The first four applications for Barton County’s new Facade Grant Program were approved by the County Commission Tuesday morning. The initiative sets aside $300,000 to help owners improve the building fronts countywide as a economic development tool.

These were for Chelsea Mitchell (Chelsea Properties) for her building at 1401 Main St., Jimlo Glass Center at 1205 Kansas Ave., Mayers Properties LLC. for the 2019 Lakin Ave. building that houses Bling Glamour, and for Andy Mingenback for his building at 2105 Forest.

The approval came after commissioners reviewed the applications and listened to proposals from the applicants. This was to determine award amounts up to 75% of eligible project costs, with a maximum award of $20,000, Grant Coordinator Sue Cooper said. Although all requested it, not all of these grants were approved for the $20,000 max.

These were among 15 applications received for the countywide program. Of those, 12 are in Great Bend, two in Ellinwood and one in Hoisington.

“Awards will be given based on the project’s size and visual impact,” she said. “The program prioritizes retailers and restaurants and project applications that commit more than the minimum required match amount.” 

Cooper and available property owners provided details. 

Chelsea Properties LLC. 

With Mitchell’s building, Mitchell said it was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, a process started years ago by Karen Neuforth when it housed the Barton Arts Council. It is said this is the first stonemason building in the county.

“I am trying to get it back to its former glory,” she said. But, there is a balance between what is allowed under its historic designation and what is feasible.

She will receive the $20,000. She said she is awaiting plans from the architects before she can get an official quote, but knows she is putting well over the 25% match into the project. 

“It can be difficult to acquire funding,” she said. “The front facade project is something I’ve been working on and trying to get a plan together for over a year.”

Jimlo Glass Center Inc.

Jim Low Glass Center received a $15,825 grant to continue their efforts to revamp the storefront.

Speaking on behalf of applicant Jason Wondra, contractor Andy Mingenback said work has already started. The total project involves new glass entry, glass overhead door, a new sidewalk, a new sign and other accents.

This was a $66,000 project with about $21,000 left to go.

District 5 Commissioner Jennifer Schartz said commissioners questioned this application at first since it was already underway. But, noting how attractive the building looks now, she said this is exactly what the county had in mind – improving the appearance of downtowns.

Bling Glamour

The building housing Bling is owned by Mayers Properties LLC. and Jason Mayers presented on their project to redo the front windows and make other improvements. It is where their business started, but has been Bling since May 2017.

“We want to give it a little better look for them,” he said. “We wanted to do something for them to keep them here.”

Other improvements have already been made to the structure to make it more energy efficient.

In addition to improving the looks of the facade, it will also update the windows, improve outdoor lighting and include a new door.

This is one of 21 Bling stores in Kansas. 

This received the full $20,000.

A building and a public space

For Mingenback, renovating the front of his building is just the beginning, he said. But, he wants to get it finished first.

With the structure, a new front will include new windows and doors and restoring the bricks.

But, beyond that, he has plans for the now vacant lot just to the east of the structure. He hopes to create a green space with amphitheater, public restrooms (to help with the Great Bend Alive Plaza events) and other features.

He received the $20,000, but the entire project will cost a whole lot more than that, he said. He hopes to have plans by year’s end and start to seek investors.

More on the plan

“One of the things this project is supposed to do is give economic development relief for small businesses,” Schartz said. What they are doing is a good first step in that direction.

They are encouraging downtown building owners from all over the county to apply. Grants will be available until the $300,000 is gone.

“The money we give out will come back in valuation and taxes,” District 2 Commissioner Barb Esfeld said.

They also encourage applicants to utilize local contractors when possible.