Preservation Incentives

The City of Leavenworth has adopted a Neighborhood Revitalization Plan and designated a Neighborhood Revitalization Area. This area includes the Leavenworth Downtown Area. With this designation all new taxable improvements can receive a rebate of 95- percent of the property taxes levied against the new improvements each year for five years.
 
Application is simple and made at the time a building permit is issued. Commercial property, in Kansas, is assessed at 25 percent of actual value. Thus, a new $1 million commercial improvement would be assessed at $250,000 and the tax in 1999 ($123.89 per 1,000 of Assessed Valuation) would be $30,972. Of that $29,424 (95 percent) would be refunded. Over five years the rebates (at current rates) would equal $147,120. The Leavenworth City Community Development staff can assist with application materials and other requirements.
 

CDBG Commercial Rehabilitation 
Available from the City of Leavenworth are Community Development Block Grants ( CDBG) in the form of ten-year "forgivable loans" for one third of the renovation cost. The maximum amount is determined n a case by case basis. Projects are limited to exterior improvements, including re-roofing cost. The source of the funds are federal and the prevailing wages (Davis-Bacon Act) and other federal requirements apply. Funds are available beginning July 1 of each year until obligated. The Leavenworth City Community Development staff can assist with application materials and other requirements.

Rental Rehabilitation 
From time to time, the city will provide matching funds to persons who develop upper level residential space in association with first floor commercial improvements. These activities are planned in the spring for mid-summer to autumn construction starts. The city has pre-designated eleven large, old structures in the CBD as eligible. Contact the Leavenworth City Community Development staff for more information, 913-680-2626.