2022 could see a lot of upper-story development in downtown Emporia, and Emporia Main Street Director Casey Woods says the “layered” opportunities locally are setting the foundation for growth.
Woods says there are several things driving the local interest that may not be seen in other Kansas towns.
Woods encouraged developers interested in upper-story development to reach out to Main Street for information about the city’s RHID policy, different market opportunities, development opportunities and cost profiles.
Emporia city commissioners acted last year to adjust the city’s Rural Housing Incentive District policy, in part to allow for upper-story development — a longstanding goal for Main Street. The quick impact of the new policy drew the attention of Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland, who visited downtown Emporia on Veterans Day.
Several upper-story renovation projects are already underway in the 700 block of Commercial with up to a dozen apartments added to the city’s inventory through these developments, and several new projects could be announced by summer. Emporia city commissioners are looking to expand the RHID zone to include South to 12th and East to West in central Emporia.
