Residential Opportunities on Main Street (ROOMS) Grant Program

The Residential Opportunities on Main Street (ROOMS) Grant Program, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce through the Kansas Main Street Program, supports the revitalization of upper floors in downtown commercial buildings within Kansas’ Designated Main Street Communities. With a goal to stimulate housing development in historic commercial areas, this grant aligns with the broader Main Street initiative that emphasizes community-driven preservation and revitalization strategies. Since its inception in the 1970s, the Main Street Approach has helped transform nearly 2,000 communities nationwide by leveraging local assets, including unique architectural features and underutilized real estate. ROOMS 3.0 specifically targets the creation of long-term, livable housing units in upper-story spaces that might otherwise remain vacant. These spaces must be located in active Kansas Main Street districts and the buildings must possess architectural significance. The program encourages energy-efficient renovations that preserve historic integrity, with the broader intent to enhance economic vitality, improve infrastructure, and address housing shortages in rural communities. Through ROOMS 3.0, Kansas seeks to not only provide more housing but also strengthen local tax bases and inspire private investment. The program offers a total of $250,000 in funding, with individual awards capped at $50,000. Each project must be matched at least 1:1 by private investment, which may include owner funds or loans. Funds are limited to renovation and construction activities necessary to convert upper floors into residential spaces, such as roofing, plumbing, structural repairs, and ADA compliance. Ineligible costs include furniture, landscaping, architectural services, and retail renovations. Applications must clearly demonstrate readiness, with supporting documentation such as cost estimates, architectural drawings, and evidence of matching funds. To be eligible, applicants must represent active Designated Kansas Main Street Programs and apply on behalf of property owners whose buildings are within a designated downtown district. Applications must include documentation showing compliance with Kansas Secretary of State requirements and tax clearance. Projects must not be for short-term rentals or first-floor housing units. All applications must be submitted online via Submittable by October 31, 2025. Applications will be reviewed in November 2025, with funding recommendations based on rubric-based scoring, project alignment with community development goals, geographic distribution, and applicant capacity. Selected grantees can begin incurring eligible expenses only after the grant agreement is signed and the performance period starts on April 1, 2026. Grant funds are disbursed in two installments: 50% at project initiation and 50% upon completion of half the construction, backed by documentation and receipts. The grant term ends September 1, 2028, with quarterly reporting required throughout the performance period. For more information, applicants can contact Debbie Deere, Interim State Director of the Kansas Main Street Program, at Debbie.Deere@ks.gov or 785-480-0566.

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