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Commission approves IRBs for adaptive reuse at 639 New Hampshire Street
Summary
Lawrence commissioners unanimously approved industrial revenue bonds tied to a sales-tax exemption for the adaptive reuse of part of the former Lawrence Journal-World building at 639 New Hampshire Street, a project staff says represents roughly $7 million in private investment and 8,300 square feet returned to use.
The Lawrence City Commission on June 16 formally authorized industrial revenue bonds (IRBs) to enable a sales-tax exemption for the adaptive reuse of a vacant portion of the former Lawrence Journal-World building at 639 New Hampshire Street. Mayor Brad Finkle said the measure would complete a multi-step approval process that began with a resolution of intent in May 2025.
City staff told the commission the work represents approximately $7,000,000 in private investment and that roughly 8,300 square feet of historically significant space is now operational. City staff recommended approval, saying the IRBs are conduit financing that “do not create financial obligation or liability for the city.” One resident who spoke during public comment, Eric Hyde, said he opposed IRBs and sales-tax exemptions because they “extract wealth from Lawrence” and can shift economic benefit outside the city. Staff responded that the action under consideration is a narrow, one-time sales-tax exemption during construction and not a property-tax abatement.
Commissioner Sellers moved the ordinance authorizing IRBs not to exceed $3,900,000 for the benefit of RKM KU LC LLC; Vice Mayor Courtney seconded the motion. The commission approved the ordinance by a 4–0 vote. City staff said the project remains fully subject to local property taxes going forward and that the exemption applies only to eligible construction materials purchased during construction.
