Lee Ann June from Great Bend Economic Development wrote “the biggest check I’ve ever written” this week when the MyTown group was awarded $260,650 for the Lofts at Zarah project. A presentation was made Wednesday morning at the corner of Lakin Avenue and Main Street, with the future loft apartments in the background.

“This is going to transform our downtown,” June said.

MyTown bought the building in 2008. The organization is the latest recipient of a GBED Loft Grant, a program aimed at revitalizing the upper levels in Great Bend’s downtown.

Mark Bitter with MyTown said there are plans to transform the upper floors of the historic Zarah Hotel into 24 loft apartments by 2025 to bring people to downtown living.

In April, the project was awarded a $1,425,000 Moderate Income Housing Grant from the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation.

June said it will contribute to the growth and vibrancy of downtown Great Bend.

“It’s going to be exciting to see in the future,” Bitter said. “We feel like we’re repurposing a building that has sat with a dream inside of it for decades. It’s going to put this building back into use for several decades to come.”

Timeline

Work might begin as early as September, Bitter said. The developers are waiting on some decisions based on historic preservation and “we hope to start as soon as possible when we get those things in place.” He said he hopes the apartments could be ready to rent in the first quarter of 2025.

A community effort

Sheryl Cheely and Mark Mingenback were also there from MyTown to celebrate the impressive development in Great Bend’s historic downtown district. 

“This is an answer to a dream, actually,” Cheely said.

“Sheryl’s been a huge supporter of MyTown. MyTown wouldn’t exist today if it hadn’t been for Sheryl,” Bitter said. But it also exists because of community support, he added.

“This has been kind of a community project for decades. People hoped that this building could become something. I’m anxious to drive down Main Street at night and see the lights on upstairs,” he said. “Hopefully this spurs a lot of other projects.”

“I think that’s what we’re going to see,” June said. “This is more than just a building being rehabilitated.” 

People only see one building when they look at the Zarah, Bitter said. “But this is like going out and building 24 homes – because there are going to be 24 residences –”

“– which will free up other houses,” Cheely said.

“If we had a new subdivision with 24 houses, it would not have the same effect on downtown,” he said. “It wouldn’t create the walking traffic.”

Megan Barfield, president and CEO of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, was also there for the presentation. “People are choosing Great Bend,” she said. “We have to keep giving them reasons to want to live here.”

There is still time for interested parties who want to invest in downtown or take advantage of Loft Grant funds to apply, June said. “Please reach out and we’ll get you connected.”

New program: BC ReNEW Housing Rehab

The meeting was also used to describe Barton County ReNEW, a new rehab program offered by Great Bend Economic Development.

“I wanted to take this opportunity to talk about some of the other Economic Development incentives for residents of Barton County to fix up their homes,” June said.

Brush Up Barton County provides grants for paint and supplies to eligible homeowners for exterior painting projects. Online applications for Brush Up Barton County can be accessed at www.gbedinc.com/housing. With a dedicated annual budget of $5,000, GBED is able to allocate up to $1,000 per project, helping homeowners enhance the visual appeal and preservation of their properties.

“However, GBED understands that aging homes often require additional assistance beyond exterior paint,” June said prior to the unveiling of BC ReNEW. “The newly introduced incentive program will go beyond the scope of Brush Up Barton County. By providing increased resources and incentives, GBED aims to have a profound impact on the preservation and revitalization of homes throughout the county.”

Cheely said the Barton County Commission’s Facade Grants that have helped spruce up storefronts throughout the county should also be mentioned.

BC ReNEW Housing Rehab unveiled

While Loft Grants from Great Bend Economic Development are creating new housing in Barton County, the nonprofit organization also wants to help with the preservation and restoration of older homes in the community. Lee Ann June, communications director for Great Bend Economic Development Inc., announced a new incentive program Wednesday designed to meet that need.

Barton County ReNEW is a housing rehabilitation program offered by Great Bend Economic Development. Information can be found on the internet at gbedinc.com/housing. This rebate grant program returns up to 10% of the cost of material purchases. The home must be owner-occupied, and eligible upgrades must qualify as a major rehabilitation project with material purchases exceeding $10,000.

“It’s to encourage rehabilitation of the aging houses in Barton County,” June said. “This is up to $10,000 that you are reimbursed for materials.” It is a rebate program that encourages people to “shop local,” so they need to spend 90% of the material cost in Barton County to get the funds returned.