HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The city of Hutchinson will receive a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce to improve the former Stevens Building. The funds will be used by Scott and Jen Cooley, who want to turn the building at 225 S. Main into the new home of Evolution Salon and Spa.

The funds are part of the CDBG funding the state receives from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. The Cooleys are providing $115,400 in matching funds to make needed repairs to the building.

Built in 1876, the Stevens Building is the oldest building still standing in Hutchinson and started as the city’s power plant. Along with Evolution Salon, the Cooleys see the building as an opportunity to provide space for other businesses.

The CDBG program provides federal funds to local governments for the development of viable communities by addressing their housing, public facilities and economic development needs.