North Topeka Arts District Revitalization Plan

In association with LaMotte West Consulting of Portland, Oregon, Lakota prepared
a revitalization plan focused on placemaking and the arts for the North Topeka Arts District (NOTO), a compact traditional commercial district located north of the Kansas State Capitol and Downtown Topeka. Working with the non-profit North Topeka Arts District Board and a volunteer steering committee composed of district property owners, artists and businesses, Lakota prepared design concepts for building and streetscape enhancements, sculpture gardens, public spaces, development sites, and small and large- scale placemaking and public art projects. The Plan also provides recommendations for building the organizational capacity of the Arts District Board to manage and market the district effectively and on integrating historic preservation-based economic development initiatives focused on rehabilitating and adapting the district’s historic buildings for retail, arts-based businesses and upper-story residential and studio space. The Revitalization Plan was funded in part by the RedBud Foundation of Topeka.