Across Kansas, communities are facing growing challenges related to housing — from aging, deteriorating, and vacant structures to a shortage of new homes being built fast enough to meet local needs.
The Kansas Department of Commerce is launching a statewide initiative to identify vacant or underutilized buildings that may be suitable for redevelopment into housing units. This initiative offers communities a proactive opportunity to repurpose existing structures, attract investment, and support local housing needs.
These structures offer the potential to provide the fastest path to creating new units, preserving historic character, and revitalizing community centers. While restoring and repurposing existing buildings may offer opportunities on a shorter timeline, developing vacant land is also vital to long-term community growth — especially in rural areas. To support this effort, we are also taking submissions for sites that have been designated by a community for future housing developments.
Access to developable buildings enables small towns to expand housing options, attract new residents, support workforce growth, and retain young families. Strategic development can help:
“Through this new effort, we’re able to help communities in a proactive way, attracting investments and meeting specific local housing needs. There are a lot of unique buildings that are full of history and even more potential — and what better way to activate these unique community assets than by turning these beloved buildings into new housing opportunities for Kansans?”
— Matt Godinez, Assistant Secretary of Commerce, Quality Places Division
We invite community leaders, local organizations, economic developers, and property owners to share information about buildings in their area that could be considered for adaptive reuse and redevelopment. Ideal submissions may include:
If your community has vacant land that has been identified and designated specifically for housing, we will also develop an inventory for new housing developments. Examples of properties for new housing development may include:
Next Steps
The Department of Commerce will compile eligible building submissions into a statewide inventory. This list will be made available to those such as developers, contractors, and housing partners interested in adaptive reuse opportunities. This effort offers the opportunity for participating communities to gain visibility from potential investors or developers and support for redevelopment planning.
Submit Vacant Land Submit a Building
Local governments, economic development organizations, property owners, or anyone with knowledge of suitable properties.
No. Privately owned buildings may also be submitted with owner permission.
This inventory is for informational purposes only. Submitting a building does not imply access to funding. However, it might help your community learn about new funding opportunities when available.
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