Kansas Department of Commerce Announces CDBG Grant for Russell Commercial Property

The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced the City of Russell has been awarded a $250,000 grant for the commercial property at 621 North Main Street.

The City of Russell, in partnership with Kaylyn Lyle and Perfect Print, LLC, recently applied for a Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant for Commercial Rehabilitation to rehabilitate the property at 621 North Main Street. Lyle purchased the dilapidated building with the intent of renovating the space and moving her existing business into the property.

The Kansas Department of Commerce offers a CDBG Commercial Rehabilitation Grant providing an opportunity for partnerships between city or county entities and private downtown business owners to rehabilitate blighted properties. CDBG allows the eligible applicant, in this case, the City, to apply for a $250,000 grant on behalf of the business owner. The local match requirement of the grant must be provided by the private business owner.

On March 5, 2024, City staff received formal notification of a full award in the amount of $250,000. This award includes funding to address the rehabilitation of electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems, ADA-accessible restroom, roof, doors and restoration of the building's brick facade. The estimated project cost is $365,941 with matching funds being the requirement of the business owner.

(Information courtesy City of Russell.)