[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6172598,"mediaKeyId","5387525-57438d2a70f986d3e9eef1d5d7e1e013","parentId",5387525,"title","Wareham Hall seeks 10‑year property tax abatement and public infrastructure funding for $40M renovation","audioSeconds",2532,"startMs",1196000,"endMs",3728000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5387525-57438d2a70f986d3e9eef1d5d7e1e013&start=1196&end=3728","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5387525-57438d2a70f986d3e9eef1d5d7e1e013/thumbnail_1196000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6172598/Manhattan/Riley/Kansas/Wareham-Hall-seeks-10year-property-tax-abatement-and-public-infrastructure-funding-for-40M-renovation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6172598-476e3f6401e426d34c37f2b7386cc4d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140167&Signature=eyxfEJianuj9zpAjzV8HJYqKxjqG4u9dyblyNtFbwAen4tPJkcm3DvpXTp83Vs3NzRkhKzKrDIG1YYCUGylNBGLaxq7CQMDGvQon63DBl8am5krPM1qvPCQmpVtPl8tlfCzX-WM4HIaaZcytWDZXrB7fMMh2SbuSr-xkGai90YxNuVyiq5q0WdOz1HyYb7GA5zl7hmN4f198EoMz3klpP~LWjEZIuxo5azq-j5F8C4kE0XCVZ0OowtYls0s5dA8Od2nulUVNpuCE84ZLytB9tkR5l9PZkZ4t5MI~NFo6ZHUe1iYW3IlqBmLOeaITNjgmiygq-l8W~Hs9Ki6Q-fhcpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Manhattan, Kansas","date","2025-06-10T00:00:00Z","article","Blaidd Majes, executive director of Wareham Hall (the nonprofit renovating the historic Wareham Building and theater), presented an expanded renovation plan and asked the commission for two forms of support: (1) an industrial revenue bond (IRB)‑based property tax abatement — described as a 100% abatement for 10 years — to enable the sale/monetization of federal historic tax credits through a for‑profit LLC, and (2) public infrastructure funding drawn from the city’s 2023 economic recovery sales tax to repair and reconfigure the sidewalk, add a downtown drop‑off/pull‑off, alley and alley‑grade improvements and other right‑of‑way upgrades.

Project overview and program: Majes said Wareham Hall purchased an adjacent four‑story building (the historic Wareham Building) earlier in the year, roughly doubling the project footprint and adding about 18,000 square feet. Project plans presented to the commission call for a restored and modernized theater with flexible main‑floor seating and permanent balcony seats (approximately 550 seats in seated configuration, up to ~800 for standing/custom setups), a second‑level “Marquis Bar” and multipurpose space, an expanded basement performance and lounge area called the “Way Down Lounge” (approximately 100 seats), commercial kitchen capacity, artist green‑room and dressing rooms, and five short‑term rental units in the adjacent building intended primarily for touring artists and residency programming. Majes said an elevator, a pit lift for the stage, new restrooms and accessibility improvements are part of the program.

Programming partners and projections: Majes said Wareham Hall expects to host roughly 50–60 events per year from K‑State Music, Theater and Dance under a memorandum of understanding, operate a presenting season for touring acts and provide space for local productions. The presentation included internal pro forma projections that show roughly $3.2 million in annual revenue and an estimate—based on a third‑party creative placemaking tool—of about 45 jobs and approximately $4.6 million in regional economic impact.

Capital stack and tax credits: Majes said the total capital cost is about $40 million. He reported that roughly 65% of funding is expected from philanthropy and historic tax credits, with about $4.0 million in federal historic tax credits and a substantial state historic tax credit component. To monetize federal credits, Majes said the nonprofit has formed a for‑profit developer LLC (Wareham Hall Ventures LLC) that would accept an investor partner to provide equity in exchange for federal tax credits; that structure, he said, is the reason the project seeks an IRB‑based property tax abatement. Majes said the organization is roughly 10% invested so far and that the federal credit realization process typically distributes tax credits to the project over a five‑year period.

