ROOMS Grants Available for Upper-Floor Housing in Main Street Communities
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $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.
“Rural downtowns are full of history and character — and many have unused upper-floor spaces that could be utilized for additional housing options,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These funds give our community leaders the resources to turn these historic assets into vibrant, livable spaces — and increase the number of customers within a short walk of downtown restaurants and shops.”
Upper-floor investments play an important role in addressing the affordable and quality housing shortage, which regularly is identified as a major issue across the state. Creating new housing opportunities enhances the overall livability and functionality of downtowns. Equally, these funds can result in increased investment, improved infrastructure, positive cycle of economic growth, stronger tax base and a greater sense of place and community identity.
“Through the Kansas Main Street program, we aim to work with communities who are eager to build their capacity in developing upper-floor housing in downtown buildings,” Kansas Main Street Interim Director Debbie Deere said. “Through these grant opportunities, we can continue to increase local housing stock — while maintaining the unique characteristics of our downtown buildings.”
ROOMS funds will be available to applicants within active Designated Kansas Main Street communities for projects that 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.
About the Quality Places Division:
Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, click here.
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