Topeka – Week of June 1 2025
Downtown Tech Hub; Family Pleads for Justice; Tourism Revenue Hit; Council Greenlights Housing Project; Infrastructure Delayed by Contractor Shortage
Shawnee County to Issue $6.7M in Bonds for Downtown Tech Hub
"Calling for Help Should Not be a Death Sentence": Family of Taylor Lowery Pleads for Justice
Hotel Changes and Racetrack Closure Hit Topeka's Tourism Revenue
Topeka City Council Greenlights Major Housing Project in Hi-Crest
Shawnee County Infrastructure Projects Delayed by Contractor Shortage
1. Shawnee County to Issue $6.7M in Bonds for Downtown Tech Hub
The Shawnee County Commission has paved the way for a major downtown revitalization project by signaling its intent to issue an estimated $6.7 million in taxable industrial revenue bonds. The funds are for Phase II of the redevelopment of the historic AT&T building at 220 Southeast 6th Street. This phase of the project will focus on creating an "innovation laboratory" on the first floor and completing significant upgrades to the building's elevators, electrical systems, and HVAC. The Phase I bonds had previously financed the building's acquisition and renovations to the second floor, which is currently occupied by AT&T. After a public hearing where no opposition was voiced, the commission unanimously approved the resolution.
Shawnee County
2. "Calling for Help Should Not be a Death Sentence": Family of Taylor Lowery Pleads for Justice
During the public comment period, the council heard an emotional plea from Danielle Twemlow regarding the 2022 death of Taylor Lowery, who was shot and killed by Topeka police officers. Twemlow stated that Lowery’s family called 911 seeking help for him during a mental health crisis and that recently released body camera footage showed officers did not attempt de-escalation before using lethal force. She asserted that calling for help should not be a "death sentence" and urged the council, which was scheduled to discuss active litigation in a closed-door executive session, to move toward accountability and rebuilding community trust.
City of Topeka
3. Hotel Changes and Racetrack Closure Hit Topeka's Tourism Revenue
The Topeka Lodging Association (TLA) presented its 2026 budget for the Tourism Business Improvement District (T-BID), revealing financial strains caused by recent business disruptions. Kurt Young, the TLA's Executive Director, reported that revenue fell short in 2025, largely due to a significant drop in conventions following operational changes at the Hotel Topeka at City Center and the closure of the Heartland Park racetrack, which together accounted for a substantial loss of overnight stays. Despite the shortfall, the T-BID will continue to fund key local initiatives, including $286,825 for the downtown Evergy Plaza and a crucial $10,000 to support the popular Kansas Kids Wrestling Tournament. The funding mechanism remains a $1 fee on qualifying hotel room sales.
City of Topeka
4. Topeka City Council Greenlights Major Housing Project in Hi-Crest
The Topeka City Council unanimously approved a significant new development aimed at revitalizing the Hi-Crest neighborhood. The project, located on 14.9 acres along Southeast Fremont Street, will be developed in two phases, starting with 176 affordable one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Future phases will include a community center and neighborhood retail spaces. Council members praised the project as a long-overdue investment that aligns with the Hi-Crest neighborhood plan and the citywide housing strategy. Councilwoman Ortiz, who grew up in the area, called the development "awesome" and a "huge change" that will make people want to live there. The developer has applied for low-income housing tax credits to support the affordability of the units.
City of Topeka
5. Shawnee County Infrastructure Projects Delayed by Contractor Shortage
Shawnee County's infrastructure plans are facing headwinds from a shortage of specialized contractors, a Public Works official told the commission. While a pavement replacement project on Southeast Croco Road is moving forward, Public Works Director Curt Niehaus noted that two recent projects involving culverts received unfavorable bids or no bids at all. He explained that while contractors for "flat stuff" like asphalt surface work are available, there is a current shortage of the specialized contractors needed for bridge and culvert work. As a result, the county will have to re-bid those projects with the hope of completing the work either late in 2025 or early in 2026, when those contractors are expected to be available again.
Shawnee County
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