'Huge renovation': What will happen to the old west Topeka Regal movie theater?
Context: The above video aired on Oct. 21.
TOPEKA (KSNT) - Big plans are in motion to completely transform an old movie theater in west Topeka into something new.
Topekans said goodbye to the Regal West Ridge 8 movie theater on Oct. 23 as it closed its doors for the last time after years of providing entertainment for locals. But while the end of the movie theater might have come as a shock to some, plans are moving forward to turn it into a state-of-the-art facility for local motorcycle enthusiasts.
Steven Towers, owner of Towers' Historic Harley-Davidson in Topeka, told 27 News his business will be taking up residence within the old theater. He recently acquired the property and plans to fully renovate the space.
"We're really excited about the location," Towers said. "It's right there, adjacent to the interstate. We think it has great visibility."
Towers spent part of his day on Nov. 4 touring the building. He said it shows great promise with its large parking lot, big interior space and close location to West Ridge Mall which is currently undergoing its own extensive renovation process.
"We really think it'll showcase Harley-Davidson," Towers said. "It'll be a state-of-the-art facility."
Towers plans to have the demolition process of the interior started in December 2025 or January 2026. The renovation work on the building should be going strong by March 2026, with the project fully completed by the fall.
"We're gonna totally remodel the building that's there," Towers said. "It's gonna undergo a huge renovation."
Historic Harley-Davidson hinted at moving somewhere to the west side of Topeka in late 2023 when it was still owned by Mike Patterson. The move was prompted at the corporate level of Harley-Davidson, which issued new guidelines for the interior and exterior of its dealerships across the nation.
Towers acquired the Topeka Historic-Harley Davidson in early 2025 and indicated his interest in moving the business within the next year. He said he plans to "resurrect" the old theater and make it a premier destination for Harley-Davidson customers.
"Just a lot of excitement, a lot of optimism," Towers said. "I've owned the Harley-Davidson dealership since January and I'm really excited to bring this to Topeka."
Towers' Historic Harley-Davidson is currently located at 2047 SW Topeka Blvd. near the old Evel Knievel Museum, which moved out of the city in late 2024 for Las Vegas. The Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners purchased the property for $3 million in late 2023 with plans to transform it into an auto body repair shop for law enforcement.
We asked Towers how much money would be funneled into the project. He said that, when everything is said and done, it'll be a multi-million dollar project with big features such as a large showroom, modern customer lounge, an outdoor lounge and a riding academy on site.
"We're honored to take on the project and turn it into something special," Towers said.
The former Regal West Ridge 8 movie theater can be found at 1727 SW Wanamaker Rd. to the northwest of West Ridge Mall. You can learn more about what Towers' Historic Harley-Davidson has to offer by clicking here.
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