Last year, Emporia was among the first recipients of a statewide grant program for upper-story housing in designated Kansas Main Street communities. The city now has a second so-called ROOMS grant after an announcement by the Kansas Department of Commerce on Thursday.
The Historic Forde Gillett Building at 417 Commercial is in the process of adding six two-bedroom units and a pair of one-bedroom units. Lieutenant Governor and Department of Commerce Secretary David Toland says the project has secured $50,000 as part of work to both increase housing availability and revitalize historic downtown buildings. This follows a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant through the Department of Commerce issued in February to help renovate the building, including roof and gutter replacement, wall stabilization, floor enhancements, window enhancements and new or additional fire sprinkler line installations.
Original construction dates back to 1870, according to Lyon County records, with a support area added in 1900.
With the ROOMS grant, developers must demonstrate they can either build brand-new or retain upper-story housing in officially-designated downtown areas while incorporating Main Street design standards and adhering to both local ordinances and building codes.
