Category Archives: Housing

Fort Scott, Housing

Fort Scott Manor Is Turned Into Standard Market Apartments

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Workers are finishing up work at the former Fort Scott Manor to turn it into apartments for the community, which are named Charlotte Place.

Fort Scottians need more apartments, and a Kansas contractor is turning a former nursing home, which has been vacant for several years, into new rentals after a complete renovation of the property.

The former Fort Scott Manor nursing home property, 736 Heylman, was purchased by  Rural Asset Management (RAM) in January 2022, after being closed down by the state several years prior.

The new name for the Fort Scott property is Charlotte Place, RAM Owner Shane Lamb said, adding that his children pick the name of the business’s properties.

The first four units are slated for rental availability in late October, said  Lamb, if all goes as planned.

Work started on the property, then halted to finish a similar Iola project in March 2025.

“It’s coming together, it’s been an intensive and costly project, and it should be nice when done,” he said. “Our goal is to be the nicest apartments in the community we are in, and to keep it affordable.”

There will be 24 units:  one-bedroom, one-bath apartments are 550-626 square feet with a range of $650-695 per month,  two-bedroom apartments are between 700-1000 square feet with a range of $800 to 875, and there will be a 500 square foot studio apartment for short-term rentals, Lamb said.

“The short-term rental, a couple of local businesses want to lease for their staff,” Lamb said.

The apartments will feature new appliances, including a stove, above-stove microwave, and fridge, and will be equipped with fiber optic internet availability.

Tenants will pay rent and their electric bill; the landlord pays for the water, trash, and sewer service.

There will be a brand new on-site laundry provided for the tenants.

Additionally, “there will be a pet-friendly fenced-in area in the back of the apartments,” he said.

These apartments will not be low-income rentals, but instead will be available to the standard market, said Lamb.

“The standard market means that they are not subsidized by the government,” Lamb said.

About Rural Asset Management

RAM focuses on rural towns and rural housing, purchasing nursing homes, schools,  and hospitals that are converted to housing, according to a prior interview with Lamb.

“We currently have 13 projects under construction in rural communities,” he said. “We typically supply 300-600 apartments per year in rural communities.”

Government, Housing

Housing and Urban Development Rules on Tenants Termination

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HUD Final Rule

HUD issued Final Rule in the Federal Register on December 13, 2024, regarding termination of tenancy for non-payment of rent.

Effective January 15, 2025, HUD requires that a 30-day notice to pay be given to the tenant before a judicial eviction is filed due to non-payment of rent. While Kansas law provides for a 3-day notice to pay or quit, the HUD requirement prevails.

In addition, HUD details the requirements of the notice. “All termination notices in cases of failure to pay must include:

 

  • Instructions on how the tenant can cure the nonpayment of rent violation, and include:
  • an itemized amount, separated by month of alleged rent owed by the tenant,
  • any other arrearages allowed by HUD and included in the lease, separated by month,
  • the date by which the tenant must pay the amount of rent owed before an eviction for nonpayment of rent can be filed.”

This means owners may no longer state only the total amount owed but must provide a separate line item for each fee. An example of the itemization follows:
January 2025 – rent $250
January 2025 – late fee $30
February 2025 – rent $350
February 2025 – late fee $30
February 2025 – Repayment agreement $50
Total balance due $710
The 20th annual Kansas Housing Conference will take place this Oct. 27-29 at the

Overland Park Convention Center. This year’s event brings together housing professionals from across the state and region to network, learn, and explore the latest trends and innovations in affordable housing.

Sponsor + Exhibitor registration is open, but space is limited. Reserve your spot today!

The conference hotel room block is open! Reserve your at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel today! Our hotel block fills up quickly. We will share more information about overflow hotel booking as the Sheraton room block nears capacity. Unused rooms will be released on Oct. 6, 2025.

COMING SOON!

  • General registration opens; conference agenda released | mid-August 2025

Make sure you are subscribed to the conference mailing list for all the latest updates.
Questions? Contact conference@kshousingcorp.org.

Compliance Session Details

Gary Kirkman of US Housing Consultants will offer the following compliance training sessions for housing administrators Oct. 27-29, listed in the left column below. Attendees of these sessions will be provided with digital training materials.

