzville Downtown Development Association has actively and intentionally fostered a culture of pride and possibility,” state Main Street Director Breanne Durham said. “The community has recognized the improvements, and attitudes are shifting from discouragement to hope for the future of Ritzville, with downtown as its crown jewel.”

Durham presented the award to Ritzville Downtown Development Association organization President John Rankin and board member Linda Kubik.

The Ritzville downtown project included the restoration of four building facades, installation of eight new cloth awnings and repainting of 17 old advertising murals on downtown buildings.

Those old murals – dubbed ghost signs – required research of the original painting and brink restoration to keep them historically accurate.

Rankin and Kubik led the effort.

According to Durham, the project has led to occupancy of the buildings that underwent façade restoration and awning replacement. The buildings also have occupied, updated apartments on their upper floors.