Emporia has secured a $250,000 federal grant as part of a downtown revitalization effort.
The grant comes through the Commercial Rehabilitation program and involves a significant renovation of the former Emporia Gazette building, 517 Merchant. Funding will help to install a sprinkler system and roofing, fix a masonry wall and help with handicapped-accessible improvements as part of a plan to turn the first floor into a combination of office space, art studio and community space. The second story will then be repurposed into short-term lodging.
The grant, announced by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s office Wednesday, coincides with a $250,000 grant to Osawatomie. Both will be combined with over $1 million in local matching funds for projects.
