By james art 
Topeka (KSNT) – Washburn University seeks to establish a presence in the North Topeka area with the acquisition of an existing building that has long been sitting free.
Lori Hatchinson of Washburn University (WU) said in a press release on Thursday, December 5, that college seeks to expand education opportunities while increasing its presence in the capital. Dr. Julian Mazachek, President of the WU, has revealed plans for the production institute with the Washburn Technical Institute to occupy the former KMART space in North Topeka.
“Washburn Tech is engaged in our local manufacturing partners and their growing need for a highly qualified workforce,” Mazachek said. “Our new production institute will allow us to expand existing programs, start new roads, redirect free structure and strengthen our connection with the northern part of the community.”
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The status of Kansas and private funds will be used to add new training opportunities through Washburn Tech in response to the growing production industry in the Sunflower country. The university’s management examined several options for expansion in Topeka, such as building a new structure for buying an existing place. The former KMART was identified as the best choice, which means both its size and location, according to the message.
“By using an existing structure, Washburn Tech has the ability to renovate much of the building, still retaining a place to grow in the future and continue to respond to the needs of the state’s workforce,” says Scott Smiths, Dean of Washburn Tech. “We believe that this is the best option to invest in state and donor dollars, as well as the best way to serve students and prepare them for high-paying careers and high demand.”
The old KMART building has been sitting free in North Topeka for years on Northwest Tyler Street for years 2240. He was estimated to have a $ 1.485,000 estimate in 2024 and is currently named MSF N Topeka LLC , according to Shawnee County County’s office.
The location of the KMART North Topeka closed its doors to Topekans in April 2016. The last place of KMART in the city, the Wanamaker Road, followed a suit, closing in November 2017. The final location of the retail chain closed in October 2024. in New York.
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Hutchinson said the university plans to use a space of 90,000 square meters for training activities while using the large amount of parking spaces accessible to students and employees. Plans and construction works for the new Old Kmart Production Institute are expected to begin in early 2025. Students will continue to use existing Washburn technological facilities at 5724 Southwestern Hunton and 2014 Southeast Washington Street while this work is being carried out.
“Northern Topeka is a thriving sector of our community and is conveniently found for many of our elderly students, as well as for students from more than 40 high schools in northeastern Kansas,” says Mazachek. “The North Topeka Production Institute is an exciting next step in providing the best academic experience for our students, while continuing to strengthen the pipeline of workers needed to feed our economy.”
This announcement follows many other major expansion projects undertaken by the university, including the construction of a new legal school building and a new home for the president. You can learn more about Washburn Tech manufacturing programs by clicking here.
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