Downtown Redevelopment

A 15 year old first time visitor to Manhattan commented to his father, "This town could use a wrecking ball and a large can of paint." Evidently he was well-connected as last week the state approved the city's request for $41 million in STAR bonds as part of the city's $160 million downtown redevelopment project.

To that I say - "Cheers!"

The bonds will be repaid by sales tax generated from the project that otherwise would have gone to different state uses. It's the same process used to fund the Kansas City, KS race track area and results from legislative efforts by state senator Roger Reitz as well as representatives Kenny Wilk and Tom Hawk.

Manhattan is turning the corner on a road that dates back a quarter century to building the Town Center Mall. At that time city leaders envisioned continued redevelopment but wounds were so deep over the mall itself that further plans were put on the shelf.

By 1999 enough time had past for a re-look through something called "Downtown Tomorrow." As a result of that work the city killed a Chicago developer's plan to add Home Depot and Target stores on the old Steel & Pipe property.

Rather, led by the Chamber's Lyle Butler and local architect Brent Bowman, Manhattan moved toward a grander vision. Thirty focus groups found citizens hoping the downtown redevelopment would include mixed uses, housing, entertainment, green spaces, protect Poyntz, minimize the use of eminent domain, and not reflect negatively on taxpayers.

So in 2002 Dial Realty was selected from 5 firms to design what is now commonly known as the north and south projects. Kent Glasscock headed a citizen steering committee assisting the design effort. And all along city commission after commission - conservatives and liberals alike - patiently and wisely supported the ongoing effort.

Last week as the north end development continued and Best Buy bustled with Christmas activity, the city's STAR bond authors, Ron Fehr and Jason Hilgers, celebrated their $41 million south-side victory. The money will fund the area's anchor building, The Flint Hills Discovery Center, and associated infrastructure.

And from all that, hopefully, we get good jobs, a broader tax base, a place to shop, exercise and relax, plus a bright, new, 21st Century entrance into what has long been a wonderful place to live, Manhattan, Kansas.

First published in the Manhattan Free Press, December 6, 2006.