What is Topeka missing?  An international airport, a walking labyrinth, 24-hour sushi delivery…

But first things first: a yarn store! A local sewing shop! A Greek restaurant?

The storefronts at 5th and Washburn have been targeted by Karen Hiller of Central Topeka Turnaround Team, plus a few dozen interested Topekans who want to see the mostly-abandoned shopping center, well, turned around.  The revitalization efforts will focus on what is affectionately referred to as The Fiber Arts District.

“So often one area is built up – like Wanamaker – only to bring down another area,” Karen pointed out.  “What we discussed for this area is creating an original set of businesses – what is it that we don’t have in Topeka?”

The team hopes to draw in prospective business owners – fabric and sewing shops, yarn stores, and other craft-centered vendors. These are the kinds of businesses that crafty Topekans already frequent, but they’re handing over their money to corporate businesses or driving to other cities for supplies.

“Everywhere I’ve ever lived has had a local yarn shop, but I moved to the capital city and there’s just nothing here,” Elaine Becker pouted. “I’m stuck driving to Wamego for good yarn.”

It will be a while before these crafting-excursions can be eliminated – the project is still somewhat in a conceptual stage.

“We wanted to create a theme that will fill up the spaces but still reflect the nearby neighborhoods of Kenwood and Potwin,” said Karen.

The fiber arts shopping strip would ideally be a resource for Topeka crafters to find all of their supplies from local vendors, drink a latte and pick up some organic bananas (from the already well-established Topeka Natural Foods Co-op) – and all within walking distance.

It’s a tall order, but, as one man pointed out, “Lawrence wasn’t always an arts town.”

There is a lot of support behind the movement.  Each of the three-dozen attendees who met in one of the abandoned stores last month added their voices to an excited blend of hope and determination.  These members included interested inhabitants of the nearby neighborhoods of Potwin and Kenwood, those looking to open or frequent a business, and several very enthusiastic people in favor of opening a Greek restaurant.

“There’s no Greek restaurant in Topeka,” one man pointed out wistfully.  “I just want a gyro.”

First on the agenda is reworking a confusing intersection to make it safe for driving, transit, biking, and walking – as well as making it eye-catching.  Next, revamping those five empty, cobwebbed shops into a bustling arts district.

Those interested in getting involved, attending meetings or keeping in-the-know can contact Karen Hiller to join the email list (khill@cox.net).

[ seveneightfive July 15 - Aug 31 | Melissa Sewell | photos by Brie Martin
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