A downtown upper story residential project has found favor with a state grant program.
Emporia Main Street is the official recipient of $50,000 through the inaugural Residential Opportunities on Main Street, or ROOMS, program. The funding is to be used for the 502 Lofts project. Main Street Director Casey Woods says this is a big step forward at the local and state levels.
Led by architect Ben Moore, the 502 Lofts project at 502 Commercial will involve garden- or basement-level residential space, upper-story residential space and main-level commercial space. The ROOMS grant will help with construction for the seven upper-level residential spaces, which will be one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.
Funding through the ROOMS grant was available only in Designated Kansas Main Street communities, like Emporia, and developers had to demonstrate they can create or retain upper-floor housing in officially-designated downtown areas. Awardees also had to incorporate Main Street design standards while following local ordinances and building codes.
