Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced that the Kansas Department of Commerce is awarding over $1.5 million in Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants to support 19 downtown revitalization projects across the state. Combined with more than $6.4 million in local funding, the total investment will reach approximately $7.9 million.

HEAL provides matching grants through a competitive process to help turn vacant or underused buildings into active spaces for businesses, housing, arts, childcare, and civic use. The goal is to bring energy and economic growth back to rural downtowns across Kansas.

Projects include:

• Admire: A $35,000 grant will help turn a 120-year-old building into the “Last Chance Arcade,” aiming to become the largest arcade between Kansas City and Wichita.
• Garnett: A $100,000 grant supports a new 24/7 gym and kid zone in one of the city’s largest historic buildings, boosting community activity.
• Sharon Springs: $100,000 will help convert the long-vacant upper floors of two historic buildings into housing options.
• Wilson: A $40,000 façade grant will restore the 1904 Weber & Peirano Building, home to a mercantile, gallery, and shared workspace, reinforcing its role in local tourism and entrepreneurship.