Kansas Department of Commerce
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded more than $1.5 million in Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) funding to support 19 projects revitalizing downtown buildings across the state. When matched with more than $6.4 million in local contributions, this round of HEAL funding brings the total investment to approximately $7.9 million.
“Our rural communities are some of the best places to be in Kansas — and it’s because we are intentional with how we invest in them and how we want them to grow,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By revitalizing our historic buildings, we can create spaces that drive community growth and bring in new economic opportunities for the entire state.”
By providing matching grants through a competitive process, HEAL helps communities transform vacant spaces into thriving hubs for businesses, housing, childcare, arts, civic activities and entrepreneurship. These awards are designed to breathe new life into rural downtown districts. In doing so, HEAL fosters reinvestment, encourages community engagement and boosts the overall economic health of Kansas communities.
“Since 2021, the HEAL program has helped transform 96 buildings in rural Kansas, generating economic opportunity, creating new jobs and strengthening the vitality of our downtown areas,” Office of Rural Prosperity Director Trisha Purdon said. “This group of projects will save buildings in some of the smallest communities in Kansas.”
Hutch Post Area HEAL awardees
- Halstead: 204 Main St., $64,300 - Round 3.0
- Hutchinson: 14 N. Main St., $75,000 - Round 3.0
- Kingman: First National Bank Building, $100,000 - Round 5.0
- Lindsborg: Lindsborg Mercantile Co., 131 N. Main, $57,750 - Round 4.0
- Lyons: Lyons Hogans Building, $30,000 - Round 4.0
- Newton: HL Hart Building Coworking & Apartment, $65,000 - Round 1.0
- Sterling: 105 E. Main, $75,000 - Round 3.0