Salina local news summary

New Downtown Hotel and Public Parking Garage Proposed

Complex Financing Plan Outlined for Proposed Parking Garage

Roosevelt-Lincoln Apartments to Open to All Ages Amid Parking Debate

New Splash Pad Approved for Jerry Ivey Memorial Park

Former Governor Graves Donates New Sculpture to Lakewood Park

Economic Growth Continues at Salina Airport

New Downtown Hotel and Public Parking Garage Proposed

SALINA – The Salina City Commission reviewed a major proposal from Lighthouse Properties to construct a second downtown hotel, an 80-room SpringHill Suites by Marriott, on the city-owned parking lot at the corner of 7th and Walnut Street. The project would include a multi-level public parking garage with 389 spaces, representing a net gain of 144 downtown spots. Guy Walker of Lighthouse Properties explained that the development aims to attract a new customer base with the Marriott brand and increase foot traffic for local businesses. The plan features an extension of Spilman Plaza to create an attractive pedestrian connection between the new hotel, the garage, and Santa Fe Avenue. The commission expressed strong support for the concept and directed city staff to continue working with the developer to move the project forward.

Complex Financing Plan Outlined for Proposed Parking Garage

SALINA – City staff presented a preliminary financing strategy to fund the proposed ~$13–13.4M public garage without general-fund tax dollars, relying on “growth” revenues tied to the hotel. Tools discussed include amending the Downtown TIF, creating a new TIF for the hotel/garage footprint, establishing a CID sales tax at the hotel, and redirecting sales/TGT after STAR obligations end. Staff indicated this package could cover bond payments so the garage pays for itself over time.

Roosevelt-Lincoln Apartments to Open to All Ages Amid Parking Debate

SALINA – In a 4-1 vote, the commission approved an amendment to the plan for the historic Roosevelt-Lincoln school apartments, renaming the complex “RL Lofts” and removing the 55-and-older age restriction. The developer, Hutton, will now offer the 61 units to residents of all ages; 80% designated affordable / 20% market-rate was discussed by the developer, while the most debated aspect of the plan was a parking variance. Changing to all-ages doubles the code-required off-street parking from 51 to 102 spaces, but the site will retain 58. Developers argued expansion wasn’t feasible due to the site’s historic designation and that sufficient public/on-street parking exists nearby. Commissioner Davis cast the lone dissenting vote.

New Splash Pad Approved for Jerry Ivey Memorial Park

SALINA – After previous attempts were halted due to high costs, the commission approved a $709,165 project to build a new splash pad at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park. The award goes to Athco, LLC for a 2,800-sq-ft pad with 17 features and a recirculation/mechanical building, targeting April 15, 2026 completion. Funding is from the park improvement capital fund.

Former Governor Graves Donates New Sculpture to Lakewood Park

SALINA – A new piece of public art titled “Kansas Promise”—depicting two children looking over a fence—has been installed at Lakewood Park, donated by former Kansas Governor and Salina resident Bill Graves and his wife, Linda. Commissioners thanked the Graves family and encouraged visits.

Economic Growth Continues at Salina Airport

SALINA - A positive update from the Salina Airport Authority was shared during announcements, highlighting continued growth in the region. A commissioner who attended the authority's recent board meeting noted that passenger boardings for United Express (operated by SkyWest Airlines) continue to increase. It was also announced that the new Amazon last‑mile distribution facility at the Airport Industrial Center is just a couple of months away from being fully operational.

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