FAQs

Here’s a working document with some frequently asked questions:

What is the objective of Capital District Project?
The objective of Capital District Project is to reestablish Downtown Topeka as the center and symbol of Topeka and Shawnee County.

How do you plan to reestablish Topeka’s Core as the center and symbol?
Topeka’s Core will be jump started through the development of a plan designed through community input and collaboration that includes downtown stakeholders. All successful redevelopment processes have encompassed small sections at a time. We believe that Kansas Avenue is the heart and soul of downtown Topeka. Therefore the process begins here. We need your input to make downtown the place YOU want to be!

Don’t you have a plan already to do this? Is it true that there is a two/three lane serpentine design in place?
No, there is no plan only a loose collection of ideas. We do have designs from previous attempts. However, these were not community driven. Many of the same central themes are common. Based on these, the two/three lane concept started the discussion. However, it’s important we receive YOUR input to create an environment YOU would find irresistible and that business can thrive in.

If other plans were not implemented, what ensures this one will?
We have several community groups working together to build on Topeka’s strengths. The Avenue is timeless; it is the goal of these grassroots groups to ensure the success of this project. Since the emphasis of this project is community driven, it ensures its completion.

Where is the funding coming from?
Funding will be sought from various sources. The Federal government has assigned specific funds for development and enhancements for communities like ours. These funds cannot be utilized in other sectors, such as city or county departments, or non‐profit entities. Other public, private and foundation funds will also be sought to complete this project. To-date $126,000 in private funds have been donated to help pay for the planning and design process. The City Council has approved line items in the 2011-2012 capital improvement budget and 2011-2015 capital improvement program.

Has there been any private investments made to downtown? If so, how much?
Yes! Downtown business owners have invested more than $101 million in improvements to their businesses since 2001. You can get all of the details by downloading this PDF.

How do I get involved?

There are four things you can do to show your support for the Capital District Project!

1. “Like” the Capital District Project Facebook Page. We’ve seen how BIG things can happen when the Topeka community unites in support for a project–let’s do it now for downtown Topeka.
2. E-mail the City Council. Take a moment to email each member of our City Council and tell them in your own words, why you support investing in downtown Topeka. Ask them to support reinvestment now. Your email doesn’t need to be long, a couple of sentences will be plenty.
3. Tell us what you’d like to see downtown! Post your ideas on the Capital District Project Facebook Wall or on this website in the Your Ideas section. We are looking for your opinions and input!
4. Tell your friends. Post it as a status update, tweet it, chat about it or send them an e-mail. Make sure your friends know we need their support to get Topeka’s downtown revitalized!