Infill and Existing Housing Rehab/Renovation
The second element of the physical plan is an aggressive, methodical approach to bringing as many of the existing buildings in the area up to a level in which they positively contribute to the neighborhood. There are two approaches outlined in this plan to fulfill this objective:
- Phasing of infill and rehab projects, and
- Incentives and support.
Phasing
In order to direct most efficiently the redevelopment of the Center City Neighborhood, a targeted approach to the investment of public resources should be adopted so that private investment will be attracted to the area also. As such, this plan proposes three phases for residential infill and rehab projects.
First-phase renovations should occur in the area roughly bound by Central, Santa Fe, Elm and Topeka with an arm that extends northward from Central between Topeka and the alley west of Topeka. Renovation of these properties will be critical to the marketing of potential new development east of Topeka and, as such, presents a logical starting point for renovation activities.
The second phase of targeted infill and renovation work should occur north of Murdock between the Via Christi hospital campus and Main Street. This area is currently characterized by a number of multi-family buildings and some commercial and institutional uses; however, there is a stronger sense of a neighborhood in this area than in the proposed third phase of renovations. Phase three should be addressed after the earlier phases because, once a significant amount of new housing and residents have been added to this area, there may be renewed commercial opportunities that would be appropriate for this area that is on the edge of downtown.