City requests and costs shown in the presentation: Majes requested a 10‑year, 100% property tax abatement issued via IRBs as a means to unlock the federal historic tax credits and a public infrastructure reimbursement request. In the presentation Majes cited a $3,350,000 one‑time request from the 2023 economic recovery sales tax for broader public infrastructure improvements tied to the project. At other points in the discussion staff and the presenter referenced a $350,000‑$430,000 right‑of‑way/sidewalk infill estimate for the immediate sidewalk and crosswalk work; the presentation also listed a broader set of alley, bus parking and trash enclosure improvements. Presenters told the commission that current property tax on both parcels is about $31,000 annually and that the county appraiser’s projected post‑project value would produce an estimated preliminary tax liability of roughly $240,000 annually (numbers vary by the formula used and the county’s estimate).

Public comment and commissioner feedback: The proposal drew mixed public comment. Supporters — including Paxton Lemoine and Jackie Hartman Bork (Wareham Hall board chair) — praised the cultural and economic benefits; other speakers raised concerns. Andrew Veil Lintel urged the group to pay property tax if it monetizes federal credits; Amber Starling, a local business owner, criticized some attendance and demographic assumptions in the submitted market analysis and called for a scaled‑back scope unless stronger assurances are provided.

Commission questions centered on tax impact and accountability: Commissioners and staff asked for clarity on the abatement’s fiscal impact (the commission’s staff estimated the city’s share at roughly $10,000 of the current tax revenue) and on mechanisms to attach performance metrics to any abatement. City staff told the commission Kansas statute prevents the commission from abating certain school capital outlay mills and noted there is precedent for nonprofits to pursue property tax exemption through the state Board of Tax Appeals (KSA process). Staff also reminded commissioners that the IRB abatement structure is commonly used to enable tax credit financing but that the commission traditionally seeks performance metrics tied to public incentives.

Next steps and staff direction: Commissioners did not approve the requested abatement or infrastructure funding at the meeting. Instead they asked staff and the project team to return with more detailed financial analysis, proposed performance metrics for any incentive, and clearer, reconciled cost estimates for the right‑of‑way and public infrastructure work. Staff indicated they would draft potential incentive language and suggested performance tiers tied to investment and outcomes.

Why it matters: The proposal would change the property tax treatment of a downtown historic asset, enable significant private and philanthropic investment and, if realized, increase downtown event activity and visitor spending. Commissioners signaled support for preserving the building but requested additional fiscal safeguards and measurable commitments before granting the requested incentives.

Ending: The commission invited Wareham Hall and staff to supply a refined proposal with performance metrics, clearer cost breaks (including the sidewalk/right‑of‑way estimate), and the projected net fiscal impact for city revenues before making a formal decision.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Manhattan City Commission Work Session 06/10/2025 ","oneSentenceSummary","Wareham Hall’s executive director asked the commission to approve industrial revenue bonds and sales‑tax funded public improvements to unlock federal historic tax credits and complete a $40 million renovation of the downtown Wareham Building; commissioners asked for performance metrics and more financial detail before a decision.","taxTitle","Manhattan, Riley, Kansas","taxId",4219,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6172603,"City hears update on wastewater treatment solids upgrade; GMP expected this fall",1042,92000,1134000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5387525-57438d2a70f986d3e9eef1d5d7e1e013&start=92&end=1134","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5387525-57438d2a70f986d3e9eef1d5d7e1e013/thumbnail_92000.jpg","/articles/6172603/Manhattan/Riley/Kansas/City-hears-update-on-wastewater-treatment-solids-upgrade-GMP-expected-this-fall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6172603-75aa4c62194d560a74b0f4da0be0df88/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140167&Signature=I5JgDTodHohoD8ZUMIjRWGhUdIv-1Qi47KEny6DqVt94aWDOSGwAbaTjW2DF~3gopUIfTmBSMR9b0dbaeKPR3mIZ2fqq2pnp7wJWuf5x5FxoyJ5dRMzMUfG~egh6eWtwlY1RAmsBJI-9LemQSd3Ec70eF6jwHMTHgVhExm3FomO2V9yEq~1e5L2fCsMVMOldteL~gJt-q96cBwKtsOD2Cv9eJulvaKYQNgbwkIQyMAo6S9yvfpC8nNRoCP9J7sCefxQyed19YwpFzZmHXZSBmdgXlURHwUoU6fu0wpdtfquWAQW4z7Z6SYom7x6TmXloWGpFn8Xi4r19VOupp1LG5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Manhattan City Commissioners heard an update on the wastewater treatment plant solids upgrade and expansion project from Public Utilities staff and the CMAR (construction manager at-risk) team, who said they will submit a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) to the city this fall.

