In Topeka's early days, the
Kansas River served as a major hub for commerce. During the 1840s the
area that was to be Topeka was a stop along the Oregon Trail, a place for
travelers to cross the Kansas River by way of the Pappan Brothers ferry
service. It wasn't until 1854 when the "Topeka Town Association" was
founded and soon afterwards steamboats began to regularly dock at the Topeka
Landing bringing food, lumber and other commercial Victorian necessities.
Now it seems only to function more as a
separation device between downtown Topeka and North Topeka. A number
of industrial sites scatter the river's banks, though much of it is
abandoned or neglected. Severe flooding in 1951 forced the Corps of
Engineers to construct levees that further separated any potential access to
the river.
Through a process of community
collaboration and understanding we hope to bring a renewed interest in the
riverfront and make people aware of the potential for a vibrant riverfront
scene. Topeka has the opportunity to become a destination point.
We believe that the riverfront can become a catalyst for such a destination.
INVEST IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH COLLABORATION
AIA 150 TOPEKA
