TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) — Kansas communities looking to bring life back to their downtowns now have an opportunity to turn empty upper floors into much-needed housing. The state is offering $250,000 in grants through its Residential Opportunities on Main Street (ROOMS) program to help convert unused spaces above downtown businesses into livable homes.
The funding is available exclusively to Designated Kansas Main Street communities and aims to address a growing need for affordable, quality housing while breathing new energy into local economies.
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“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 in a news release. “Another year of funding allows us to continue breathing life into communities across this state and growing economic opportunities for generations to come.”
Upper-floor housing has become a critical piece of the solution to Kansas’ housing challenges, while also strengthening the economic health and identity of downtown areas…