HOISINGTON, Kan. (AP) -- The central Kansas community of Hoisington is giving away up to 15 home sites of roughly 12,000 square feet each to families willing to build houses on them.

The Great Bend Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/QIVcIO ) the acreage is a former mobile home park that was donated to Hoisington on the condition that it not be sold.

The Hoisington City Land Bank decided this week to give the lots on a first-come, first-served basis to families who pay a refundable earnest fee of $500.

Hoisington city manager Jonathan Mitchell says the program has the potential to increase the population and property valuation in the community of about 2,700 people.

Houses built on the lots will have to measure at least 1,500 square feet on the main floor and have a basement and garage.