State Grant Supports Upper-Floor Housing at Seneca Twin Theater

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Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland has announced two Kansas Main Street communities have been awarded funding through the Residential Opportunities On Main Street (ROOMS) program. Projects submitted by El Dorado Main Street and Seneca Downtown Impact will receive $50,000 each to create a total of 18 new residential units in the upper floors of downtown buildings.

“As we continue expanding the state economy by bringing more businesses and workforce opportunities to rural communities, the need for quality and affordable housing also continues to grow,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Through the ROOMS program, we are preserving the history of our downtown districts while creating more livable spaces for current and future residents.”

Last summer, five additional communities were awarded ROOMS grants, resulting in 29 new upper-floor housing units in downtown communities and generating nearly $9 million in private investment.

“We’re doing our part to unlock opportunities that make our communities vibrant and full of life by adding unique, affordable housing,” Kansas Main Street Director Drew Simpson said. “Projects that safeguard our shared past and carefully plan for the future will help deliver prosperity to Kansas.”

The two projects selected for this round of funding will leverage almost $4.7 million in private investment.

The winter 2025 ROOMS grant recipients:

El Dorado – 124 Lofts, adding 13 apartments
Seneca – Seneca Twin Theater, adding five apartments

Locally, the ROOMS award will support the rehabilitation of five upper-story apartments above the historic Seneca Twin Theater at 301 Main Street. The project will upgrade electrical and plumbing systems and return long-vacant residential space to productive use in the heart of downtown. Once complete, the apartments will provide new housing options within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and community amenities.

“This is a big win for downtown Seneca,” said Kylee Bergstrom, Executive Director of Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact. “The Theater is one of our most recognizable buildings, and bringing housing back to the upper floor strengthens both the building and our Main Street. We are grateful to Kansas Main Street and the Department of Commerce for investing in rural communities like ours.”

To learn more about the ROOMS program or Kansas Main Street, visit www.kansascommerce.gov.

About the Quality Places Division:

Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

 

Originally posted by Seneca Area Chamber & Downtown Impact via Locable