Dickinson County approves CDBG sponsorship for downtown Abilene historic building rehabilitation

The Dickinson County Commission voted to sponsor a Community Development Block Grant application to rehabilitate the historic Steinhauser building at 109–113 NW Third Street in Abilene.

The sponsorship, approved by voice vote during the commission's regular meeting, will make the county the applicant and fiscal agent for a CDBG commercial‑rehabilitation application that the North Central Regional Planning Commission will administer on the county’s behalf.

The project scope described at the meeting includes storefront replacement and exterior work to stabilize two connected late‑19th‑century buildings, plus a second‑story conversion to six residential units. Deb Olde, executive director of the North Central Regional Planning Commission, told commissioners the CDBG commercial‑rehabilitation program is a HUD‑funded program administered through the Kansas Department of Commerce and is targeted at eliminating slum and blight by addressing structural problems such as masonry, windows, roofs, lead paint and asbestos.

“The program that we're talking about today is the Community Development Block Grant dollars that come into the state of Kansas … the specific piece of the pie that would be used for this proposed project is what’s called their commercial rehabilitation program,” Olde said. She said the maximum grant is $300,000, a 25% owner match is required and the property owner is responsible for that match.

John (project representative) described the building as historically significant and said the work will also add life‑safety upgrades including sprinklers and an elevator to make the second‑floor units accessible. “This is a historic property … we’re going to end up having to sprinkler it. We're adding an elevator for mobility, life safety,” he told the commission.

County Administrator Janelle Dodson confirmed the county’s role would be largely fiscal: accounts payable, cash receiving and serving as the applicant contact. She also said Marcus (county finance staff) will act as the county lead for administering the grant funds if awarded.

The commission’s sponsorship is a required step for the application to move forward. Commissioners said they view the project as a downtown economic development investment that could both preserve a landmark and add housing. The motion to sponsor the application passed by voice vote; commissioners did not record a roll‑call tally at the meeting.

Next steps described by Olde and staff include finalizing the application materials, bank and tax‑credit coordination, and submission to the Kansas Department of Commerce. If awarded, construction and historic‑tax‑credit coordination will follow under standard CDBG administrative and compliance rules.