Brandon Bay of US Housing Consultants will offer NSPIRE training sessions on Tuesday, Oct. 28, listed in the right column below. Attendees of NSPIRE training sessions will be provided with digital training materials that will make the class easy to follow.
Compliance Training

Monday, Oct. 27

2:15-3:45 | HOME Final Rule Summary

Gary Kirkman will delve into providing attendees with a brief overview of the HOME Final Rule. Some of the topics to be discussed will include income determinations, rent compliance, handling over-income tenant households, and what changed under verifications. Gary will conclude the session speaking about tenant protections and selection, which HUD delayed under April 20, 2026.

4:00-5:30 | Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Training

Gary Kirkman will speak on the importance of understanding the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Gary will address where we are today as it relates to VAWA, protections under VAWA, key terms of VAWA you’ll want to remember, bifurcation process, and notification of occupancy rights. This session is vital to anyone working with applicants and tenants who have the ability to come in contact with those seeking protections under the law.

Tuesday, Oct. 28

9:00-10:30 | Calculating Income under HOTMA

Gary Kirkman will address how we calculate income to determine eligibility under HOTMA. Some of the topics to be discussed will include the Safe Harbor Income Determination, De Minimis Errors, Child Support/Alimony under HOTMA, student financial assistance for both Section 8 and non-Section 8 recipients, and the handling of in-kind benefits, when applicable. This session is a layered programs training and geared to those who will be determining a household’s eligibility.

10:45-12:15 | Calculating Assets Under HOTMA (Part 1)

Gary Kirkman will address how HOTMA changed the way we handle assets when determining a household’s eligibility. HUD recognizes that all assets fall into two categories, either personal property or real property, but how will that affect what we count as income, when do we need to impute, or how this affects the Asset Threshold (which can change each and every year). Gary will train to assist those working in the industry to determine eligibility for households to leave with a clearer understanding of the ins and outs of HOTMA assets!

2:00-3:30 | Calculating Assets Under HOTMA (Part 2)

Gary Kirkman will address how HOTMA changed the way we handle assets when determining a household’s eligibility. HUD recognizes that all assets fall into two categories, either personal property or real property, but how will that affect what we count as income, when do we need to impute, or how this affects the Asset Threshold (which can change each and every year). Gary will train to assist those working in the industry to determine eligibility for households to leave with a clearer understanding of the ins and outs of HOTMA assets!

3:45-5:15 Conducting Annuals & Interims under HOTMA

Gary Kirkman will tackle the complexity of conducting Annual and Interim Recertifications which changed under HOTMA. Gary will address how income should be calculated for recertifications, when you will be required to conduct interims, and speak about HUD’s non-interim transactions. This session is designed for those working HUD multifamily housing projects and will serve as a review of how HUD looks to see certifications processed for the tenants we serve at our properties.

Wednesday, Oct. 29

9:30-11:00 | Handling Student Eligibility

Gary Kirkman will review student eligibility requirements for our common affordable housing programs (e.g., LIHTC, HUD, Rural Development and HOME). Each of the programs has their own student requirements in order for a household to be eligible for housing, but what happens when management has layered funding at a property? Does one student rule outweigh another’s student requirements? This session will help clear up some of the questions an attendee may have to whether a student reside in a unit or not and be eligible.

11:15-12:45 | The Average income Test Refresher

Gary Kirkman will speak about the Average Income Test (AIT) and the requirements we have to remember when working on those projects where the owner made this very important Minimum Set-Aside MSA) election. Gary will review the two-point test owners/agents have to remember to satisfy AIT, speak about the grouping of units when determining AIT and the Applicable Fraction, and discuss the importance of AIT as it relates to handling non-compliances. This session is designed to be a refresher in this MSA and for those curious to see how units can affect the owner’s ability to claim credits.
Tuesday, Oct. 28 | NSPIRE Training

9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | NSPIRE Chapter 1 Review

This first 90-minute segment includes a breakdown of the origins of NSPIRE, and the differences between UPCS, HQS, and NSPIRE. This includes the breakdown of the new severity ratings; the new pass or fail rating; the applicability of the rules for HCV, PBV, HUD CPD programs; and REAC agency inspections from Multifamily Section 8, Public Housing, and LIHTC. The course then reviews the procedures required to close out findings in REAC’s new online system after REAC Inspection, and the expectations of closeout procedures. We will then discuss new procedures for REAC appeals, consequences for non-compliance, and new oversight processes from both HUD and REAC.

