$1M grant may inject new life into historic RayMee Building

Dayton, KY officials have applied for a $1 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that will be used to fund the RayMee Building Redevelopment Project.

The grant uses federal funds that are administered by the State, and can be used for housing, public facilities, community programs and/or economic development.  Local officials believe that the redevelopment project will result in the creation of 50 low to moderate income jobs at around $20,000 – not including the temporary construction jobs that will be needed for the project.  Richard Bragg of the Northern Kentucky Area Development District says that the approval process for such a grant could take several months.

The 1,800 square-foot building is said to be in "sound" condition and should be ready for interior finishing by June 2010.

Local officials have high hopes for the structure as it is prominently located across the street from where the new municipal building will stand.  The corner location also presents an opportunity to connect the historic downtown area to the new businesses opening along the riverfront in the new Manhattan Harbour development project that will become the first "smart community" in the United States when it opens.

"The building is now a white elephant," says Bragg who believes the structure will be the most important preserved building in Northern Kentucky due in part to its location and prominence.

The City believes that the project will help create jobs, provide additional services to the neighborhood and continue the redevelopment efforts in the downtown business district.  To help make this reality the city of Dayton, Kentucky is prepared to provide parking and related amenities to help better serve the residents and businesses in the immediate vicinity.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler