Because the stated goal of creating a dramatic new neighborhood was the charge of the Center City project, the planning team conducted a block-by-block survey and classification of land to determine redevelopment potential. Property ownership was not a significantly influential factor at this stage because the larger neighborhood development goals were driving this task. The criteria used for placing blocks within each category had four elements: availability of vacant land, condition of existing structures, economic contribution of existing structures (in terms of functioning uses), and historic value or design character of existing structures.

West side of Topeka near Elm.

It was assumed and recommended by the planning team that a major land clearance initiative was not appropriate as a neighborhood redevelopment strategy in this instance because of the existence of a substantial number of buildings whose design character could not be duplicated affordably with today's construction standards. These historic buildings provide a unique and irreplaceable character to the neighborhood. The potential does exist to create a dramatic new Center City Neighborhood; but, as the neighborhood name implies, this development will be urban in character. The likelihood of successfully 'recreating' and selling a suburban product in the study area is not good. The economics of such a project would present a major challenge because land and development costs in near-downtown areas necessitate densities that are greater than those found in suburban locations. In addition, during the public open house discussions, participants indicated a desire to see new construction that is consistent with the character of existing structures. As such, all land within the study area was classified in one of the following three categories:

• Opportunity for Major Change or Redefinition
• Opportunity for Strengthening or Reinforcement
• Transition Areas Needing Clarification