10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | NSPRIE Chapters 2-4 Review

This session will review the NSPIRE standards, following manual chapters 2 through 4 as a guide, including: Fire and life safety standards, and kitchen and bathroom standards. We will then cover how to understand the requirements and the underlying codes that many of these standards are based upon.

2:00-3:30 p.m. | NSPIRE Chapters 5-7 Review

This session will review the NSPIRE standards, following manual chapters 5 through 7 as a guide, including: Interior finishes; guardrails and railings; lighting and electrical standards; and windows and doors. We will then cover how to understand the requirements and the underlying codes that many of these standards are based upon.

3:45-5:15 p.m. | NSPIRE Chapters 8-11 Review

This session will review the NSPIRE standards, following manual chapters 8 through 11 as a guide, including: Mechanical standards; hazards; site and grounds standards; and structural issues. We will then cover how to understand the requirements and the underlying codes that many of these standards are based upon.
Brandon Bay, a Pacific Northwest native and father of two girls, has passionately worked in the Affordable Housing Industry in many capacities over the last 10 years. He is eager to use his knowledge and experience to serve the clients and partners of US Housing Consultants. His journey began as an investor in multifamily properties. Shortly thereafter, he began to develop properties and subsequently founded his own real estate investment, development and holding company in Oregon.

During this time, Brandon worked on all areas of Multifamily housing, and often refers to himself as “Maintenance Guy-CEO”, having truly learned to understand and appreciate all the roles involved in operating Affordable Housing. Brandon is an enthusiastic and engaging trainer. His passion for the sharing of knowledge is self-evident in his presentations. He conducts public and private trainings and also delivers information at industry conferences. He offers open forums with positive interaction, and assures attendees, “There is never a question that doesn’t benefit the entire room.”
Mr. Gary Kirkman has acquired over 18 years of valuable leadership experience within the affordable housing industry and now serves as the Director of Compliance Training for US Housing Consultants. Having started in the industry as a Regional Property Manager, Mr. Kirkman managed Rural Development and HUD properties before being promoted to Training Specialist, where he was responsible for overseeing multiple affordable communities while training personnel on the affordable housing programs.

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation

200 S.W. 6th Avenue | Topeka, KS 66603

[email protected]
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Fort Scott, Government, Housing

Now Accepting Applications: Fort Scott Historic Preservation and Resource Commission (FSHPRC)

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The City of Fort Scott is seeking passionate and civic-minded individuals to serve on the Fort Scott Historic Preservation and Resource Commission (FSHPRC)—a key volunteer group that helps guide the city’s historic preservation efforts and ensure thoughtful stewardship of our architectural and cultural resources.
About the Commission:
The Fort Scott Historic Preservation and Resource Commission advises the City Commission on matters related to the preservation of historic properties and districts within Fort Scott. The board is responsible for reviewing Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs), assisting in the development of local preservation policy, and supporting public education and outreach related to Fort Scott’s historic character.
Qualifications for Appointment:
The following qualifications shall apply to appointees to the FSHPRC:
  1. All appointees shall be residents of the City of Fort Scott.
  2. All appointees should be individuals who have demonstrated interest, knowledge, or training in fields closely related to historic preservation, such as:
      History                                                Urban Planning and Design
      Architecture                                     Real Estate
      Landscape Architecture             Law
      Architectural History                    Finance
      Archaeology                                     Building Trades
      Geography
A majority of the commission must have a demonstrated interest or expertise in historic preservation, and at least one member must meet the professional qualifications established by the National Park Service.
Member Responsibilities:
  • Serve as a volunteer representing the public interest in historic preservation
  • Attend regular public meetings (typically monthly)
  • Review and vote on proposed alterations to designated historic properties
  • Provide input on preservation planning and ordinance updates
  • Participate in training or workshops as needed
Terms:
The terms of office shall be:
One year term – Three members
Two-year term – Four members
Apply Today:
Interested residents may submit an application for appointment to the City Clerk’s Office. Applications are available online at fscity.org or at City Hall, 123 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.
Application Deadline: 07/31/25
Thank you,
Lisa Dillon
Business, Fort Scott, Housing

Redevelopment Project Slated For Completion This Year

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Fort Scott Manor on Heylman Street, May 2018.

