Downtown Killeen

About Downtown Killeen

Bordered on the North by Rancier Avenue (FM 439) and on the South by Veterans Memorial Boulevard (Business 190), Downtown Killeen is centrally located in the heart of the city right outside of Fort Hood's East Gate. 

Downtown Killeen’s historic city center offers the perfect blend of home-town charm and hidden gems that create Texas’s most diverse city. Home to heritage festivals from all over the world and dozens of authentic international restaurants, Downtown Killeen offers a taste of home to international travelers and a destination for those seeking exploration- all right here in the heart of central Texas.

Historic Downtown Killeen is on the National Register of historic places for its architectural significance to the city and county. Our city is dedicated to the historic preservation of the downtown area and was even accepted as a federally certified local government due to our excellence in preservation. Killeen is one of only 66 other cities and counties in the state to earn this designation. Recognizing Killeen’s historic downtown means that those investing in the area are available for federal, state, and local tax credits, incentives, and grants. 

 Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives: The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program offers a 20 percent income tax credit for the rehabilitation of historic, income-producing buildings. https://www.thc.texas.gov/preserve/projects-and-programs/preservation-tax-incentives/federal-rehabilitation-tax-credit-program 

 State Historic Preservation Tax Incentives: State incentives include the newly established Texas Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program and a sales tax exemption on labor available for work to buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places. https://www.thc.texas.gov/preserve/projects-and-programs/preservation-tax-incentives/texas-historic-preservation-tax-credit

 City Façade Grants: The City of Killeen offers façade grants for eligible rehab projects in the downtown Historic Overlay District. The grant is structured on a 4:1 basis (80% City / 20% Owner), whereas the City contributes 80% of project costs and the property owner contributes 20% of funds toward façade and/or sign improvements. These grants are available for up to $10,000 per façade with a maximum subsidy of $20,000 per property owner in any given year.

North Killeen Revitalization Program: NKRP promotes the development and redevelopment of North Killeen and includes incentives for rehabilitation, residential and commercial/ business structures’ rehabilitation, expansion, and/or new construction. This program waives Development fees for approved projects, including building permit-related fees,  plat application fees, board of adjustment application fees, sign permit fees, demolition permit fees, and zoning application fees.

https://www.killeentexas.gov/DocumentCenter/View/920/North-Killeen-Revitalization-Program-Application-PDF 

City of Killeen Tax Abatement:

Eligible projects may apply for full or partial tax exemption for the real property or of tangible personal property located on the real property, or both, from ad valorem taxes in a reinvestment zone designated by the City of Killeen for economic development purposes. 

Click here for Tax abatement Guidelines

Get Involved

There are three boards and committees that all play a vital role in guiding downtown development efforts. All Killeen residents and business owners are encouraged to attend and be a voice in the community and in the future of Downtown Killeen.

  • Heritage Preservation Board
  • TIRZ Board
  • Downtown Advisory Committee

View more information on these boards and meeting agendas , or apply to be on a board or committee.

Vacant Structure Registration

On August 4, 2020, the Killeen City Council adopted the Vacant Structure Registration Ordinance (Ordinance No. 20-032) by a unanimous vote. This ordinance requires the owners of vacant structures within the Historic Overlay District (HOD) to register their property with the City’s Planning and Development Services Department and pay an annual registration fee. 

Vacant Structure Registration (PDF)
Vacant Structure Inspection Form (PDF)

Map of Vacant Structure in Downtown Killeen