Neighborhood Revitalization Area Tax Rebate Program
Applicants can receive a 75%, five-year tax rebate on the increased taxes actually paid as a result of new construction or building rehabilitation projects in an area that includes downtown. The maximum building permit value for commercial projects is $250,000 and multi-family dwelling projects are capped at $500,000. Historic properties can receive a 95% tax rebate on the increase in local property taxes as a result of rehabilitation and has no maximum building permit value.

The NRA Tax Rebate Program is available for non-resident property owners or owner/occupants. To qualify, applicants must be owner of record of property in the NRA boundary (this includes all of Downtown except properties within a Tax Increment Finance District); invest a minimum of $10,000; obtain necessary building permits and adhere to City building codes, rules and ordinances in effect at the time the improvements are made. The investor must also file an application for tax rebate within 180 days of the issuance of a building permit and have no delinquent taxes on the property.

For application material or more information, contact the City's Economic Development Office, Finance Department, 12th Floor, 455 N. Main Street or call 268-4502. Web address is http://wichita.gov/CityOffices/Urban/EconomicDevelopment/NRA/

Douglas Street Façade Improvement Program
This City program provides a combination grant and loan program for property or business owners to renovate the exterior of buildings facing Douglas Street between Seneca and Washington Streets. The program provides a forgivable loan of $15,000 or 25% of the project, whichever is less, for buildings less than four stories. The remaining renovation costs can be financed over 15 years at a low interest rate. For more information, contact Bill Morris at (316) 268.4685.

Historic Preservation Tax Credits
The State of Kansas and the federal government can provide up to a 45% tax credit for the cost of renovating income producing, historic buildings. To qualify, properties must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places or be a contributing structure within a National Register Historic District. Tax credits are also available for non-historic buildings constructed before 1936. As projects must follow established rehabilitation standards to qualify for the tax credits, investors are required to submit a proposed renovation plan to the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service for pre-certification. For more information contact Kathy Morgan with the Metropolitan Area Planning Department at 455 North Main Street, 10th Floor or phone (316) 268.4421. Web information is available at www.wichita.gov/CityOffices/Planning/Preservation/default.htm