Twenty-two new standard market apartments will be available this year in Fort Scott, if all goes as planned.

Shane Lamb is president of Rural Asset Management and  Rural ReDevelopment Group, De Soto, KS., and decided to take on the former Fort Scott Manor Nursing Home, 736 Heylman Street as  a redevelopment project.

Shane Lamb, owner of Rural Asset Management and Rural ReDevelopement Group LLC, from his LinkedIn profile.

He purchased the property in January 2022, which had been closed for approximately three years, intending to create 24 standard market apartments.

In a prior interview, Lamb said they didn’t receive any state or federal grants or funds. They did apply for them but did not receive any.

Work began last year on the project.

“We went drastically over budget and over time,” he said. “All our contractors were slow, winter was slow.”

“We jumped off that project to finish phase 1 of a project in Iola,” Lamb said.

Lamb said the Fort Scott project will be restarting this week.

The former Fort Scott Manor is being developed into 1 bedroom apartments. May 3, 2025 photo.

Phase 1 of the Fort Scott project will take approximately 60 days once started. It will take six months for the whole project to be completed.

The building is approximately 20,000 square feet and has been completely gutted, and all new materials have been used.

The Fort Scott property will not be low-income apartment rentals but instead will be for the standard market, with prices for the large one-bedroom apartments at $675 to 695 per month, Lamb said.

“We focus on rural towns and rural housing,” he said in a prior interview. “Typically, we purchase nursing homes, schools, hospitals…single-use vacant properties we convert to housing.”

Lamb said he always tries to use qualified local contractors and buy materials locally.

“I always try to keep the money local,” he said. “It doesn’t work 100 percent of the time. Sometimes you can’t find local partners to meet those deadlines…because they are so busy. We do have a couple from Fort Scott, Chanute, and Iola.”

Photos submitted by Shane Lamb of the Iola project, which is similar.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Housing, Kansas

Upper Floor Housing Grants Available For Main Street Communities

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Commerce Offers Funding Opportunities for Upper Floor Housing in Main Street Communities

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today $250,000 is available under the Residential Opportunities on Main Street (ROOMS) grant program to support new upper-floor housing in commercial buildings in Designated Kansas Main Street communities.

“Last year’s initial round of ROOMS funding resulted in 34 new housing units across the state and nearly $6 million in total investment,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Another year of funding allows for us to continue breathing life into communities across this state and growing economic opportunities for generations to come.”

Upper-floor investments play an important role in addressing the affordable and quality housing shortage, which regularly is identified as a major issue throughout Kansas. Upper-floor housing enhances the overall livability and functionality of downtowns. It also can lead to increased investment, improved infrastructure, a positive cycle of economic growth, a stronger tax base, and a greater sense of place and community identity.

“The Kansas Main Street program has worked to help communities build their capacity in developing upper-floor housing in downtown buildings,” Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell said. “Housing in these historic buildings downtown helps generate excitement and vitality in the area while restoring buildings to maximize their full use. ROOMS grants help these types of projects become reality.”

ROOMS funds will be available to applicants within active Designated Kansas Main Street communities for projects that can be shown to lead directly to housing creation or retention in upper floors of existing buildings in downtown areas. Projects must incorporate Main Street design standards and follow local ordinances and codes for improvements.

More details about ROOMS can be found here. For more information about the Kansas Main Street program, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Fort Scott, Government, Housing

Lisa Dillon: New FS Housing and Community Development Coordinator

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Lisa Dillon, The City of Fort Scott Housing and Community Development Coordinator
Lisa Dillon started as the new City of Fort Scott Housing and Community Development Coordinator on September 23.
Her wages will be split over a couple of different funds including economic development, FS City Manager Brad Matkin said.
“I graduated from high school in 1986 and later attended Fort Scott Community College.  I have gained valuable insights into community development and social issues with prior employment and volunteering ventures with different communities through the years,” Dillon said.
She has experience in real estate, residential lending, and community programs that assisted families.
The following was provided by Matkin about the roles that Dillon and her department head, Mary Wyatt, play.

