20th century As part of a
National Trust for Historic Preservation initiative, in 1985 the Centralia Downtown Historic District was one of five cities in Washington to undergo a revitalization effort to improve economic and historic facets of its downtown core. A partnership of private and public entities offered the city advice and planning, as well as loans well-below market rates to accomplish the restoration efforts. Centralia's downtown core had begun to show signs of being forgotten after the construction of
Interstate 5 which bypassed the area. The efforts focused on the city's railroad history and the restoration of older buildings of historical note; ten murals were planned including the completion of a painting featuring the
Joseph Borst House.
21st century The downtown district underwent a renovation known as the Centralia Streetscape project that began in July 2001. Planned to be finished by November the same year, the efforts were not considered completed until January 2003. The project's purpose was to renovate the district to look similar to an early 1900s look and feel. Efforts to mimic the period included the installation of 50 vintage light poles, 40
cobblestone crosswalks, and 10
rosette markings at intersections. The early work was estimated to cost $3 million. Over forty trees and twenty benches were also added. Streets in the district were resurfaced and crumbling sidewalks were replaced.
Façades were restored on historic buildings between 2001 and 2006 due in part to $250,000 in matching grants by the city. The work was waylaid due to weather, difficulties with concrete and existing landscaping, and several unforeseen obstacles. Issues included the removal of old, collapsed storm drain pipes and hidden trolley tracks. A void was found under the sidewalk outside of the
Olympic Club Saloon, suspected to be a hideaway during the
Prohibition era. The historic district is overseen by the Centralia Downtown Association which received an affiliate designation under the
Main Street America program in 2025. The project recognized the ongoing business and volunteer efforts to maintain and restore the history of the downtown quarter. ==Significant contributing properties==