Change is on the horizon in Topeka. Change was in the slightly chilly air on North Kansas Avenue this morning in the shade of Bradley’s Corner Cafe during the NOTO Arts District press conference, where the who’s who of Topeka arts organizations and the Heartland Visioning cast rallied to support the newest Visioning project. It’s a simple idea, and one that has been tried and true across the nation in dilapidated areas like North Topeka’s old downtown.

“Our plan is to bring in artists,” said John Hunter, co-chair of the Quality of Life Foundation, and lead voice in the project, along with co-chair of C.R.E.A.T.e alliance, Anita Wolgast. “When artists come in, economic development follows.”

Heartland Visioning and others involved in the NOTO project will recruit artists to occupy studio spaces in renovated buildings between the river and Gordon street along N. Kansas Avenue. The idea is that the artists will create a community that will attract tourists and Topekans down to the district to take in art, attend exhibitions and patronize other service-type establishments that will inevitably follow. It is an ambitious plan, and today marked the transition from the planning stage to the action stage.

The new web site includes information for artists interested in acquiring studio space in NOTO to apply to obtain a studio in the area. The move comes with incentives like studio space subsidies and general business start-up expenses. Heartland Visioning is trying to market to artists from all across the country as well as local artists and art groups. The district won’t just be for traditional visual artists, according to Stan Herd, internationally renowned artist who has publicly shown his support for the project.

“I think that the visual artists and painters will be here, but there should be film here, there should be designers here, landscape architects, writers and poets,” said Herd.

Although the large assembly of reporters, news media and supporters drew a wary look or two from a couple of regular North Topeka pedestrians, business owners like Jim and Charlene Robuck of Robuck’s Jewelers and president of North Topeka on the move, Gary Slimmer, were more than enthusiastic about the project.

“Jim and I have always said this would be a great place for an arts and entertainment district,” said Charlene Robuck. “Truthfully, I didn’t think I’d see it in my lifetime, but unless I die today or tomorrow, I think it just may happen and I may get to be a part of it.”

The excitement over NOTO has extended to several arts organizations in town, including Chords and Oil Artist Collective. Andrea Engstrom, a member of the group, spoke at today’s conference about what the district could mean for younger members of the arts community.

“When we heard about this project, and the opportunity to bring studio space and art into this district, we were very supportive,” said Engstrom. “This will provide our young people with a great opportunity to find a place to belong and be proud of.”

Mayor Bill Bunten conveyed the hope of the city for the success of the project, but also reminded the assembly that the North Topeka business district was a viable and thriving corridor in the city’s history, before the 1951 flood devastated the community and contributed to its downward spiral.

“It was at one time a very special place, and it can once again be a part of our city,” said Bunten.

With the backdrop of whistles from coal trains at North Kansas Avenue’s end, the river within spitting distance, the stone faces of dozens of century-old facades looking over the scene and the vision of a vibrant arts community floating in the minds of all who stood outside Bradley’s Corner Cafe today, it is quite apparent that NOTO will be a very special place, indeed.

“It will be… a jewel in the crown for North Topeka,” said Hunter.

[Leah Sewell | photos by Ande Davis]
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