Unlocking Opportunities for Downtown Baldwin City: Grants Available for Main Street Communities

By Dana Mullis, Organization Director for the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Program Director

I'm excited to share some fantastic news that could significantly benefit our community: a new grant opportunity specifically tailored for Main Street communities like ours. This grant, offered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is designed to enhance our downtown area's vibrancy, support economic growth, and foster community development.

ROOMS Grant: Revitalizing Downtown Living

The ROOMS (Residential Opportunities on Main Street) Grant Program aims to transform underused upper-floor spaces in commercial buildings into quality residential units. With up to $250,000 in total funding available and a maximum of $50,000 per project, this grant requires a 1:1 cash match. It encourages developments that align with local design standards and codes, promoting downtown housing availability and sustainable economic growth. Detailed plans, including architectural drawings and financial analyses, must be submitted by 5 PM on May 19, 2025. For more details and application materials, visit the Kansas Department of Commerce website: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/main-street/rooms/

Take Action: Seize This Opportunity

This grant presents a unique opportunity for our community to revitalize, enhance, and innovate our downtown area. If you or anyone in the Downtown District is interested in applying for this funding opportunity, please reach out to me directly. I'm here to assist with any questions, provide guidance through the application process, and support our collective efforts to make Baldwin City an even more vibrant place to live, work, and visit.