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Several public-private efforts are behind these accomplishments. In just four years, the Downtown Redevelopment Grant Incentive Program has helped the creation of 25 new dining, entertainment and retail establishments, as well as new residential lofts and condominiums, six new office spaces, and other projects. A program investment of $900,000 has brought a return of $7 million, or more than $7.50 in private investment for every $1 of incentives awarded. Private redevelopment includes the $21 million Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, the $10 million Hill’s Pet Products effort, and construction of the new parking garage near 7th and Kansas, in the heart of downtown. The approximately 1,200 people who now reside in downtown Topeka are also a key foundation to other efforts, such as restaurants and retail shops. Over the last two years, nearly two dozen new specialty shops have opened, most by Topeka residents, with everything from crafts to outdoor recreation as a focus. In related work, the Business Improvement District has helped fund five facade improvement grants each of the past three years. Lifestyle is another development. Downtown has seen huge turnouts for major events such as St. Patrick’s Day a or a Mexican fiesta of 50,000 people. Related to downtown is the city’s new emphasis on the potential of the Kaw Riverfront. Topeka has a One sub-plot to all of this is the cooperation and collaboration that shows up in several areas of Topeka development. This is especially evident in Downtown’s success where the city of Topeka and business interests have cooperated to create these programs and see them work effectively. “Last year we partnered with Washburn to bring sculptures downtown,” noted Susan Mahoney of Downtown Topeka, Inc. “That’s the first time in 100 years this kind of thing has happened.” |
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Downtown Topeka’s rebirth includes success in residential, retail and commercial development.
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