MEDC awaits St. Catherine’s grant award

While the historic structure lies dormant, MEDC staff are working toward a solution that may possible pave the way for redevelopment.

Mike O’Dell/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. - In a conversation with Amanda Engell, Director of Housing Development at the McCook Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Engell updated the Gazette on progress at the St. Catherine’s Hospital/Apartment project.

Engell reported that the MEDC is still waiting to hear whether St. Catherine’s will receive an EPA Brownfields grant award. The application materials indicated announcements would be made in June, and while awards were announced in late May last year, government program timelines have been unpredictable this year. Officials remain hopeful that the decision will be announced soon. Engell said, “We’re anticipating that this will be the month that they’ll make announcements on those awards.”

If the grant is awarded, the funding would help pay for environmental remediation at the property, such as asbestos and lead paint removal. Once remediation is completed, the MEDC will evaluate the site’s condition and determine the next steps for redevelopment.

In the meantime, Engell said work continues behind the scenes to position St. Catherine’s for redevelopment opportunities and to ensure the property is ready for a potential low-income housing tax credit application if that proves to be the best path forward.

At the same time, steps are being taken to qualify the building for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Such a designation would allow a developer to utilize both state and federal historic tax credits for rehabilitation. The goal is to make the property as attractive and financially viable as possible for future redevelopment.

Engell said the MEDC is also working through administrative requirements to ensure the project is prepared for whichever redevelopment path ultimately proves most feasible.