Newton seeks developers to transform historic depot, former Dillons site into new district

NEWTON, Kan. — The city of Newton is seeking development teams to transform the historic Newton Depot and a nearby vacant lot into a vibrant downtown hub known as the Depot District. A formal request for proposals, released Monday, invites developers to submit comprehensive visions that preserve the 1930-built train station's historic character while creating new commercial or community opportunities. The project pairs the transit landmark with the city-owned former Dillons grocery property at 320 N. Main St., which was previously demolished to clear the way for downtown revitalization efforts.

The search for a developer follows the Newton City Commission's January approval of a $20,000, 12-month option contract to potentially purchase the depot from Hutchinson-based Crossroads Lumber Co. for $500,000. That agreement gave the city temporary strategic control over the National Register of Historic Places site to evaluate its structural condition and package it with the Main Street lot without committing to long-term public ownership.

Guided by public input from recent Newton Next comprehensive planning workshops, officials plan to eventually transfer the depot's purchase option to the selected developer to bring the unified district to life.

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