A Kennewick businesswoman whose family has been a part of downtown Kennewick for decades is making her own investments to revitalize the area and write the next chapter for one of its most high-profile properties.

Danae Heuett, owner and operator of Victoria’s Academy of Cosmetology, recently bought the True Value Washington Furniture & Hardware building at 6 W. Kennewick Ave. for $925,000, according to public property records. The purchase also includes the adjacent corner storefront occupied by White’s Finished Furniture and Hardwood.

The Gravenslund family owned and operated Washington Hardware for three generations before discontinuing regular hours in 2018.

Heuett said she is considering a variety of options for the property and is in conversations with city officials on how to move forward.

“Part of why I invested in this property is that my mom started our company and she was super passionate about the downtown, and I’ve become really passionate about this area,” she told the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business.

Founded in 1896, Wilmot Gravenslund joined the ownership of Washington Hardware in 1919. By the time his grandson John Gravenslund began winding down its operations in 2018, it filled a 13,150-square-foot, three-story retail space selling True Value brand tools, home goods and furniture.

The main building was constructed in 1905 while the space occupied by White’s was built in 1965. The furniture and hardwood store is reportedly staying on as a tenant.

“Age and time and generations running out; the business is healthy, happy and doing great, but it’s just time for us to change course,” John Gravenslund told the Journal when he announced the reduction of the store’s hours in 2018.

Liquidation sales clearing its remaining inventory began Jan. 3, according to flyers and social media postings. Those sales will continue each Saturday in January, taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All items in the store will be marked down 40% for the sale on Jan. 17.

Several new businesses have opened in downtown Kennewick in recent months, including two bookstores and an antique store, or taken steps to grow their operations with either new larger locations or expanded hours.

Heuett’s purchase of the Washington Hardware building is another example of the growing interest in downtown and its consumers, said Stephanie Button, executive director of the Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership.

“For more than a century, Washington Hardware has been a cornerstone of downtown Kennewick. While it’s bittersweet to see the close of such a meaningful chapter, it’s also exciting to look ahead,” Button said in a statement. “We’re grateful that another downtown business will be taking over the space and making a significant investment, ensuring this historic building continues to be active, cared for and part of our city’s story.”