About
DOWNTOWN INC.
“What is really exciting about Downtown Topeka right now is that so many people want to be a part of the excitement. In the last 3-4 years, we have developed over 40 residential lofts and none of those lofts have sat vacant for more than 2 weeks. There is an energy downtown that I have never seen before and with the continuing development of Evergy Plaza and additional restaurants, I don’t see it slowing down.” - Mark Bernhide, Jackson Lofts
MISSION
To ensure that Topeka’s downtown is the center of a thriving regional economy through recruiting, retaining and engaging commercial, cultural and residential opportunities.
VISION
Downtown Topeka is nationally recognized for its innovative and effective development of commercial, cultural and residential activity and increased quality of life in the Topeka region.
FROM VISION TO REALITY
- 2008
What’s Next For Topeka?
What’s Next For Topeka?
June 9, 2008Heartland Visioning led public forums asking, “What’s next for Topeka?”. The response was to create a vibrant downtown. And, the design process begins. - 2012
Infrastructure Replacements
Infrastructure Replacements
March 5, 2012City Council votes to commit $5 million toward needed infrastructure replacement, if private sector funding can assist with topside enhancements.
- 2013
Private Sector Donations
Private Sector Donations
September 16, 2013Private sector donor campaign begins, and exceeded the $1.8 million goal, by raising $4.4 million.
- 2014
Infrastructure Replacement Begins
Infrastructure Replacement Begins
May 19, 2014Infrastructure replacement begins – water lines, electrical, storm sewers, curbs and sidewalks, mill and overlay.
- 2015
Topside Enhancements Begin
Topside Enhancements Begin
June 10, 2015Topside enhancements begin, along with amenities.
- 2016
Topside Project Completion
Topside Project Completion
August 11, 2016Topside enhancements and project comes to completion.
- 2020
Evergy Plaza Founding
Evergy Plaza Founding
June 26, 2020Completion of the Evergy Plaza.
DTI Leadership
DOWNTOWN
DTI provides administrative services and oversight for the Capital Business Improvement District (CBID) and the Downtown Topeka Foundation (DTF). The CBID is responsible for basic maintenance and snow removal of the core area and promotion of downtown in its entirety through marketing and events. The Downtown Topeka Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to provide cultural improvements for the downtown district and serves as the private sector organization responsible for private holdings and project oversight.