A contrast of trust: The Landmark & The Atrium
OPINION: This article reflects the author's opinion, not tied to the publication
The hot topic around town this week has been the future of The Atrium. Specifically, most people I have talked to think that the former hotel and convention space’s out-of-state slumlord does not want to clean up his mess. He is playing a cynical waiting game, shifting the cost burden to Hutchinson’s taxpayers. The asbestos and mold mitigation alone will likely cost around a million dollars. The Hutchinson Tribune recently wrote about the hotel being 81% infested with black mold.
The property is dangerous, inviting vandalism and criminal activity. Its crumbling exterior threatens people and property during strong wind storms. The city’s hands are tied because current ordinances do not sufficiently hold bad commercial landlords accountable.
The City of Hutchinson will hold a public hearing on August 20, 2024, at a place and time to be announced.
Please let your voice be heard. If you cannot attend in person, you can send a letter, email, or call to speak to or leave a message for the city council members. Their contact information is easily accessible on the city’s website.
The city has a similar difficult history with the Landmark building’s former inattentive landlords. Fortunately, the beautiful historic building has a much brighter future. Current owner Laura Meyer Dick is already remodeling, with plans for retail space on the ground level, apartments and possibly some hotel-like space. She said that remodeling should begin in March 2025 and expects to finish in 2026, as reported in The Hutchinson Tribune. Meyer Dick’s respect for the property’s history and vision to rebuild for the future is commendable, and I look forward to watching and reporting on the process.
The Wiley building, once a crown jewel of a thriving downtown, has also been reborn. Owned by a disinterested out-of-state investor, the Wiley deteriorated severely. Manske & Associates purchased the property in 2013 and completed a full gut-and-remodel by 2015. A $17 million renovation added much-needed apartments, ground-level downtown retail space, a beautiful penthouse and a covered parking garage whose walkway spans the Fox Theatre on East 1st Ave.
The former European Hotel, the Pegues building and several other downtown properties have been and are being remodeled and rehabilitated to meet the market demand for downtown living.
People want to return to mixed-use spaces, where one does not have to get in the car and drive to go to restaurants, enjoy live shows and other entertainment, and have casual spaces such as coffee shops and microbreweries. Living close to one’s workplace is also a priority for younger workers, and walkability is highly desired.
The Downtown Master Plan addresses the need for mixed-use spaces in the downtown area, and I look forward to how it transforms the city’s center.
Meanwhile, on a deserted lot along K-61, the sad and decrepit past slowly crumbles away. Will it end with a whimper or a bang? We will find out more on August 20.