Oct 06, 2025
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.
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