Is Washburn University buying the old Kmart building in north Topeka?

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Washburn University is looking to establish a presence in the north Topeka area with the acquisition of an existing building that has long sat vacant.

Lori Hutchinson with Washburn University (WU) shared in a press release on Thursday, Dec. 5 that the college is looking to expand educational opportunities while also increasing its presence in the Capital City. Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, president of WU, has revealed plans for the Manufacturing Institute with the Washburn Institute of Technology to occupy the former Kmart space in north Topeka.

“Washburn Tech is committed to our local manufacturing partners and their growing need for a highly skilled workforce,” Mazachek said. “Our new Manufacturing Institute will allow us to expand existing programs, launch new pathways, repurpose a vacant structure and strengthen our connection to the northern part of the community.”

The state of Kansas and private funds will be used to add new training opportunities through Washburn Tech in response to the growing manufacturing industry in the Sunflower State. The university's leadership considered several options for expansion in Topeka such as building a new structure to purchasing an existing location. The former Kmart was identified as the best choice available considering both its size and location, according to the release.

“Through utilization of an existing structure, Washburn Tech has the ability to refurbish a large portion of the building while still preserving room to grow in the future and continue to respond to the state’s workforce needs,” said Scott Smathers, Dean of Washburn Tech. “We believe this is the best option for investing state and donor dollars, as well as the best way to serve students and prepare them for careers that are high-pay and high-demand.”

The old Kmart building has sat vacant for years in north Topeka at 2240 Northwest Tyler Street. It was assessed to have an appraisal value of $1,485,000 in 2024 and is currently listed as being owned by MSF N TOPEKA LLC, according to the Shawnee County Appraiser's office.

Kmart's north Topeka location closed its doors to Topekans in April 2016. The last Kmart location in the city, on Wanamaker Road, followed suit by closing in November 2017. The retail chain's final location closed in October 2024 in New York.

Hutchinson said the university plans to use the 90,000 square-foot space for training activities while also utilizing the large amount of parking spaces available for students and staff. Plans and construction work for the new Manufacturing Institute at the old Kmart is expected to begin in early 2025. Students will continue to use existing Washburn Tech facilities at 5724 Southwest Huntoon and 2014 Southeast Washington Street while this work takes place.

“North Topeka is a thriving sector of our community and conveniently located for many of our adult students as well as students from more than 40 Northeast Kansas high schools,” said Mazachek. “The Manufacturing Institute in North Topeka is an exciting next step in providing the best academic experience for our students while continuing to strengthen the pipeline of workers required to fuel our economy.”

This announcement follows earlier numerous other major expansion projects undertaken by the university including the construction of a new WU School of Law building and a new home for the president. You can learn more about Washburn Tech's manufacturing programs by clicking here.

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