HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council gave its support to a community development block grant that would help renovate the old Steven’s Building at 225 S. Main.

Developers Jen and Scott Cooley asked the council to classify the building as blighted so they could apply for the grant. The $250,000 grant would be used for renovating the exterior of the building and bringing the interior up to code. Scott Cooley says they will move their salon and spa into the 47,000-square-foot building, but there is certainly more in the works:

 

With matching funds, the total cost of the first phase of renovation amounts to more than $335,000. While the building has been used for storage, it has otherwise been idle for many years. The Cooley’s should know if they have the grant in place within 45 days after the application is submitted.