Area on right track

By Ryan Malashock
The Capital-Journal

When Darrell Six stands at 10th and N. Kansas Avenue and looks at the old buildings, he sees nothing but potential.

Sure, some of the buildings are in disrepair, having not been updated or renovated for years, but the grand opening of the Great Overland Station on Saturday has Six dreaming about the future.

"This could have a great impact on business activity here," said Six, owner of Six Auto Sales, 1301 N.W. Topeka Blvd., and president of the North Topeka Business Alliance. "Already, people are curious and are driving into the area because they want to see what's going on."

When visitors are done touring the station, Six hopes they will shop at existing and future business in North Topeka.

Jan McKenzie, executive director of the Great Overland Station, said she expected about 50,000 people to visit the station in the first six months.

The businesses closest to the station are in the 800 and 900 blocks of N. Kansas Avenue. While not every building has a tenant at the moment, McKenzie said the Great Overland Station could change that.

Nick Krug/The Capital-Journal

Darrell Six, owner of Six Auto Sales and president of the North Topeka Business Alliance, is helping lead the effort to revitalize parts of North Topeka, including the 800 and 900 blocks of N. Kansas Avenue. Six is optimistic that the Great Overland Station, which opens Saturday, will draw traffic and increased exposure to the area.

"There is a lot of interest in that area," McKenzie said. "There are already several great businesses there, but it would be nice to have more. I envision retail stores, boutiques, gift shops and restaurants."

A $400,000 project to improve the 800 and 900 blocks of N. Kansas Avenue has been approved by the Topeka City Council and work should begin in the fall. The NTBA also received $175,000 from the city to improve several buildings' facades, and the association is pledging to help with the renovation of as many buildings as possible.

Jim Robuck, owner of Robuck Watch & Clock Repair, 845 N. Kansas Ave., also owns eight buildings on N. Kansas Avenue, including Chita's Restaurant, 844 N. Kansas Ave., and Second Chance Antique & Collectables, 922 N. Kansas Ave. Since opening Robuck Watch & Clock Repair six years ago, Robuck said he has seen a gradual increase in business, which he credits to the loyalty of his customers.

Robuck said potential business owners or investors should consider locating in North Topeka. He said he thinks specialty stores, such as antique shops, art galleries, music stores and restaurants, would have the highest chance for success.

"Small businesses can thrive over here, just like our business has,"Robuck said. "It has to be a type of business that is unique in nature. I know that if other people look at the area and come to do business, then my business would get better and theirs would thrive."