Planning, Housing, and Business Development Department

The Planning, Housing, and Business Development Department plays a vital role in shaping the future growth and sustainability of a community. It focuses on urban planning, housing initiatives, and business development strategies, ensuring they are integrated to create a vibrant and resilient community. This includes planning, implementing, and evaluating programs that foster economic growth, improve public infrastructure, enhance housing options, and strengthen community ties.

Director of Planning, Housing, and Business Development: Mary Wyatt

  • Oversee the Housing and Community Development Coordinator, Tourism and Public Relations Coordinator, Codes Department, and Woodland Hills Golf Course.
  • Work closely with the Kansas Department of Commerce on promoting Fort Scott to entice businesses to come to our community.
  • Ensure the City of Fort Scott is competitive regionally attracting prospective companies to the City.
  • Work with the area Chamber of Commerce to strengthen relationships with existing businesses.
  • In partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and local realtors, develops, and maintains a comprehensive inventory of available buildings and sites in the community.
  • Provide education to possible new businesses for grants, funding, and locations.
  • Report to the commission quarterly on findings, wins, and expectations of the Planning, Housing, and Business Development Department.
  • Develop short- and long-range economic development plans.
  • Lead efforts to attract new businesses to the City of Fort Scott or Bourbon County.
  • Develop incentive programs to encourage business investment in the community.
  • Represent the City of Fort Scott at regional and national economic development conferences and trade shows.
  • Study and monitor the up-to-date market statistics and demographics for existing businesses, labor shed, and market data for businesses interested in relocating or locating in Fort Scott.

Housing and Community Development Manager: Lisa Dillon

  • City liaison for the City of Fort Scott Land Bank
  • Educate investors on housing incentives
  • Legislative liaison working with Kansas League of Municipalities to influence state and federal legislation.
  • Develop, implement, and manage housing and community development programs.
  • Oversee the administration of grants and funding for housing and community development projects.
  • Ensure that all housing and development projects comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Collaborate with the Codes Department to provide support and assistance
  • Prepare and submit required reports and documentation to regulatory bodies.
  • Continued education in housing, codes, and community development regulations.
  • Identify and secure funding sources for housing and community development
  • Report quarterly on housing developments and community activities to the City Commission
  • Help the Director of Planning, Housing, and Business Development with incentive programs to encourage business investment in the community.
  • Promote the development of affordable housing and improve existing housing stock with the assistance of the Codes department.
  • Work with the City of Fort Scott’s bond counselor to promote and execute the city’s RHID program.
  • Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment

 

Her office is located at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street Fort Scott, and her phone number is 620.223.0550.
Fort Scott City Hall.
Fort Scott, Government, Housing

Buildings Scheduled for Demolition in Fort Scott: A Long Process

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Downtown Fort Scott, looking north on Main Street, city hall is on the right.

 

On September 3rd, the Fort Scott City Commission voted to demolish several blighted buildings.

The purpose and goal of the Fort Scott Codes Department is to enforce all codes, ordinances, and regulations adopted by the City of Fort Scott to ensure the safety and aesthetic value of all properties and establish a standard of property maintenance, according to the city’s website.

The city has a process to allow extended time for property owners to repair the buildings.

Properties in a state of deterioration are turned into the city by community members for the most part, said Leroy Kruger, who works in the codes department.

This begins a process that starts with a letter to the property owner asking them to repair the house up to city codes and to give the codes department a phone call, within 30 days of receiving the letter.

“If we haven’t heard from them, we send out a condemnation letter,” Kruger said.

“We give 30 more days, if we haven’t heard from them, we turn it over to the city commissioners, and they vote on it,” he said.

“The next step is to advertise (in the Fort Scott Tribune) that we are going to tear it down. Then we have a public meeting,” Kruger said.

“Homeowners or any interested parties get another letter to come and speak to the commission,” he said.

