Emporia City Commissioners had a brief special meeting Monday morning to address potential funding for a planned major renovation project in downtown Emporia.
During the meeting, commissioners held a public hearing for the purpose of applying for CDBG funding for Mitchell Markowitz Construction. The company is planning a renovation of the historic Emporia Gazette Building which would turn the building into a “multi-use” space according to Rick Mitchell.
Mitchell says they wanted to renovate the building to help bring more housing and revenue to the city, while also maintaining the history of the downtown corridor. The company is seeking $250,000 in funding through the CDBG grant which Mitchell says will help them “fill the gaps” in construction costs which is estimated at $5 million at this time.
Grant administrators plan to submit the application by Jan. 3. According to Maria Cuevas (KWEH-Voss) of Governmental Assistance Services, the grant they are seeking is a “revolving” grant meaning first come, first serve.
In other business Monday, commissioners also approved a series of revisions to the city’s Rural Housing Incentive District and housing incentive policy. Commissioners are set to reconvene for their next regular meeting next Wednesday at 11 am inside of the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