The project team — Kevin Niles, director of public utilities; Garrett Sheehan of Corolla Engineering; and Joe Barnes of Crossland/Crossland Heavy — described an upgrade that touches every part of the plant’s solids process. The plant’s liquid stream capacity was boosted to 11 million gallons per day (MGD) in 2013; project presenters said the solids-processing equipment has not seen major improvements since 2004 and now requires replacement, modernization and automation to improve digestion, thickening and regulatory adaptability.

The upgrade is intended to enhance process performance, redundancy, resiliency and reliability; optimize operations; and preserve the city’s autonomy over biosolids management. Plant staff noted that processed biosolids are stored in sludge lagoons and applied to city-managed farmland; presenters said the project aims to produce a biosolid that can be routed to multiple treatment or disposal options in the future.

Contracting and cost: Joe Barnes, the CMAR representative, said Crossland delivered a detailed cost model tied to the 90% design and was reaching out to the market for current pricing and allowances. The team reported the 60% cost model at roughly $25,000,000; the 90% model remains subject to market pricing, allowances and contingencies and will be finalized as the GMP. Barnes said the team expects to have a lockable price to present at the end of the month and to submit the GMP to the city for review this fall.

Schedule and scope: Presenters said the project reached 90% design in mid‑2025, with construction—subject to acceptable GMP and commission approval—planned to begin in October 2025. The construction schedule was given as an 18–24 month window, with a target of mid‑2027 for completion and commissioning timed to the spring application season for biosolids.

Operational and technical details: Garrett Sheehan described major plant-wide work including increased digestion capacity and thickening systems. He explained a planned improvement at the lagoons to aid washdown: instead of running a new long run of 6‑inch supply pipe, the team proposes installing a 10,000‑gallon storage tank and booster pumps to overcome an existing 2‑inch supply limitation. Sheehan and Niles said building a more optimized sludge thickening system will make future technology add‑ons (for emerging contaminants such as PFAS) easier to integrate but that regulatory change remains uncertain.

Financing: Kevin Niles told the commission the city is about 10% invested in the project to date. He said KDHE loan funding is not available (KDHE reportedly has no loan funds remaining), and the city plans to pursue a city bond (CO bond) for the remainder of the project financing. Commissioners asked about cost increases since initial 2022 planning; Niles attributed the rise to a mix of scope changes and market/economic conditions.

Commission direction and public comment: Commissioners did not take a formal vote to approve construction tonight. The commission voted earlier in the meeting to allow public comment on agenda items (motion carried; five commissioners recorded “yes”), and during this agenda item commissioners indicated support for staff to continue work with the CMAR and return with the GMP and associated financing details. No final construction contract was approved at the meeting.

Why it matters: The plant serves Manhattan’s wastewater needs and processes biosolids that the city applies to land. Upgrades are intended to protect regulatory compliance, improve reliability and preserve local control over biosolids operations while responding to a market and regulatory environment that project presenters described as uncertain.

Sources: Presentation and Q&A with Kevin Niles (Director of Public Utilities), Garrett Sheehan (Corolla Engineering) and Joe Barnes (Crossland/Crossland Heavy) during the Manhattan City Commission work session. Details on the cost model, tank sizing and schedule were stated by those speakers during the presentation.

Ending: City staff indicated they will bring the finalized GMP and any recommended changes (scope adjustments or descopes for cost control) back to the commission for review in late summer/early fall before construction would begin.","City utilities staff and contractor teams updated the commission on a solids upgrade and expansion at the wastewater treatment plant, reporting a 90% design, a preliminary $25 million cost benchmark from the 60% model and a plan to submit a guaranteed maximum price this fall; construction is projected to begin October 2025 and take 18–24 months.","actionData","errors"]

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Wareham Hall seeks 10‑year property tax abatement and public infrastructure funding for $40M renovation

City hears update on wastewater treatment solids upgrade; GMP expected this fall