the housing market by building a house each year as part of its student training program. This house is sold at auction and often ends up in the local community, providing another source of high-quality housing.“We put at least one house into the market,” Eric notes. The college’s focus on training students in skilled trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work also helps ensure that Beloit has a steady supply of workers to support the housing market. THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY The downtown area, with its original limestone buildings and vibrant main street, is home to various businesses, many of which have recently grown. “In the last year, we’ve seen quite a few businesses move into downtown, particularly in the healthcare sector,” Benedick says. This influx of businesses has helped revitalize the downtown area, making it a hub of horizon. One of the most promising projects involves the transformation of a former juvenile detention center into apartment units. “We have a developer that is going to put apartments into those buildings, potentially up to 40 units,” Benedick explains. This project will provide much-needed housing options for the town’s growing population, including students, young professionals, and seniors looking to downsize. In addition to the apartment project, the city owns several vacant lots ready for development. These lots, developed with all utilities on-site, represent an opportunity for moderate-income housing projects that could further diversify Beloit’s housing stock. “We do have a moderate-income housing singlefamily project that we’re hoping to go in for, and we’re feeling optimistic about that,” Benedick says. Fort Hays Tech | North Central also contributes to Beloit Downtown Street Dance 75 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09 BELOIT, KS
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