NEW STATUES DOWNTOWN

May, two new statues came to life in the 600 block of S. Kansas Avenue thanks to support from private donations. On May 5, a bronze life-size statue of Teresa Cuevas was unveiled near Evergy Plaza. Cuevas was founder of the groundbreaking all-female group Mariachi Estrella de Topeka. Shortly after, the Menninger Clinic Foundation unveiled the Menninger Pocket Park, featuring a life-size statue of Dr. Charles F. Menninger; a tablet with Menninger History; and busts of doctors C.F., Karl, William, Roy and Walt Menninger.

Topeka’s Riverfront Advisory Council has begun working with development consultant Bolton & Menk to create a schedule and engagement overview for development of a 21st century riverfront. Meanwhile, a Riverfront Activation Task Force has been created to align with and champion the Riverfront Advisory Council’s plans. The council maintains activation may include, but is not limited to, recreational opportunities, placement of wayfinding signage, improvement of ramp and river access, and clean-up initiatives.

Dti Reconvenes Merchant Meetings

DTI has officially reconvened Merchant Meetings, which have been on hiatus since before COVID. These meetings are open to all downtown storefronts and restaurants and are held to engage merchants in the community, to develop opportunities and solve modern-day main street problems.

New Business Downtown

In May, downtown Topeka saw the opening of Forward Nutrition at 929 S. Kansas Ave. DTI also held ribbon cuttings that month for Hunter & Laine and KCAMP.