“If no one shows up, the next step is to tear it down.”

“We try to get three bids submitted to the commission (for demolition) and they decide who gets the bid.” he said.

Once torn down to ground level, if the owners want to sell the property, a special assessment fee is given them to recoup the cost of the demolition.

“There’s quite a few blighted properties in Fort Scott,” Kruger said. “We have to stay in a budget for the year. Usually, there are two to three properties at a time.”

At the September 3 Fort Scott City Commission Meeting six properties were submitted.

“If these six go through, we’ve done 10 or 11 properties this year. I think the six have eaten up our budget,” Kruger said.

The codes department office is located in City Hall at 123 S. Main Street and can by reached by calling 620.223.0550.

Norm Nation is the supervisor and lead codes inspector.

 

On September 3rd, the Fort Scott City Commission voted to demolish several buildings. Here are the addresses and photos of the buildings taken from Google Street View.

1721 E. Wall

323 W. Wall

1619 E. Pine

1105 Scott Ave

402 S. Lowman Street

418 Couch St.

Government, Housing, Kansas

Upper Floor Housing in Kansas Main Street Communities Are Eligible For Grants

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Upper Floor Housing Grants Available for Designated Main Street Communities

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today $400,000 is available under the Residential Opportunities on Main Street (ROOMS) grant program to support new upper-floor housing in commercial buildings in Designated Kansas Main Street communities.

“Main Street communities across the state long have been revitalizing their historic business districts and supporting economic vitality,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Increasing the amount of available upper-floor housing is essential to maximizing the economic potential of Main Streets across Kansas. ROOMS grants provide another powerful tool to breathe new life into their downtown areas.”

Upper-floor investments create new housing opportunities and can play an important role in addressing the shortage of quality housing, which regularly is identified as a major issue throughout Kansas. Upper-floor housing enhances the overall livability and functionality of downtowns. It also can lead to increased investment, improved infrastructure, a positive cycle of economic growth, a stronger tax base, and a greater sense of place and community identity.

“These types of projects are expensive and require funding from multiple sources,” Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell said. “The ROOMS grants offer a tremendous opportunity to help make these kinds of projects happen.”

ROOMS funds will be available to applicants within active Designated Kansas Main Street communities for projects that can be shown to lead directly to housing creation or retention in upper floors of existing buildings in the designated downtown area. Projects must incorporate Main Street design standards and follow local ordinances and code for improvements. Each eligible applicant may receive a single $50,000 grant.

To view a webinar recording about the ROOMS grant program, click here. For more information about the Kansas Main Street program, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Fort Scott, Housing

New Apartments Are Coming To Fort Scott

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The inside of a property that will be similar to the Fort Scott property. Submitted photo.

The former Fort Scott Manor Nursing Home, 736 Heylman Street, will soon be 24 standard market apartments.

Shane Lamb, president of Rural Asset Management and  Rural Redevelopment Group, De Soto, KS. decided to take on the development project, even after not receiving grants to help.

“We didn’t receive any state or federal grants or funds,” he said. “We did apply for them but did not receive any. I am doing this on our own.”

“The rental complex hasn’t been named yet,” he said. “We will in the coming weeks.”

The building is approximately 20,000 square feet. “It’s been completely gutted and new everything,” Lamb said.

Lamb purchased the Fort Scott Manor property in January of 2022, he said. “It was closed down by the state several years ago, then went through bankruptcy proceedings. I believe it had been closed for three years.”

A look at a rental unit that Lamb’s business is working on in Iola. Submitted photo.

The Fort Scott property will not be low-income apartment rentals but instead will be for the standard market.

“We focus on rural towns and rural housing,” he said. “Typically, we purchase nursing homes, schools, hospitals…single-use vacant properties we convert to housing.”

“We should have the majority of the repairs done in the next six months and plan to have it 100 percent completed and occupied by winter,” Lamb said.

Submitted photo of a property rental that is being constructed in Iola that will be similar to the Fort Scott rentals.  Submitted photo.

Lamb said he always tries to use qualified local contractors and buy materials locally.

“I always try to keep the money local,” he said. “It doesn’t work 100 percent of the time. Sometimes you can’t find local partners to meet those deadlines…because they are so busy.”

