TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) — Kansas communities looking to bring life back to their downtowns now have an opportunity to turn empty upper floors into much-needed housing. The state is offering $250,000 in grants through its Residential Opportunities on Main Street (ROOMS) program to help convert unused s paces above downtown businesses into livable homes. The funding is available exclusively to Designated Kansas Main Street communities and aims to address a growing need for affordable, quality housing while breathing new energy into local economies. Kansas project aims to turn infrastructure into art “Last year’s initial round of ROOMS funding resulted in 34 new housing units across the state and nearly $6 million in total investment,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said in a news release. “Another year of funding allows us to continue breathing life into communities across this state and growing economic opportunities for generations to come.” Upper-floor housing has become a critical piece of the solution to Kansas’ housing challenges, while also strengthening the economic health and identity of downtown areas. “The Kansas Main Street program has worked to help communities build their capacity in developing upper-floor housing in downtown buildings,” Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell said in the release. “ROOMS grants help these types of projects become reality.” Projects must follow Main Street design standards and local codes, and must directly lead to the creation or retention of housing units. More information on how to apply for ROOMS funding is available through the Kansas Department of Commerce website. ...read more read less