Advisors Excel names firms to transform West Ridge Mall

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Topeka is getting a sneak peak at plans to renovate and revamp West Ridge Mall.

On Wednesday, West Ridge Mall owner Advisor's Excel announced it's hired two architectural firms, RDC based in California and Hufft out of Kansas City, Missouri, to work together to transform the mall. Hufft is focused on Advisor's Excel's new headquarters in the mall, while RDC is responsible for the retail, entertainment and restaurant components, according to a news release from Advisor's Excel.

"Given West Ridge's importance to Topeka and the complexities involved with reimagining a
mall, we wanted to ensure that we found the right design firm with substantial experience and
belief in our vision," Maiden said. "It was a very competitive process with many firms interested
in the project, but we ultimately decided that Hufft + RDC collaboration was the best fit."

According to the release, both architectural firms are creating conceptual designs to make West Ridge Mall more attractive to national retailers and restaurants.

"RDC is part of a collaborative team that is creating a new place at West Ridge Mall," Sean
Slater, AIA, Senior Principal with RDC said. "Our focus is on creating open-air retail districts on the site of what was once enclosed retail and repairing the urban fabric with connections to the
surrounding neighborhood."

"We are honored and excited to revise and revitalize the West Ridge Mall into a new community
asset and center for Topeka," Matthew Hufft, Hufft Principal and Creative Director said. "Saving buildings like this is a wonderful sustainable strategy that will create a very special and unique place for the community."

For more information about West Ridge Mall, click here.

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