TOPEKA (KSNT) – What was once a quiet strip with empty storefronts is starting to see new life.
Downtown Topeka Inc. (DTI) says its strategy is to bring in more retailers, restaurants, and entertainment options. They hope it creates a place where people can shop, eat, and stay for events.
“We’ll know that we have a thriving downtown. When people say, let’s just go downtown, it becomes a destination,” said DTI President, Andrew Holt. “It becomes a place where you hang out so that we have enough businesses down here that are really attractive to people and that they enjoy.”
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Local businesses are seeing the difference.
Hazel Hill Chocolate says over the last two decades, they’ve watched downtown transform into a destination where customers keep coming back.
“If you look at this place, 20 years ago, when we opened, it was a ghost town in the afternoon. As soon as the state workers left at three or four, you expect to see tumbleweeds rolling down the street,” said Hazel Hill Chocolate Owner, Nick Xidis. “And you look at it now, it’s vibrant during the day when workers are here, it’s vibrant in the evening because there’s clubs and there’s restaurants and things to do and people to enjoy around here.”
But it’s not just about more storefronts. The Celtic Fox says there’s always something new drawing people downtown.
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“We are always changing things up down here on what our local restaurants are doing, what our local shops are offering,” Celtic Fox Assistant Manager, Hayden Federico said. “So, really trying to keep the community engaged. Every time you come downtown, you should expect good quality, but also something a little different, just depending on when you’re coming.”
City leaders are noticing the positive changes over the past few years and hope to keep the momentum going.
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