Board approves extension for Hotel Topeka sale

Developer seeks industrial revenue bonds for hotel upgrades

Hotel Topeka proposed to rebrand under Wyndham flag

$750,000 in immediate exterior renovations planned for Hotel Topeka

Endeavor aims to partner with Stormont Vail Events Center for cooperative marketing

Developer to solicit feedback through past-client focus groups

Hotel group emphasizes balancing local events with profitable conventions

Board approves extension for Hotel Topeka sale

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Topeka Development Corporation Board of Directors voted 10-0 to reinstate the contract and approve a 30-day extension for the sale of Hotel Topeka to Wichita-based Endeavor Hotel Group, LLC at its May 19 meeting. The amendment extends the developer's inspection period to June 14 and the closing date to July 14. Deputy City Manager of Infrastructure and Development Braxton Copley said the extension is necessary to allow the developer time to secure administrative approvals and finalize financing agreements with Shawnee County.

Developer seeks industrial revenue bonds for hotel upgrades

TOPEKA, Kan. — Endeavor Hotel Group, LLC is working with Shawnee County bond counsel to secure industrial revenue bonds to help finance the rehabilitation of Hotel Topeka. The IRBs would grant the developers access to private activity bonds and provide a point-of-purchase retail sales tax exemption on the property's improvements. Deputy City Manager Braxton Copley estimated that waiving the city's 9.35% combined sales tax on the planned $6 million in improvements would save the developer approximately $561,000, which Endeavor president and CEO Roy Arnold called critical for immediate facility upgrades.

Hotel Topeka proposed to rebrand under Wyndham flag

TOPEKA, Kan. — Hotel Topeka is proposed to be rebranded under a Wyndham flag, potentially as a Dolce by Wyndham or Wyndham Grand, according to plans presented by Endeavor Hotel Group, LLC president and CEO Roy Arnold. The rebranding would feature brighter interior colors and an upgraded bar, lounge and restaurant space on the atrium floor. Arnold noted that brand concepts have already been discussed with Wyndham, and new signage is moving into the production phase. A new digital monument sign will be installed on Southwest Topeka Boulevard as part of the effort, featuring the new Wyndham branding alongside a digital display visible to traffic in both directions, which Arnold noted will cost approximately $150,000.

$750,000 in immediate exterior renovations planned for Hotel Topeka

TOPEKA, Kan. — The initial phase of Hotel Topeka's revitalization will feature approximately $750,000 in immediate exterior expenditures. Planned improvements include completely repainting the building's exterior, repairing the roof to ensure proper drainage, resealing windows and repaving the parking lots. The developer also plans to replace a significant portion of the concrete sidewalks and add new landscaping and lighting enhancements.

Endeavor aims to partner with Stormont Vail Events Center for cooperative marketing

TOPEKA, Kan. — Endeavor Hotel Group, LLC plans to partner with the neighboring Stormont Vail Events Center to market the entire convention campus cooperatively. Endeavor president and CEO Roy Arnold reported taking a tour of the event center and discussing a joint approach to present a cohesive inventory of amenities to potential regional and out-of-state exhibitors. The collaboration aims to maximize the event center's 73,500-square-foot Exhibition Hall and attached hotel as a unified package.

Developer to solicit feedback through past-client focus groups

TOPEKA, Kan. — To guide interior design plans and identify shortfalls, Endeavor Hotel Group, LLC plans to host focus groups with past clients who have utilized Hotel Topeka and Stormont Vail facilities over the last decade. The initiative aims to capture feedback on what the facility previously lacked and what past clients would like to see improved. Endeavor president and CEO Roy Arnold said he hopes incorporating their ideas will encourage former patrons to bring their convention business back to Topeka.

Hotel group emphasizes balancing local events with profitable conventions

TOPEKA, Kan. — While maintaining space for local, community-based events, Endeavor Hotel Group, LLC plans to heavily target corporate and healthcare conventions to ensure the hotel's long-term profitability. Endeavor president and CEO Roy Arnold acknowledged the hotel's history of hosting local civic groups and animal-related events, but noted that establishing a profitable mix of business is essential to paying off investors and continuously reinvesting in the facility. "Some of these local events do not generate the room bookings or food and beverage sales required to sustain the property," Arnold said during public remarks.

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