E-Community Program Awards Loan Funds to Downtown Art Gallery / Apartment Project

Atchison, KS – The City’s E-Community Program has approved a new loan to Red Light Gallery to be located at 715 Commercial Street in downtown Atchison, the former location of the Marigold Bakery. Red Light Gallery will occupy the ground floor of the building and plans to feature local and regional artists through rotating shows art shows and special events. The business also plans to redevelop the second floor to feature two loft style apartments.

The $75,000 in loan proceeds will help finance the acquisition and renovation plans for the property.  Additional financing for the project was provided by Exchange Bank. Red Light Gallery is a subsidiary of Trusted Care Chiropractic, which is owned by Melinda Pregont.

Since January of 2017, the Atchison E-Community Program has been offering loans for small business startups, expansions, and acquisitions. Everyday businesses like restaurants, cleaning services, small manufacturers, daycare facilities, construction companies, retail stores, etc… can use this locally controlled, revolving loan fund as gap financing to make their small business dreams come true.

The funding for the E-Community Program is created through the sale of entrepreneurship tax credits, which are allocated to NetWork Kansas by the Kansas State Legislature.

To learn more about the E-Community Program, contact Becky Berger with the City of Atchison at beckyb@cityofatchison.com or 913-367-5500.

In the photo above, Becky Berger, City Manager (left) is joined by Dan Raplinger of Exchange Bank (center) and Melinda Pregont, Red Light Gallery (right).