A recently-announced grant program for upper-story development got at least some of its inspiration from Emporia’s work in this economic development field, according to Emporia Main Street Director Casey Woods:
The Kansas Department of Commerce recently announced funding through the Residential Opportunities on Main Street, or ROOMS, grant program. The ROOMS grant has $400,000 available. Funding is available only in Designated Kansas Main Street communities, like Emporia, and must demonstrate they can create or retain upper-floor housing in officially-designated downtown areas. Projects also have to incorporate Main Street design standards while following local ordinances and building codes. Eligible applicants can get one $50,000 grant through this program.
Woods is urging entrepreneurs to reach out to Main Street as soon as possible if they want to apply. The application deadline is the end of May, and developers need to provide several kinds of information, some of which may be “technical” in nature. Woods also says Main Street wants to make sure potential projects are viable before developers finish their applications.
