IOLA, Kan. — A historic Iola home severely damaged by fire in May 2026 could be restored through a proposed $900,000 rehabilitation project.
Property owner Kim Folk is seeking $700,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to help restore the home at 302 East Street, which was built by the Northrup family in 1902 and is considered one of Iola’s oldest homes.
The building previously housed eight apartment units, and plans call for restoring the structure for residential use, although the final number of apartments has not been determined.
The Iola City Council has approved allowing the city to serve as the official public applicant for the grant, an important step in pursuing funding for the project. A public hearing will be held as part of the application process, while the city is also seeking architectural services to evaluate the building’s structural condition and develop rehabilitation plans.
The project will require review and approval by the State Historic Preservation Office before restoration work can proceed.
