Housing Resurgence Program Breathes New Life into Older Homes
The South Central Kansas Economic Development District (SCKEDD) is known for several important initiatives, including weatherization, Small Business Administration loans, and housing rehabilitation.
“Our newest offering is the Housing Resurgence Program, where we take old, dilapidated houses and we bring them back to life. We were given the opportunity with Reno County, with the award of ARPA funds, to be able to select houses here in Reno County,” said Julia Westfahl, Development Coordinator II: Production and Community Services, South Central Kansas Economic Development District, Inc.
Leveraging $500,000 in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds, SCKEDD worked with local real estate experts to select a home that could be successfully restored and attract new residents, especially among the executive-level workforce.
“Every house that we flip and put back on the market, all of that revenue is going back into our organization to be able to do the next house. We really want to make an impact on the community and provide a quality product, because this is hitting a different level that has never been offered here locally. It's hitting those coming in at the new executive level that can't find that nice three or four-bedroom house that they're wanting to relocate their family to.”
The first home SCKEDD chose for the Housing Resurgence Program sits on the west side of Hutchinson. This 4-bedroom, 2.5 bath ranch home was completely renovated, and now boasts new flooring, windows, electric service, plumbing, sewer line, basement egress windows and more. The chef’s kitchen and open sight lines create an ideal family floor plan. No detail was overlooked, and a commitment to quality was behind every decision.
“So when we're looking at it, we're looking at the quality. We want to make sure the standards are above normal because we want this to be a 20-year maintenance-free home. We're using all the expertise, all the certifications that we have under our organization and accessing the property to make sure that it's structurally sound.”
Not only are buyers enticed by a top-of-the-line home, but SCKEDD also offers an extra incentive to ensure that the new homeowners are as satisfied as possible--$5,000 for down payment assistance, or to be used for something additional they’d like done on the home.
SCKEDD's vision for the Housing Resurgence Program extends beyond individual homes. By reinvesting revenues from each project, they aim to create a ripple effect, simultaneously working on multiple houses within the community. This forward-thinking strategy positions SCKEDD as a long-term partner in community development, contributing to sustainable growth and enhancing the local housing landscape.
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