Building grants await local applicants

By JUDD WEIL

Staff writer

Money that helped turn downtown buildings into a restaurant in Marion and an event space in Hillsboro is available again.

Marion property owners have been alerted to the latest round of Historic Economic Asset Lifeline grants, but none have told economic development director Megan Jones they are applying, she said.

Hillsboro is not actively pursuing a project this round, city administrator Danielle Bartel said.

The Kansas Department of Commerce has made $1.5 million available to restore vacant and underused downtown buildings. Applications are due Nov. 20.

Building owners must document a dollar-for-dollar match when applying and demonstrate that the space will be occupied by project completion. Communities that received HEAL grants in 2025 are ineligible this round.

The required match could be a barrier for some owners, Jones said, but she hopes they will discuss options with her.

“I would like anybody and everybody that needs work done on their building to come and approach me,” she said. “And if I can do something to help them to get a grant underway, I’d love to do that.”

Jones has firsthand experience with renovations at Bill and Essie’s BBQ, which received a $65,000 HEAL grant.

That money and a Community Development Block Grant helped replace the roof and windows to stop water intrusion and paid for interior work, including plumbing and electrical improvements, she said.

The grants worked together, making it difficult to separate precisely which expenses HEAL covered, she said.

“The folks that facilitate the HEAL grant at the Department of Commerce are wonderful to work with, and they’re always there to answer questions and kind of walk you through the process and make it as painless as possible,” she said.

In Hillsboro, a $74,999 HEAL grant helped renovate the former Olde Town Restaurant building at 126 N. Main St., now an event rental space called The House. The building also benefited from a Community Development Block Grant.

Owners Eric and Tammy Driggers renovated the interior, replaced windows, and did substantial exterior work, Bartel said. Historical architectural features were retained alongside modern improvements, including the kitchen.

Eligible projects can provide space for businesses, housing, arts and culture, child care, and other community uses, according to the Commerce Department. Recipients will be notified in January.