When Steve Haught put the Lowther North building up for sale over two years ago, many people in the community said Haught’s plan for a hotel and convention center was over. However, that general concept is back in play with the property recently going under contract.
Re/MAX Ek Real Estate listed the property update on its social media channels Tuesday. Details about the new ownership group are not being divulged at this time, other than an unnamed Emporia State University alum is included. The purchase price is also not being released at this time.
A local development group involving the late John Mallon, the late Fred Spellman, Haught and others purchased both the Lowther North and Lowther South buildings from USD 253 Emporia Public Schools in 2011. The south building became the Humanitarian Center, a hub for nonprofit organizations like the Humane Society of the Flint Hills and Kansas Children’s Service League, a secondary campus for Flint Hills Technical College, office space for KansasWorks and business space for entities like Gourmet to Go and Sunflower Gymnastics.
The conversion plan for Lowther North, however, has not materialized despite lengthy renovation work and ongoing research to make potential changes in light of the building’s historical status. With the new ownership group, Haught says the historical component is being embraced rather than sidestepped — although official plans may not be released until early next year.
Since Haught began seeking a buyer in early 2022, ideas for the property included a hotel-only plan and a mixed-use development.
