A major development and redevelopment project is coming to downtown Emporia.
Haag Management and Emporia Main Street have announced a redevelopment of the former Bank of America building at 527 Commercial. Alongside that — literally — will be a new three-story Preston Plaza and Lofts building. Developer Cory Haag:
The former Bank of America building will now be called the Citizens National Plaza and Lofts. It will have two or three commercial suites on the ground floor along with 20 loft-style apartments on the higher floors. The Preston Plaza and Lofts will also have two commercial suites on the ground floor with loft apartments in the upper floors.
Haag has been responsible for several mixed-use developments already built out north of Sixth and Commercial, including the Granada, Chelsea and Kellogg Plaza and Lofts constructed over the past decade, as well as two mixed-use developments currently under construction. This will be the first such development along or south of Sixth. Main Street Director Casey Woods says prior mixed-use projects have led to additional developments in downtown Emporia.
The announcement came during today’s (W) Emporia City Commission study meeting. Commissioners will review a memorandum of understanding at their next study meeting Aug. 8, with possible approval later in August. Construction could begin next year and finish by summer 2020. City Commissioner Rob Gilligan says he believes the project is a sound investment for downtown.
In other business, commissioners spent a lot of time reviewing funds with city personnel, specifically in its sewer fund. Commissioners reviewed five different options to help replenish the fund over five years as the city continues to pay for the new wastewater treatment plant. Gilligan says ultimately they believe the fourth option presented at the study session was the best option.
As a result, the mill levy should stay flat this year with projected increases averaging about $6 more on customer utility bills.
Commissioners also briefly discussed a request from commissioner Jon Geitz, representing concerned neighbors to put in a stop sign at the intersection of Twin Lakes and Crestview Drive in northwest Emporia. Commissioners have agreed to consider the request and Geitz will abstain from voting on the matter due to the conflict of interest.
The city commission next meets Aug. 1 at 1:30 p.m.
Below images courtesy Emporia Main Street
