Following multiple rounds of community engagement and feedback collection, Topeka’s Riverfront Advisory Council (RAC) is proud to announce key elements of its proposed Topeka Riverfront Vision Plan. An exciting component of the strategy reimagines riverfront connectivity by proposing creation of an “iconic pedestrian bridge” connecting downtown Topeka to the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District. The plan also proposes new trails and river access points, as well as various mixed-used developments along the river that are likely to include a unique blend of residential, restaurant and retail options.
The Topeka Riverfront Vision Plan was unveiled Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Townsite 16, following review of the final plan by the RAC. Strategic proposed projects in the plan build on recent endeavors—including the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Polk-Quincy Viaduct Project—that will transform the face of the downtown/NOTO core. These visioning efforts symbolize the power of meaningful collaboration in the greater Topeka area’s growth and development.
“I’m thrilled to see a strategic vision for our capital city’s riverfront come together following months of hard work and collaboration,” said Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership. “The Topeka/Shawnee County community remained front of mind throughout the visioning process. We stand on the shoulders of those who have been dreaming for years about the potential our Kaw River holds, and I’m eager to see the progress that lies ahead.”
Topeka’s RAC has been working with consulting partner Bolton & Menk to develop the riverfront vision plan, with support from the City of Topeka, Shawnee County and State of Kansas. Over the past year, Bolton & Menk has helped the RAC amass more than 12,200 public interactions, including in-person community engagement, website visits, survey responses and digital updates. Community engagement is expected to continue throughout the vision plan’s implementation and evolution. Developers and local partners will prove vital to the plan’s success.
“It’s an honor to help lead this charge to design and reimagine our city’s riverfront with strategic vision and action,” said Greg Schwerdt, RAC chair. “With greater connectivity between key areas of our community on the horizon and developments in mind that will provide lively new entertainment and recreation opportunities, this is a plan the community can get excited about. Bolton & Menk has seen similar projects through to completion in other cities across the U.S., and they’ve proven to be strong partners throughout the process.”
“Our vision for the riverfront builds on previous efforts to activate a community asset that is central to the Topeka area’s growth and success,” said Kevin Holland, chair-elect of the RAC. “The bold, forward-looking projects being proposed are going to enhance and create new synergies within our downtown/NOTO core.”
The Topeka Riverfront Vision Plan, part of the “21st Century Riverfront” initiative outlined in the community’s Momentum 2027 strategy, aims to foster connections to nature, support economic development, improve recreational opportunities, enhance quality of place and promote pedestrian-friendly routes. The plan’s proposed pedestrian bridge is expected to cross the river near N.W. Van Buren Street to the south and N.W. Railroad Street to the north, connecting the downtown Capitol district to NOTO near Great Overland Station. Proposed recreation, residential, restaurant and retail developments will unfold over the next three to four years as agency coordination, funding and permitting allow.
“Just as Momentum 2027 is the community’s strategy, this vision plan will create a community riverfront that is appealing and accessible to all,” said Michelle Cuevas-Stubblefield, The Partnership’s senior vice president of strategy. “We’ll continue to collect community input along the way, as key partners come together to develop a cutting-edge community core that leads to further growth and prosperity across our region.”
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