MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson is inviting residents to think differently about development with the launch of Build Hutch, a new initiative aimed at helping local property owners and aspiring developers redevelop vacant lots and blighted properties—one project at a time.
The program focuses on incremental development, a model that emphasizes smaller, locally driven projects rather than large, out-of-town developers building sprawling subdivisions. City officials say the approach can strengthen neighborhoods, expand housing options and keep investment dollars circulating locally.
Dave Sotelo, Hutchinson’s director of strategic growth, said Build Hutch was created in response to frequent questions from residents who want to improve properties but don’t know where to start.
“People come to City Hall and say, ‘I want to flip a blighted building’ or ‘I want to build on a land bank lot,’” Sotelo said. “City staff aren’t developers, so this program is about giving people real tools—how the math works, how financing works, and how to navigate city processes.”
To deliver the training, the city is partnering with Neighborhood Evolution, a national organization that both develops properties and teaches small-scale development in communities across the country, including South Bend, Indiana; Dallas, Texas; Buffalo, New York; and Minneapolis.
Neighborhood Evolution’s work is centered on helping communities build wealth locally by empowering residents to redevelop underused properties themselves.
Funding for Build Hutch comes from a $100,000 grant awarded by the Hutchinson Community Foundation as part of its housing development strategy, making the program available at little cost to the city.
City leaders say the initiative is not unique to Hutchinson’s challenges, noting that many communities across Kansas and the Midwest face similar issues with vacant houses and empty lots.
“This isn’t just a Hutchinson problem—it’s happening all over America,” Sotelo said. “Housing is a big issue, but it doesn’t have to be solved overnight. Incremental development is about taking small, manageable steps that add up over time.”
The public kickoff event for Build Hutch is scheduled for February 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Memorial Hall. Attendees will meet instructors and coaches, learn what incremental development means, and connect with others interested in investing locally.
Sotelo said the program is designed for a wide range of participants—from young professionals interested in development, to business owners who want to expand, to residents who want to turn a vacant house into a duplex or redevelop a long-neglected property.
In addition to training, Build Hutch will help participants understand and access existing city tools such as the Neighborhood Revitalization Program and the Facade Improvement Program, which many property owners are unaware of.
“We want people to know that becoming a developer doesn’t have to be intimidating,” Sotelo said. “If you’re willing to learn and put in the work, this can be a win for you, a win for the city, and a win for the entire community.”