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Local nonprofit seeks grants and historic tax credits to upgrade county auditorium
Summary
A local group seeking to renovate the county auditorium told commissioners it has quotes for lighting of about $70,000 and expects to use historic tax credits and grants; county counsel advised a needs assessment, historic consultant review and coordination with the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office.
Representatives from a community theater group told Brown County commissioners they are pursuing grants and possibly historic tax-credit financing to replace lighting and seating in the county municipal auditorium.
Applicant Kevin Knisely said the auditorium has about 400 seats, roughly half of which are not usable, and that an initial lighting estimate is about $70,000. He asked the commission for a letter of support and direction on who would serve as grant administrator. "We are a 501(c)(3) now," Knisely said, and described outreach to the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office and the Greater Manhattan Foundation for potential support.
County Counselor Bill outlined how federal and state historic tax credits and other public–private tools could cover a significant portion of a renovation if the project is structured correctly and recommended engaging a historic consultant, preparing a needs assessment and coordinating with the historical society. He said the recently expanded Kansas historic tax-credit program can provide substantial matching equity and urged the applicants to investigate consultants and local architect resources.
Commissioners asked the applicant to coordinate with the Brown County Historical Society and to bring detailed cost estimates and a project scope before the commission would provide a formal letter of support for grant applications.