Work trucks line the driveway of the former Fort Scott Manor. Submitted photo.

Lamb said there was a glitch in the Iola project that paused it for several years.

“W had a neighbor that was on a city council that blocked rezoning for almost 4 years,” Lamb said in a later interview.  “The project has since started and is being remodeled as we speak. The project is slated to be done within a year.”

Business, Fort Scott, Housing

Restoration of Historic Building at 6th and Main Is In The Works

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The historic building facade at 6th and Main is having its masonry restored by Mid-Continental Restoration, Fort Scott in this February 26, 2024 photo.

The historic building at 6th and Main Streets in Fort Scott is in the process of being restored.

The building is owned by Al and Luanna Niece and was purchased in June 2023, according to a prior interview.

Nieces Are Working to Renovate the Payne Building At 6th and Main

“It’s a total restoration of the building,” said Chase Halsey, Co-Vice President of Mid-Continental Restoration, Fort Scott.

Koehn Construction, Fredonia, is the general contractor of the project and Mid-Continental is a sub-contractor doing the masonry restoration, which includes the brick replacement, stone replacement, tuckpointing, and stripping of the building, and in addition, will be doing the new window installations, Halsey said.

Koehn Construction did the demolition of the interior and are “pouring concrete in the basement. Getting more of the fittings in. We are pouring the slab this week,” said Brandon Koehn, a manager at Koehn Construction.

Luanna Neice said she thought they were right on schedule “probably next week steele will go up on the inside.”

The building is two stories with a walk-out basement, Koehn said, and the inside had been destroyed by a fire.

Koehn said the building should be mostly complete by mid-summer.

A Mid-Continental Restoration worker is stripping the facade of the building in this February 26, 2024 photo at 6th and Main in Fort Scott.

The building will house two apartments on the second floor, an ice cream shop on the first floor, which is street level and the basement is slated to be a gentleman’s bar, according to Niece.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Housing

Jeff Armstrong: New Realtor in Fort Scott

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Jeff Armstrong. Submitted photo.

Jeff Armstrong obtained his real estate license in the fall of 2021. and he joined  Front Door Real Estate in August of 2022.

“I look forward to assisting sellers/buyers through the quagmire of home real estate,” he said.  “Besides children, home ownership is one of the largest and possibly most stressful financial responsibilities for adults.  My purpose as a real estate agent is to work alongside the client to facilitate transactions, clarify areas of uncertainty, listen and identify the client’s needs/wants, and create an atmosphere of trust.”

“There are many high-quality realtors in Fort Scott, so I am constantly reading, listening, and learning to provide the exceptional service clients deserve,” he said.

“My original purpose of getting my license revolved around owning and managing a piece of commercial real estate in town, however, like many short-term goals, I pivoted,” he said.
 “I run and operate a pressure washing business (Armstrong Pressure Washing) out of Fort Scott and did some work for Jared (Leek) back in early 2022,” he said.  “We were just talking and I mentioned I recently earned my real estate license and he graciously asked if I would have interest in joining Front Door.”
 “The wealth of knowledge and expertise at Front Door Real Estate made the decision simple,” he said.  “I am spoiled to be a part of such an amazing group of professionals.  Real estate transactions do demand a certain level of knowledge and problem-solving, but can be wasted without trust, integrity, and communication.  Much like any service profession, real estate is fueled by relationships.”
“Housing markets go up and down, but how we work for our clients supersedes those events and smooths out the rough times and enhances the joyous moments.”
When asked what his community involvement/hobbies/interests are:
“As each day passes, I find that my faith in Jesus Christ becomes more and more important to me and all that I do should be done to glorify His holy name.  With kids in middle school and high school, most of my extra time revolves around them and their engagements.  I also own and operate my pressure washing business during the spring/summer/fall months.”
“I am supported and encouraged by my gorgeous wife Jamie and blessed with my two children, Kendal and Jax,” he said.  “My parents, Steve and Janet, provide me wisdom and encouragement even as an adult.”
Contact Info: 620-224-3036, [email protected], Facebook @jeffarmstrong-realtor, 113 S. Main Street